Heavy Smoking… Beware! Spinal Degeneration
You read that right, and I am confident the information is accurate. Smoking not only affects lung health and increases the risk of cancer, but nicotine in cigarettes also impacts blood vessels, reducing their ability to deliver blood, oxygen, and essential nutrients to the spine effectively. This causes heavy smokers to have a higher chance of spinal degeneration, with their intervertebral discs collapsing faster than those of non-smokers of the same age.
What Causes Spinal Degeneration?
The next question after reading the above sentence is often, “What causes spinal degeneration?” Simply put, it is the deterioration of the bones, intervertebral discs, joints, ligaments, and muscles around the spine, leading to instability or collapse of the spine and compression of the spinal nerves. This condition is mostly found in the elderly as their bodies change over time. However, it can also be found in
- People who are overweight
- People who regularly lift very heavy objects
- People who sit for long periods, such as drivers or office workers
Because of continuous pressure on the spine and spinal joints, flexibility is lost, and degeneration occurs eventually. Another factor that cannot be overlooked is heavy smoking, as mentioned above.
What Kind of Back Pain Should You Be Concerned About Spinal Degeneration?
More than 80% of back pain cases are caused by overuse, which usually results in temporary pain that improves with rest. These pains mostly come from muscle inflammation, prolonged sitting, muscle tension, or awkward twisting. However, back pain that may indicate spinal degeneration usually
➔ Occurs in all positions, even without movement or activity
➔ Is accompanied by difficulty bending or straightening, reduced mobility, and stiffness in the back
➔ Radiates to the arms or legs or is accompanied by weakness in the limbs
➔ Persists for a long period
Diagnosis of Spinal Degeneration
If you have the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended to consult a doctor promptly. The doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination to assess the symptoms initially. They may also consider using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate abnormalities in the intervertebral discs and spinal joints to see if there is nerve compression.
How Can Spinal Degeneration Be Treated?
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and can include:
● Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications as a basic treatment, but long-term use should be cautious due to potential kidney effects
● Physical therapy to relieve pain and strengthen the back muscles
● Steroid injections into the spinal canal to reduce pain, often used for nerve-related pain in patients with severe symptoms who are not yet candidates for surgery
● Surgery, considered when spinal degeneration causes nerve compression with severe pain affecting daily life. The surgical method depends on the lesion and symptoms, such as:
– For nerve compression with a small affected area, endoscopic surgery can be performed. Over 70% of cases can be treated this way. The advantages of endoscopic surgery include smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery, lower infection risk, and quicker return to daily activities.
– For spinal instability due to degeneration, spinal fusion surgery with supportive implants is required. This can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive implant surgery.
Simple Self-Care Tips to Prevent Premature Spinal Degeneration
1. Exercise regularly and appropriately to strengthen the core muscles
2. Maintain a BMI within the standard range
3. Avoid slouching, crossing legs, or sitting in the same position for long periods
4. Avoid lifting heavy objects, especially bending to lift, as it increases pressure on the spine
5. Reduce, quit smoking—not only to lower the risk of spinal degeneration but also to reduce the risk of many other serious diseases
