THE GERIATRIC SPINE: FUNDAMENTALS OF AGING AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL MANAGEMENT – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Year 2025, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 76 - 91, 30.12.2025

Hülya Tuna , Gülşah Özsoy , Nursen İlçin

Abstract

This narrative review aims to comprehensively address the anatomical and biomechanical foundations of the aging spine, along with degenerative pathologies (osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, facet joint osteoarthritis, degenerative scoliosis) that are accelerated by environmental factors such as nutrition, inactivity, and obesity. Spinal aging is characterized by complex cellular changes, including water loss in the intervertebral discs and accelerated trabecular bone loss. In clinical management, the use of diagnostic tools is of critical importance. Conservative approaches, such as personalized corrective exercise and posture training, not only enhance mechanical stability but also stimulate endocrine communication among muscle, bone, and adipose tissues, thereby alleviating chronic low-grade inflammation.

Keywords

geriatric spine , osteoporosis , aging

Ethical Statement

no need

Supporting Institution

no need

Thanks

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