For many men, it's hard to admit that they're not as limber as they used to be. The aches and pains of aging -- or the unexpected muscle strains the day after a pick-up football game -- can begin in the early 30s.

While ice is sometimes all that's needed to get back in the game, pain that resonates from the lower back, creeping down into the legs or outer extremities is not usually the type of pain that will resolve itself, says Bradley L. Baum, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Corona Regional Medical Center (CRMC).

"Back pain should never be ignored," he says. "The longer men wait to get treatment for back pain, the more extreme their symptoms can become. It's always a good idea to get checked out right away."

Is It a Weakened Spine?
Many chronic back problems are caused by osteoporosis-related spinal fractures or disc degenerations. While osteoporosis has been typically viewed as a "female problem," it also affects men. In fact, 2 million men have osteoporosis and another 12 million are at risk for this disease, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

"Osteoporosis can weaken vertebrae, which can collapse suddenly under the force of normal daily activity," explains Vance Z. Johnson, MD, a pain medicine specialist on the medical staff at CRMC. "These compression fractures can cause unbearable pain and lead to significant reductions in quality of life."

At CRMC, collapsed vertebra can be stabilized through a minimally invasive procedure known as vertebroplasty, which cements vertebra together to prevent further collapse. Surgeons enter the spine percutaneously (without cutting it) and inject bone cement into the affected areas with the help of a computerized X-ray system.

"After the procedure, most patients experience a significant improvement in their pain," Dr. Johnson says. "Within a few days, many patients are able to decrease their pain medications and return to normal daily activities."

	Bradley L. Baum, MD
	Vance Z. Johnson, MD

More Surgical Repairs
Chronic pain caused by herniated discs or degenerative spine conditions can be eased with other minimally invasive procedures, including:

Spinal cord stimulation. Implants stimulate the spinal cord to replace painful sensations with pleasant ones.

Central disc removal. Herniated discs pressing on a nerve are removed to reduce inflammation and ease pain.

To learn more about the procedures mentioned in this article, please call 951-278-4740.

Rehab Gets You Back on Your Feet
If you have a major spinal procedure, you may not be ready to leave the hospital right after your surgery.

"In the days and weeks after a procedure, many people -- especially older adults -- need help strengthening their joints and getting their flexibility back," says Debra Adams, LCSW, Director of Acute Rehabilitation at Corona Regional Medical Center.

Patients at the Acute Rehab Unit undergo three hours of daily, intensive physical and occupational therapy. A typical course of treatment lasts two to three weeks and is covered by health insurance. To learn more, please call 951-736-7261.

800 South Main St., Corona, CA 92882