While anti-inflammatory drugs have been found ineffective against back pain, the truth could be far more painful. Researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia warn that spinal pain can reduce life expectancy. Their study on 4,390 Danish twins over the age of 70 showed that those with spinal pain (back and neck) had a 13 per cent higher chance of early death, vis-à-vis those without spinal pain. The researchers point out that back pain is a serious issue and an indicator of poor health that should be screened for, especially among silvers. And there is no quick fix for this problem. While medication and anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective in treating spinal pain, the best treatment is a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity.

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Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
April 2017