| Osteoarthritis - Arthritis is the gradual wear and tear of the cushioning tissues that line the joints. When arthritis affects the spine, vertebrae rub together, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of motion. Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs can also result. When arthritis is severe and left untreated, it can result in spinal deformity. | ||
| Sciatic-Sciatica
is the term given to pain down the leg, which is caused by irritation
of the main nerve into the leg, the sciatic nerve. This pain tends
to be caused where the nerves pass through and emerge from the lower
bones of the spine (lumbar vertebrae). Much of the advice regarding
this condition is the same as that for low back pain. |
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| The most common cause of true sciatica is a "slipped disc". The discs (or inter-vertebral discs) are the cushions which separate the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Sciatica occurs when the herniated disc presses against the nerves which go to make up the sciatic nerve. This is more likely to cause problems when the nerve is squashed by this, usually between the disc and an adjacent bone. | ||
Scoliosis - Scoliosis is not a disease - it is a descriptive term. All spines have curves. Some curvature in the neck, upper trunk and lower trunk is normal. Humans need these spinal curves to help the upper body maintain proper balance and alignment over the pelvis. However, when there are abnormal side-to-side (lateral) curves in the spinal column, we refer to this as scoliosis.There are several different "warning signs" to look for to help determine if you or someone you love has scoliosis. Should you notice any one or more of these signs, you should schedule an exam with a doctor.
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Spinal Stenosis - Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal, which contains and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots, narrows and pinches the spinal cord and nerves causing pain and loss of sensation. This narrowing is a result of the degeneration, wearing down, of the vertebral joint and disks. Symptoms include pain while walking or standing. Progressive subtle loss of motor or muscular use of one or both lower extremities may result if the condition is left untreated. | |
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| Whiplash
is an injury of the soft tissues of the neck. It is usually caused
by sudden extension (backward movement) and flexion (forward movement)
of the neck, and often occurs as the result of a rear-end car crash.
The neck is particularly susceptible to this type of injury because
of its anatomic complexity and wide range of motion. If the whiplash
is severe, injuries can also occur to the intervertebral joints, discs,
ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots.
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| Spondylolisthesis - Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward on the adjacent vertebrae due to instability caused by arthritic wear and tear, a developmental defect or a fracture. This will produce both a gradual deformity of the lower spine and also a narrowing of the vertebral canal. The most ommon symptom is low back pain. |  |
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Kyphosis - Kyphosis is a progressive spinal disorder that can affect children or adults. This disorder may cause a deformity described as humpback or hunchback. Kyphosis can be in the form of hyperkyphosis or sharp angular gibbus deformity. Abnormal kyphotic curves are more commonly found in the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine, although they can be cervical. Kyphosis is classified as either postural
or structural. Postural means the kyphosis is attributed to poor
posture, usually presenting a smooth curve, which can be corrected
by the patient. Structural kyphosis is caused by an abnormality
affecting the bones, intervertebral discs, nerves, ligaments, or
muscles. Kyphosis with a structural pathology may require medical
intervention because the patient alone cannot control curve progression. |
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| Herniated Disc - Disks are located between the vertebrae of the spine and have a jelly-like center. A herniated disk occurs when the center bulges or ruptures pushing the outer edge of the disk into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerves. Symptoms may include dull or sharp pain, muscle spasm or cramping, sciatica, and leg weakness or loss of leg function. Sneezing, coughing or bending usually intensifies the pain. According to recent statistics, about one in every 50 people experience a herniated disk. |  |
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| Myelopathy
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is caused by compression of the spinal cord in the upper spine, or cervical stenosis. Bony spurs formed by long-standing arthritis grow into the canal and compress or place pressure on the cord. The most common procedure performed to relieve compression or pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots is anterior cervical decompression. Since removal of bone during a decompression may disrupt continuity and increase instability of that area of the spine, a fusion is also performed to provide structural stability. |
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| Compression fractures result from external trauma (falling) or weakness of the vertebrae (osteoporosis), causing one or more vertebrae to crush or wedge. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the symptoms range from back pain to radiating pain to loss of strength or sensation in the legs. Minimally invasive techniques such as Kyphoplasty or VertebraplastyTM can be used to reduce symptoms and enhance recovery from compression fractures. |  |
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Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease where bone mass and density are lost making bones extremely susceptible to fractures. When osteoporosis affects the spine, the symptoms may include chronic pain, loss of mobility and an alteration of physical appearance. Rheumatoid Arthritis - A generalized inflammatory condition that typically affects the upper spine. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include headache, neck pain, weakness in the arms and legs, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever and difficulty sleeping. |
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