Conditions

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

This is a condition that can occur over time with or without antecedent injury. The disc is a cushion between the vertebral bones and over time it can lose it’s natural qualities such as water content, become less flexible and lose it’s height. 

Cervical Stenosis

Cervical stenosis is a condition when the spinal canal in the neck becomes narrowed resulting in less space for the spinal cord and the exiting nerves. The stenosis can lead to pinching of nerves and the spinal cord, which can result in pain traveling down the arms (radiculopathy) or even cervical myelopathy.

Cervical Myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy is a condition when the spinal cord in the neck becomes affected. The spinal cord can become squeezed and damaged over time. Some of the symptoms due to this effect on the spinal cord itself can include gait and balance problems, weakness in the arms or legs, sensory deficits, abnormal reflexes, bowel and bladder dysfunction. 

Compression Fracture

The vertebral bones in the spine, like any other bones in the body, can fracture. Sometimes the fracture can occur due to injury or trauma, while other times it can happen from weakened bones without any specific major injury (can be seen with osteoporosis). A compression fracture is a common type of fracture seen and involves the front part of the vertebral body, resulting in anterior wedging appearance. 

Disc Herniation

Disc content can come out of the disc space and can push on the spinal canal, narrowing the space available for the spinal contents, such as the spinal cord and spinal nerves. The herniated disc material can mechanically compress the spinal nerves and spinal cord resulting in neurological symptoms and pain. In addition, the disc material itself can be chemically irritating to the spinal contents and can contribute to the pain. 

Discogenic Back Pain

Pain in the back can come from many sources. One of such sources is the disc. The disc is a cushion between the vertebral bones and over time it can lose it’s natural qualities such as water content, become less flexible and lose it’s height.

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

This is a condition that can occur over time with or without antecedent injury. The disc is a cushion between the vertebral bones and over time it can lose it’s natural qualities become less flexible. This wear-and-tear of the disc may result in back pain.

Facet Joint Osteoarthritis

Facet joints are small joints in the back part of the spinal column. Like other joints in the body, they can degenerate and develop osteoarthritis. This can result in back pain.

Spinal Stenosis

Stenosis means narrowing. Spine canal narrowing or stenosis can occur in any part of the spinal column – cervical, thoracic, lumbar.  The spinal canal becomes narrowed resulting in less space for the spinal cord and the exiting nerves. The stenosis can lead to pinching of nerves and the spinal cord, which can result in pain traveling down the arms and legs (radiculopathy) as well as more serious symptoms such as weakness, gait disturbance and bowel/bladder dysfunction. 

Spondylolisthesis

This is a condition that describes slippage of one vertebral body over the other. This can occur from several causes such as congenital, traumatic or degenerative conditions. 

Scoliosis

Scoliosis refers to rotation and curvature of the spine. This can initially be evaluated with an Xray. Treatment may consist of non-operative or operative interventions depending on the type and severity of the curvature.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to nerve pain in the leg. This often is described as pain traveling down one or both legs (leg radiculopathy).

Spinal Cord Injuries

There are many different types of spinal cord injuries. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. A thorough evaluation with advanced imaging and studies is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Spinal Deformity

A spinal column deformity can result from trauma, congenital or degenerative conditions. The alignment and overall global balance of the spine is affected, which can lead to multiple symptoms such as pain, neurologic deficits, as well as activity and range of motion limitations.

Spinal Tumors

There are many different types of tumors that can affect the spinal column, including metastatic disease. Treatment depends on the type of the tumor and severity of the condition. 

Trauma

Traumatic injuries can affect the spinal column and can results in vertebral body fractures, unstable dislocations, deformity, spinal cord injury, stenosis, neurologic deficit, etc. Treatment depends on the specific type of injury and symptomatology.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy often refers to pain, numbness or weakness in arms or legs. This often results from pinched nerves in the neck or lower back. 

Back Pain and Leg Pain

There are many spinal conditions that can result in back and leg pain. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist can help determine the source of pain and direct treatment. 

Neck Pain and Arm Pain

There are many spinal conditions that can result in neck and arm pain. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist can help determine the source of pain and direct treatment.