Education
Patient Education
Back and Neck Conditions
Spine Center medical topics is a conglomeration of back and neck pain conditions.
- Disc Degeneration
- Osteoporosis
- Herniated Disc
- Sciatica
- Low Back Pain
- Spondylolisthesis
- MyofascialPain
- Stenosis
- Neck Pain
- Scoliosis
- Disc Degeneration
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Degenerative disc disease occurs from normal wear and tear that weakens and damages a disc over time. A large percentage of the general population has some signs of degeneration of the lumbar discs after the age of 40. In some cases, degenerative disc disease can result in painful nerve compression. Patients with mild disc degeneration are often symptom free. Treatment is individualized and may include medications, physical therapy, bracing or surgery. - Osteoporosis
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Osteoporosis is a disease that causes a decrease in bone mass. This condition causes bones to become brittle. Compression fractures of the spine are common, especially in women. Fortunately, most compression fractures heal without problems. Treatment is individualized and focuses on prevention of further injury. Pain medication and back braces sometimes are helpful. New techniques use bone substitutes to help stabilize the spine. Occasionally, surgical intervention is necessary.
- Herniated Disc
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The spinal column is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) with soft, cushion-like spacers in between called intervertebral discs. The disc has a soft, gel-like center (nucleus) with a tough outer wall (annulus). The disc acts as a shock absorber. Although discs are present throughout the spine, most of the motion in the spine is seen in the neck and low back. When a disc becomes damaged, the soft center can begin to bulge. This may pinch a nerve. If the outer wall of the disc tears, the soft center may squeeze through (herniate) which can also lead to a pinched nerve. Symptoms of a herniated disk depend on the degree of nerve compression. Treatment is individualized and may include medications, rest and physical therapy or surgical intervention.
- Sciatica
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Sciatica is pain that radiates down the leg. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It originates in the sacral region of the spine and runs through the midline of the buttocks where it divides, continuing down the back of the thigh and into the foot. Sciatica is characterized by a sharp shooting pain down the back of the thigh as well as burning sensations, tingling, or numbness. Sciatica is caused by nerve compression associated with:
- Disc herniation
- Stenosis
- Injury
- Inflammation
- Arthritis or muscle spasms
Treatment includes rest, medications and occasionally surgery.
- Low Back Pain
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Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. Low back pain typically involves the lumbar spine region and possibly the buttocks or lower extremities. Factors contributing to low back pain include injury, poor posture, body mechanics, poor physical condition, herniated disc and degenerative processes. Treatment is individualized and may include medications (analgesics, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories), physical therapy, injections or surgery if indicated.
- Spondylolisthesis
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Spondylolisthesis is a forward slipping of one vertebra over another and is caused by wear and tear of the discs and ligaments in the spine. Spondylolisthesis occurs most commonly in the lumbar region of the spine and results in lower back pain. If nerve compression occurs, there may be numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs. Treatment may include the use of a back brace or physical therapy. If the spine is unstable, surgery to fuse the site may be necessary.
- MyofascialPain
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Myofascial pain is a soft-tissue condition resulting from the strain or improper use of a muscle. This condition is typically due to "over using" muscles and repetitive motion activities. The muscles in the neck and low back most commonly are affected. Treatment with hot/cold packs, medication and physical therapy is often successful.
- Stenosis
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Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to nerve compression. Common causes of stenosis are:
- Disc herniation
- Degenerative processes
- Fracture of the spine
- Tumor, or infection
Stenosis can occur at any level in the spine, and symptoms will vary according to location. Symptoms range from aching sensations, tingling, numbness, and weakness, to severe pain and paralysis. Medication and physical therapy often improve symptoms and help prevent nerve damage. Occasionally, surgery is required.
- Neck Pain
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Typical neck pain involves the cervical spine region and may extend to the shoulders and upper arms. Factors contributing to neck pain include injury, poor posture or body mechanics, herniated disc, poor physical condition and degenerative processes. Treatment is individualized and may include medications (analgesics, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories), physical therapy, injections or surgery if indicated. - Scoliosis
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Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine occurring at the lumbar or thoracic levels. It is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence. Scoliosis in adults may be a progression of childhood disease or result from degenerative changes associated with aging. Treatment depends on the degree of the curvature and how quickly the abnormal curve is progressing. Many patients with scoliosis do not require any treatment. In advanced or severe cases, bracing or surgery may be required.