Disorders of the Spine
A number of conditions and injuries can affect the spine, which can damage the vertebrae, cause pain, and limit mobility.
There are many conditions that can affect the spine anywhere from the neck to the lower spine, such as:
Degenerative spine and disc conditions:
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylosis
Other spine conditions and disorders:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Back pain
- Basilar invagination, basilar impression, and cranial settling
- Chronic spine and back pain
- Kyphosis
- Myelopathy
- Neck pain
- Osteoporosis and vertebral fractures
- Radiculopathy
- Scheuermann’s kyphosis
- Scoliosis
- Spinal cord cancer
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinal deformities
- Spinal fracture
- Spinal tumors
- Spondylolisthesis
Common causes can include:
- Accidents or falls
- Congenital disorders (present since birth)
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Inherited disorders
- Injuries ranging from minor to traumatic
- Degenerative wear and tear that comes with aging
Other conditions have unknown causes.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Abnormally rounded shoulders or back
- Back or neck pain that can be sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, or burning
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Pain radiating in the arms or legs
- Stiffness or tightness
- Uneven appearance, such as one shoulder or hip being higher than the other
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
There are many treatments that can be offered for these disorders, such as:
- Back bracing
- Cancer treatment such as surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy
- Ice or heat therapy for injuries
- Injections, such as corticosteroids or nerve blocks, for pain
- Medications such as anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, or muscle relaxers
- Rehabilitation using physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the back and abdominal muscles
- Surgery to replace discs, fuse (connect) vertebrae, open up the spinal canal, or repair nerves
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