Your Spine Doesn't Have to Age Like You Think It Does

The 32-Year-Old “Getting Old” Myth

Dr. Pascal recently spoke with a 32-year-old who’d been told his back pain was simply part of getting older. His wife nodded along, as if it were an obvious fact.

But 32? “In my opinion, that explanation doesn’t quite sit right,” says Dr. Pascal. Age plays a role, sure, but how you treat your spine day to day may matter even more than how many birthdays you’ve had.

What’s Really Affecting Your Spine (Hint: It’s Not Just Time)

Some changes with age are natural, of course, like joints showing wear or muscles losing strength. But one of the biggest factors in how your spine feels isn’t age. It’s how much, or how little, you move.

“A sedentary lifestyle can really wear down your spine,” notes Dr. Dan. He points out how children instinctively move, twist, jump, and reset their posture often. Adults often stop moving this way.

Today’s 30-somethings have spent over half their lives hunched over screens. When you combine that with job strain, poor posture, stress, and nutrition that may not support joint health, it’s no surprise the spine starts feeling stiff or sore.

Small Habits That Can Help Keep Your Spine Moving

Now for the good news. You may have more influence than you think. Start by incorporating more movement into your routine. Best of all, you don’t have to spend hours at the gym to experience some benefits. Performing simple actions, such as standing every 30 minutes or doing gentle mobility exercises at your desk, can be helpful.

Dr. Dan also suggests looking at your food choices. Some people find that cutting back on processed or inflammatory foods helps their joints feel less stiff.

Supporting a Freer Feeling Spine Over Time

Many people compare spine care to car maintenance. Just as cars benefit from regular oil changes, your spine may benefit from regular check-ins to keep joints moving freely. “That’s how I think about adjustments,” says Dr. Dan.