The spine enables us to sit upright, stand, twist around, and be mobile. It also houses and protects the spinal cord, whose pathways to the brain enable neurological signals to be sent to and from other areas of the body – allowing us to do virtually everything we want to do.
Therefore, the spine is vital to our overall health and well-being. If you’re having chronic or debilitating back pain or pain that emanates from the neck or low-back area, then it’s in your best interest to see an experienced spine surgeon.
Let’s talk about some key reasons why you would want to see a spine surgeon as soon as possible, and where you can go here in the Colorado Springs and Denver areas for an expert medical evaluation and treatment of your back pain:
You Have Severe or Chronic Neck or Back Pain
A spine surgeon will likely first recommend nonsurgical spine treatments for your neck pain or back pain. For example, physician-administered pain-relief injection treatment, such as a corticosteroid, can provide relief that lasts for weeks or months at a time.
Because this treatment must be done with complete accuracy in the case of addressing back pain or neck pain, you will want to see a skilled spine surgeon in order to ensure that the nerves in the spinal cord are not irreparably damaged in the process. If there is damage to the spinal cord, it can result in a lack of sensation or partial paralysis.
You Have Uncomfortable Nerve Pain
The nerves of the spinal cord are essential in providing sensation and movement of the body. They protrude through the spinal canal via small openings in the vertebrae. If these openings become narrow, you can experience spinal nerve compression or a pinched nerve.
Some conditions that cause this include:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated disc
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal tumors
- Spinal fracture
- Spinal infection
- Spinal cord injury
- Scoliosis or abnormal alignment of the spine
Symptoms include:
- Numbness and/or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
- Severe neck or back pain
- Pain or cramping in the legs or arms
- Weakness
- Incontinence
- Problems with balance
If the damage caused by pressure on the spinal cord or nerves is not treated, this could lead to loss of sensation or paralysis.
You Have an Unstable Spine
A healthy spine holds the spinal ligaments, muscles, discs, and bones together firmly for protection and support. An unstable spine fails to keep these structures in proper position and alignment.
Instability in the spine could be caused by conditions such as:
- Trauma to the back
- Spinal fracture
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
An unstable spine may cause significant back pain. In some cases, the spine’s instability may compress the nerves and cause neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Spine Surgery in Lone Tree, Parker, Colorado Springs, and Aurora, CO
People often shy away from seeing a spine surgeon due to a fear that surgery would immediately be recommended, but a spine surgeon will likely recommend noninvasive treatment first – leaving surgery only as a last resort. That said, back surgery can often be done as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home later the same day.
Here at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we offer advanced treatments for an extensive range of neurological conditions and spinal disorders.
Make an appointment today for a better tomorrow. Call (303) 790-1800 now or fill out our simple online form to request an appointment. We look forward to helping you enjoy a more pain-free lifestyle!
