Common Spinal Conditions
|
Stenosis – is the narrowing of the spinal canal which may result in nerve compression.
Developmental Stenosis – occurs as people age and the ligaments of the spine thicken and harden, discs bulge, bones and joints enlarge, and bone spurs (called osteophytes) form.
Disc Herniation – occurs when the inner part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) breaks through the outer encapsulating ring (anulus fibrosus) causing a collapse of the disc. The vertebral disc loses its ability to absorb weight through the spinal column which affects its ability to function normally.
Congenital Narrowing – refers to tightening or narrowing of the canal around the spinal cord, called spinal stenosis. This condition occurs when spinal canal ligaments thicken and harden and bone and joints enlarge usually noted in patients entering their 50's. If a patient is born with a narrow spinal canal, problems can start as young as their 30's. |
| Instability – is caused by the mechanical changes of the spinal column creating incorrect movement resulting in pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) – is the loss of normal structure and function of the intervertebral discs associated with wear and tear related to aging and accumulated trauma. DDD includes herniated, bulged, flattened discs with vertebral body end plates damage.
Spondylolithesis – occurs when a vertebra slides forward in relation to the adjacent vertebra more often in the lumbar spine. Symptoms include difficulty walking due to pain, weakness or sensation changes in the lower back, legs secondary to the impingement of the spinal cord and/or nerves.
Pars Fracture – causes vertebral instability as a crack occurs in and area of the vertebral called the pars interarticularis. This type of fracture can lead to spondylothesis.
Vertebral Fracture – causes a change in the distribution of structural forces, because the vertebral body carries up to 90 percent of the body’s weight.
Spinal Tumor – are rare, and are either benign or malignant. Either way they are dangerous because they may compress the spinal cord and cause neurologic dysfunction.
Spinal Trama – often caused by automobile or fall accidents result in spinal fractures and/or movement (slippage) of vertebral bodies. These events can cause sudden compression of the spinal cord or nerves which need immediate treatment.
|