03/20/2026
“You have the spine of an 80 year old.”
Unfortunately, this is a phrase that is heard in some variation by many patients after getting xrays. There is actually no method to aging a spine from an xray or MRI (after puberty), aside from using the patient’s date of birth. Giving your spine or any joint an “age” that is older than you comes from an outdated model which uses subjective estimation to describe joint degeneration. Finding something “irregular” on an xray or MRI does not mean it is causing pain. This is true for a variety of abnormal findings and we have A LOT of research to support this! (a few mentioned in comments)
Joint degeneration is equivalent to wrinkles and gray hair. Everyone gets it at some point, and not everyone gets it at the same time. All it means is that you’re human and you age, just like everyone else.
We don’t disregard imaging by any means. But, your xray/MRI findings are just a portion of what is considered when we diagnose and treat many musculoskeletal problems.
Incorrect use of “abnormal” imaging findings leads you to a sense of fragility and fear. It leads people to think they need to protect their “weak” spine by not moving and not using it as much. The opposite is true: regular movement keeps the spine and other joints mobile and healthy.
How? Imbibition. This is the word used to describe a process that happens with joint movement. Movement causes pressure changes within joints which pushes nutrients into the joint cartilage to keep it healthy. Without joint movement, nutrients struggle to get into the joint.
Joint health is just one of the reasons why physical activity is so important. Movement doesn’t need to be feared. If you are unsure if it is safe for you to participate in the type of exercise you desire, send us a message or contact us through the link in our bio. As always, speak to a medical professional before beginning a new physical activity program.
