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Dealing with Common Spine Problems

Dealing with Common Spine Problems
Kevin Cleary

The 10 Common Spine Problems

  1. Herniated Disc
  2. Muscle Strain
  3. Scoliosis
  4. Whiplash
  5. Osteoporosis
  6. Sciatica
  7. Compression Fracture
  8. Spinal Myelopathy
  9. Osteoarthritis
  10. Spondylolisthesis

Dealing with spine/back pain can really put a damper on your “giddy up and go.” You might think that back pain is simply a sign of aging, but the truth is back pain is the most common health issue that over 30 million Americans of all ages deal with each year. Not only can spine problems be extremely painful, but it is the leading cause of lost work time globally. 

10 Most Common Spine Problems 

Back/spine pain can seem like a generic problem, but there are actually numerous causes of spinal pain. Your spine carries all the nerves throughout your body via vertebrae through which your spinal cord travels. It is spine issues that are responsible for the majority of back pain.

Here are the 10 top culprits of spine problems that can cause back pain: 

1. Herniated Disc

Between each vertebrae are discs meant to provide a “cushion” between the bones of the spine. Herniated discs typically occur in the lower back (but can happen elsewhere), and when a disk is herniated, it shifts and can interfere with nerves. This can cause symptoms such as: 

  • Back pain 
  • Tingling 
  • Numbness 
  • Muscle weakness 

2. Muscle Strain

Overuse, bad posture, or stress can cause the muscles around your spine to become strained or tense, leading to pain. Maintaining a healthy weight and stretching before any activity or strenuous lifting is crucial, therefore avoiding pain. 

3. Scoliosis

This is an abnormal bending of the spine and can be minor or severe. This common affliction affects approximately 9 million Americans, and the onset of scoliosis typically happens during childhood or adolescence. This condition can lead to pinched nerves and may require bracing, therapy, or even surgery. Symptoms of scoliosis include:

  • Uneven shoulders 
  • Ribcage uneven 
  • One hip higher than the other 
  • Body tilt 
  • Head not centered over the pelvis 

4. Whiplash

This neck injury is caused by a sudden jolt or jarring of the head and neck. This motion strains the muscles or damages intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments in the neck. Treatment for whiplash includes pain relievers such as Advil, massage, and physical therapy. Symptoms of whiplash may take up to 24 hours to appear and include: 

5. Osteoporosis

Lower bone mass in older people can result in osteoporosis. This can lead to weakened bones in the spine becoming more brittle and damaged resulting in fractures. This can cause hunched posture due to collapsed vertebrae. Detecting osteoporosis before it’s a problem can be difficult since symptoms usually don’t occur until it’s too late. Avoid osteoporosis by eating a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D. Exercising also helps improve posture and bone health. 

6. Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down your leg and, when impinged by a herniated disc or a bone spur, can result in pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back. Treatments for sciatica pain can include: 

  • Physical therapy 
  • Steroid injections 
  • Chiropractic visits 
  • Medications such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories 

7. Compression Fracture

As we age, weakened bones can lead to cracks and fractures in our vertebrae and lead to a compression fracture or a collapsed vertebrae. The most common cause is osteoporosis, and risk factors include bone cancer, smoking, being frail/thin, or women over 50. Due to fractures being painful, pain medications may be prescribed, or physical therapy is another option. 

8. Spinal Myelopathy

Degeneration of the spinal cord as you age can lead to components of your back and spine changing and becoming weaker. As you can imagine, this leads to pain, numbness in the hands/feet, muscle weakness, and loss of balance. Often surgery can help prevent the progression/worsening of symptoms. 

9. Osteoarthritis

This is arthritis of the joints and cartilage of the spine. This can cause bone spurs and nerve damage causing inflammation and pain. Maintaining a healthy weight, acupuncture, and massage can help manage symptoms. 

10. Spondylolisthesis

This is when one vertebrae of the spine slides forward and over the vertebrae below it. This can cause pain and damage the spinal cord. Often surgery is required in severe cases, but physical therapy, weight loss, and pain medications can help in lesser cases. 

Products For Relief from Spine Problems 

Product Rating Quick links
Biofreeze Professional Pain Relieving Roll-On 4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus Shop Now
McKesson Cold & Hot Compress Pack 4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus Shop Now
DR-HO 2-in-1 Back Decompression Belt 4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus Shop Now
Serola Sacroiliac Belt 4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus Shop Now
Battle Creek Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heat Pack 4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus Shop Now

Finding relief from spine conditions or even tender spots on the spine when pressed can be a godsend. Fortunately for you, we have identified some great products for dealing with pain related to spinal problems or even thoracic spine nerve damage. These products are: 

1. Serola Sacroiliac Belt for Back Pain

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved Made in USA Made In USA

This belt is designed to provide pain relief and prevent injury by supporting/compressing the sacroiliac joints. It can be adjusted for a customized fit, and the benefits include: 

  • Improves core strength 
  • Increases mobility 
  • Normalizes function of the sacroiliac joint 

Serola Sacroiliac Belt

 

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
12/22/22 by Elizabeth K.
" Bought this for hip and low back pain in pregnancy. It’s been a game changer!"

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
01/03/23 by Charles M.
" Works great. Without this I can not walk as I am never sure my legs will not stay under me. The belt help prevent the stabbing SA pain that takes me to the floor."

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
10/16/22 by Laura L.
" I would recommend to a friend"

 

2. Battle Creek Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heat Pack

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved

Designed to be used in smaller locations (shoulder or knee), this FSA-approved heating pad provides powerful moist heat without adding water. It has three temperature settings (low, medium, and high strong sweltering heat) making this a customer favorite. One customer review said: 

Battle Creek Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heat Pack

 

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
06/25/23 by Sharon F.
" I have been looking for a heating pad for a long time that was big enough to cover my husband's back this one is great thank you it works great "

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
04/01/23 by SANDY O.
" Best hearing pad I have ever had....worth the money! "

 

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
10/30/22 by Judy S.
 " Great product! I take it everywhere. "

 

3. Biofreeze Professional Pain Relieving Roll-On

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved Made in USA Made In USA

This FSA approved roll-on reduces pain from arthritis, sore muscles, and joints while delivering targeted relief due to its roll-on design. The formula’s smooth consistency has been professionally adjusted for longer relief. Benefits of this simple roll-on include: 

  • Easy to apply 
  • Fast-acting pain relief 
  • Safe pain management 

Biofreeze Professional Pain Relieving Roll-On

 

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
07/25/23 by Toya D.

"Great product! Works very well!!"

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
12/13/22 by Lorraine M.
"I'm always with Bio Freeze whenever I have a problem with any of my joints or muscles, it relieves the area and my pain subsides."

 

4. McKesson Cold & Hot Compress Pack

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved

Do you have a tender spot on your spine when pressed? Well, then this FSA approved cold/hot compress pack is designed to provide relief from sore/stiff joints, muscle spasms, and pain. The non-toxic gel can be brought to preferred temperatures by microwaving or freezing the pack while conforming to body contours for simple pain relief and reducing swelling. 

McKesson Cold & Hot Compress Pack

 

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
07/29/22 by Kristina N.
"Love the gell packs, the price is fantastic"

 

5. DR-HO 2-in-1 Back Decompression Belt

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved

This clinical grade traction/decompression therapy belt is not only FSA approved but can be used to treat upper and lower back pain. This allows users to enjoy the benefits of spinal decompression therapy in the comfort of their own home. This makes it one of the highest rated products for thoracic back pain. One review said: 

McKesson Cold & Hot Compress Pack

 

Verified Buyer

4.5 Star Reviews on Pari Vios LC Plus
07/13/23 by paulette w.
"This is my second decompression belt, this belt is awesome and it helps my back when I’m in pain. I would recommend it to anyone that have back problems."

Let’s face it, back pain is miserable!! Work with your doctor or therapist to find the right therapy or pain relief product to get you pain free and back on your feet!! 

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.


HPFY Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.

In 2006, ...

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