Back/Spinal Conditions

An intervertebral disc sits between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine and serves as a cushion to absorb shock and provide flexibility to the spine. Over time, these discs can begin to weaken or lose their shape due to aging, repetitive strain, or injury. A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes outward beyond its normal boundary, often without tearing or rupturing the outer layer. This condition is sometimes referred to as a protruding disc and is different from a herniated disc, which typically involves a break in the disc's outer layer.

As we age, the water and protein content of the body’s cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thin cartilage. Because both the discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partially composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes). The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, FBSS, is not actually a syndrome but a generalized term used to describe the condition of patients who have not had successful results with spine surgery (neck or back), specifically the resulting surgery does not alleviate the problem or creates even greater problems and patients experience continuous pain after surgery.

The Facet joints are the joint structures that connect the vertebrae to one another. The facet joint is like any other joint in your body – they have cartilage that line the joint, (this allows the bone to glide smoothly over one another) and a capsule surrounding the joint. The function of the facet joint is to provide support, stability, and mobility to the vertebrae (spine). Facet Disease occurs when there is degeneration of the facet joint.

At every level of the spine the nerves will exit through a small canal. This canal is called the foramen or foraminal canal. Foraminal stenosis is a narrowing of this canal.

An intervertebral disc is located in between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine to provide cushioning support and flexibility within the spine. However, these discs may become damaged and may tear or move out of place. A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured or slipped disc, is a common condition that may occur as a result of gradual wear and tear on the disc or from an injury to the spine that cracks or tears the disc and causes it to bulge or break open.

Lower back pain affects approximately 80%-85% of the population at one point in their lives and is one of the leading causes of disability. Lower back pain can be caused by poor lifting technique, overuse, and trauma. Symptoms associated with low back pain can include localized achy pain, sharp pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and referred pain going down the legs.

Pain in  the lower back is often accompanied by pain going down  the legs as a result of irritation to  the nerve endings in the area. This is most commonly  as a result of a disc herniation or spinal stenosis. When the nerve endings around the spine are either compressed or irritated by an inflammatory process it can cause referred pain going down the legs, numbness, tingling, or muscular weakness in the legs or feet. 

Pain in the mid back is often caused by joint dysfunction, poor muscular function, scoliosis, poor posture and less commonly by the discs of the spine. Symptoms can vary based on the pain generating tissue but can include dull-achy pain, sharp pain, difficulty breathing, stabbing pain or even referred pain going into the ribs.

Muscle pain is a common ailment that may occur as a result of an injury, such as a pull, tear or rupture, or a strain from overuse, improper lifting or poor postures.  It can develop as a result of certain muscles becoming overactive and tight while other characteristic muscles can become limp or underactive. Trigger points, which are local areas of congestion within a muscle, can develop as a result of both tight and underactive muscles which can irritate nerve endings in the area resulting in pain. 

Because of its pivotal role and frequent use the neck is susceptible to injury and chronic pain. Neck pain is extremely common with approximately 50%-70% of the population experiencing it at one point in their lives. Severity of neck pain can vary from a minor discomfort to being debilitating.  Neck pain can be caused by poor lifting techniques, overuse, trauma and even poor posture.

Nerves can be affected in the body in several ways and can cause different types of symptoms. The most common symptoms are pain, numbness and tingling and weakness. Nerves can be affected in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).

Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects more than half of adults over the age of 65, causing bone loss that can potentially leads to fractures, height loss and a hump-backed appearance. Post-menopausal women are at the highest risk of developing osteoporosis but lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, low calcium intake, excessive alcohol intake, inadequate vitamin D intake, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet can all impact bone mineral density.

A pinched nerve is the term for pain or impaired function of a nerve that is under pressure. It happens to nerves that control muscle movements or relay sensations to the brain. The initial symptoms of a pinched nerve may be tingling, numbness, burning sensation or shooting pains down the buttocks and legs or in the neck, shoulders, arms and fingers.

Sciatic pain, also known as sciatica, is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the spinal cord down the legs, and inflammation usually causes pain and tenderness through the leg. Sciatic pain is usually caused by a herniated or ruptured intervertebral disc. The disc can press on to nerve roots, causing them irritation. 

Spinal stenosis is a common condition that involves a narrowing in one or more areas of the spine as a result of injury or deterioration to the discs, joints or bones within the spinal canal. While some patients may be born with spinal stenosis, most cases develop later in life as a result of the degenerative changes that occur in the spine over time. Osteoarthritis is the main cause of spinal stenosis, as it causes the cartilage in the area to deteriorate and eventually results in the bones rubbing against each other and forming growths called bone spurs.

Between each of the bones (vertebrae) in your spine are soft, flexible intervertebral discs that act as cushions to absorb shock and allow for smooth movement. Over time, these discs can begin to wear down, flatten, or lose height—a condition commonly referred to as a thinning disc or disc degeneration.

Every year nearly 3 million people suffer a whiplash injury and about half are left with some chronic pain. Whiplash, aka Cervical Acceleration – Deceleration Injury, is a relatively common injury that occurs to a person’s neck following a sudden acceleration-deceleration force, most commonly from motor vehicle collisions, sport activities and accidental falls.