Is Pain Due To Aging Or A Sign Of Spine Fractures

This is a question as spine care specialists that we get often, especially when an older parent is experiencing serious back pain during regular activities:

How can I tell if my mother’s back pain is a normal part of aging or something more serious, such as a spine fracture?

If back pain is caused by aging, it is more gradual, occurring over a period of weeks or months, and is due to wear and tear. Pain like this is likely brought on by spinal disc protrusions, osteoarthritis of the facet (connecting) joints of the spine, and misalignment of the spine.

However, in a spine fracture, the pain is sudden, sharp and severe. Naturally, osteoporosis makes the elderly more susceptible to spine fractures, as this weakens their bones. Trivial falls can lead to spine fractures. Comparatively, spine fractures in younger people are almost always caused by higher velocity or high impact trauma.

Of course, is the back pain is constant and worsens with movement, it is time to see a doctor.