THE SPINE
| The spine is an intricate assembly of complex bones as well as discs in between these bones. These bones and discs are held together with ligaments. The spine houses the spinal cord and peripheral nerves that supply motor and sensory function to the arms and legs. |
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BACK PAIN
Back pain is one of the most common conditions seen by orthopaedic surgeons and primary care physicians. The cause of low back pain can come from one of the many structures in the back, ranging from the muscles around the spine, ligaments, spinal disc disease, back arthritis, back bone instability, nerve impingement, or other causes. Back pain is evaluated by a thorough history, physical examination, and often by imaging studies including x-rays and MRI. Treatment of back pain ranges from medications, physical therapy, injections, to surgery.
NECK PAIN
Neck pain is a common condition seen by orthopaedic surgeons and primary care physicians. The cause of low back pain can come from one of the many structures in the back, ranging from the muscles around the spine, ligaments, spinal disc disease, neck arthritis, neck bone instability, nerve impingement, or other causes. Neck pain is evaluated by a thorough history, physical examination, and often by imaging studies including x-rays and MRI. Treatment of neck pain ranges from medications, physical therapy, injections, to surgery.
DISC HERNIATION
The bones of the spine have cushions between them called vertebral discs. These discs are like jelly donuts, with a more firm outer structure and a softer inner structure. If there is weakness in the outer structure, the inner “jelly” can herniate out of the disc, resulting in a disc herniation. Sometimes, this herniated disc can irritate or put pressure on a nearby nerve in the spine, causing shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness down the thigh, leg, foot, or arms. A disc herniation is evaluated by a thorough history, physical examination, x-rays, and an MRI of the spine. Treatment of disc herniations ranges from medications, physical therapy, injections, to surgery.
ARTHRITIS
Back arthritis is a condition in which the joints of the spine become worn. These joints include wear of the intervertebral disc or facet joints of the spine. Arthritis can present as pain in the back as well as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness shooting down the legs or arms. Back arthritis is evaluated by a thorough history, physical examination, x-rays, and an MRI of the spine. Treatment of back arthritis ranges from medications, physical therapy, injections, to surgery.
SCOLIOSIS
Scoliosis of the spine means abnormal curvature of the spinal column. Scoliosis can occur from many causes, including congenital spinal deformity, spinal degeneration, or unknown (idiopathic) causes. Scoliosis can be asymptomatic or can be painful. Scoliosis can be diagnosed with x-rays of the spinal column. Sometimes, further imaging studies may be needed such as an MRI or CT scan. The treatment of scoliosis varies depending on the cause of the scoliosis as well as the degree of the curvature.