Scoliosis
Overview Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. This occurs most commonly as an adolescent before the skeleton has fully matured or through degenerative changes which slowly progress over time. Patients with scoliosis often experience back pain, muscle tightness and changes in the alignment of their bodies. In some cases, scoliosis can cause the […]
Fractures
Overview Spinal fractures encompass a variety of serious injuries involving the bones of the spine. Although many types of fractures exist, the most common type of spinal fractures are vertebral compression fractures. These fractures occur most commonly due to weakening of the bone leading to collapse of the frontmost portion of the vertebra resulting in […]
Degenerative Disc Disease
Overview Intervertebral discs sit in between each vertebra and act as the shock absorbers of the spine. The spongy portion of the disc, called the nucleus, typically contains a relatively high-water content. Over time, the discs gradually lose some of their water content leading to degeneration. This process is often painless, and most patients will […]
Radiculopathy
Overview Radiculopathy refers to symptoms that arise from nerve root irritation or compression. Individual nerves exit the spinal canal and travel to specific parts of the body, providing sensation toparticular areas and controlling specific muscles. As the nerve exits the spinal canal, there can be irritation or pressure on the nerve from surrounding soft tissue […]
Myelopathy
Overview Cervical myelopathy is a dysfunction of the spinal cord which occurs from direct compression of the spinal cord. This results in certain changes in the body’s function including weakness, numbness, worsening hand dexterity and balance issues. Examples of symptoms that a patient may exhibit include worsening handwriting, trouble buttoning shirts or opening jars, dropping […]
Spondylosis
Overview Spondylosis refers to degeneration that occurs in the spine. It is commonly referred to as “wear and tear” or arthritis. Spondylosis is a slowly progressing condition affecting both the soft tissue and bones of the spine including intervertebral discs, cartilage, and joints. This can result in back pain, stiffness, and nerve compression with shooting […]
Spondylolisthesis
Overview Spondylolisthesis refers to the malalignment of one vertebra in relation to the vertebra below it. Most commonly, this is caused by arthritis within the joints resulting in failure to maintain the vertebrae in proper alignment. This can cause shifting of the vertebrae forwards, backwards, or to the side creating back pain, stiffness, difficulty bringing […]
SI Joint Pain/Sacroilitis
Overview Sacroiliitis is a condition that refers to inflammation within the sacroiliac joint (SI joint). This inflammation results in buttock pain which can radiate down the legs or into the lower back. Most commonly, the pain is aggravated with walking upstairs or sitting for prolonged periods of time and can significantly impact a patient’s quality […]
Spinal Stenosis
Overview The nerves of the lumbar spine pass through a tunnel called the spinal canal before exiting the spine and traveling towards the legs. Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrowed, putting pressure on the nerves passing through. This often results in back pain going into the legs, tingling and numbness which […]
Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (Herniated Disc)
Overview Intervertebral discs are made of two parts: the soft, spongy center called the nucleus and the lining around the nucleus called the annulus. A herniated disc occurs when a small portion of the nucleus breaks off from the rest, oftentimes lodging itself towards where the nerves lie. This can result in neck/back pain, shooting […]
