The spine is a vital part of our body, providing structural support and protecting the spinal cord. However, various conditions can affect the spine, which may also affect the spinal cord and nerve roots. The result can be a range of symptoms that prevent you from living the life you want.
If you have back pain or neck pain, you are one of many. Both are leading causes of disability in the United States. One thing you should always do is to take spine conditions seriously. Studies show individuals with spine pain are associated with comorbidities, or the development of other diseases.
Spine surgeons are highly trained doctors who diagnose and treat spine conditions. Let’s explore some common issues treated by spine surgeons.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks out through a tear in the outer layer. This can compress nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Spine surgeons often treat herniated discs with a combination of physical therapy, medication, and minimally invasive spine surgery, if necessary.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, causing pressure on both the spinal cord and nerves. This condition typically occurs due to aging and can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the back, neck, and limbs.
A spine surgeon can perform a laminectomy to remove part of the vertebra, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and thereby, alleviating symptoms.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, spinal discs can lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing properties. Degenerative disc disease refers to the wear and tear of these discs, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
Spine surgeons manage this condition with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and lifestyle changes, reserving surgery for severe cases.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, creating an “S” or “C” shape. It often develops during childhood or adolescence but can also occur in adults. Depending on the severity, treatment may range from observation and bracing to surgical correction.
Spine surgeons play a crucial role in assessing and treating scoliosis to prevent further progression and complications.
Sciatica
The defining feature of sciatica is the presence of pain that spreads along the course of the sciatic nerve. The pain starts from the lower back and reaches down the leg. It is commonly caused by a herniated disc or bone spur compressing the nerve.
A spine surgeon may recommend a combination of physical therapy, medications, and injections to alleviate the pain, with surgery as an option for severe cases.
Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures can result from trauma, osteoporosis, or other underlying conditions. The spine may experience severe pain and instability as a result of such fractures.
For more severe fractures, surgical options like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be used. These procedures involve stabilizing the spine by injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra. Finally, spinal fusion surgery may be performed to join the broken vertebrae together.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often due to degenerative changes or stress fractures. Back pain and nerve compression are common symptoms associated with this condition.
Spine surgeons treat spondylolisthesis with physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery to realign and stabilize the affected vertebrae.
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a neurological condition caused by the degeneration of the cervical spine. The compression of the spinal cord causes symptoms such as neck pain, weakness, numbness, and difficulty with coordination.
Spine surgeons treat this condition through surgical procedures such as laminectomy or spinal fusion to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy refers to the irritation or compression of spinal nerve roots. This can result in pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down the arms or legs.
Spine surgeons treat radiculopathy with non-surgical methods like physical therapy and epidural steroid injections. They can also perform surgical interventions like microdiscectomy or foraminotomy to remove the source of nerve compression.
Understanding these common spine conditions can help you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing spine-related problems, consult an experienced spine surgeon to find out your treatment options.
Experienced Spine Surgeon in Aurora, CO
Trust the highly skilled team at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery for the treatment of your spine condition. Award-winning brain and spine surgeon, Dr. Rauzzino is highly skilled in surgery involving the cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerves. He leads our team of experts in caring for patients suffering from a variety of spinal and neurological issues.
To explore your treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rauzzino, our skilled spine surgeon in Aurora, CO. Call our office today at (303) 790-1800 or use our request form. We are excited to have the opportunity to assist you.
