Spine Conditions

1. Cervical Disc Herniation

Refers to a condition where one of the cushions (called “discs”) between the bones in the neck (the cervical spine) slips out of its normal position. These discs act like shock absorbers for our spine, helping with the movements. Each disc has a soft, gel-like center surrounded by a tough outer layer. When this outer layer tears or weakens, the soft center can bulge/ protrude out, putting pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. Common signs include:

    1. Neck pain: Pain that may get worse with certain movements or activities.
    2. Radicular leg pain: Pain that spreads into the shoulders, arms, or hands, often following a specific nerve root.
    3. Numbness or tingling: A “pins-and-needles” sensation or feeling of heaviness in the arm or hand.
    4. Neurological deficit: Weakness in the arm or hand muscles, making it harder to grip objects or perform tasks.
  • Cervical Spondylosis
  • Cervical Radiculopathy

If you experience symptoms like persistent neck or leg pain, weakness, or other signs of nerve compression, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.

2. Myelopathy

Myelopathy is a medical term that refers to any disease or dysfunction of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a vital structure that runs from the brain down through the vertebral column (spine), transmitting nerve signals to and from the brain to the rest of the body. However, the spinal cord function can become compromised when structures surrounding it, such as discs, vertebrae, ligaments, or other space-occupying lesions (SOL), cause pressure on the cord. The effects of this compression can be acute or chronic, depending on the severity and duration of the pressure. When the spinal cord is damaged or compressed, it can result in various neurological impairments, collectively referred to as myelopathy.

  • Occipito-cervical Disorders
  • Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
  • OPLL (Ossified Posterior Longitudinal Ligament)
  • OLF (Ossified Ligamentum Flavum)
  • Dorsal Myelopathy

If you experience symptoms like gait imbalance, repeated falls, persistent pain, weakness, or other signs of nerve compression, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.

3. Lumbar Disc Herniation

Refers to a condition where one of the soft, cushion-like discs in your lower back (called the lumbar spine) bulges or protrudes out of its normal position. These discs act as shock absorbers between the bones of our spine, allowing it to move smoothly and absorb pressures from everyday activities like walking, lifting, or bending. Each disc has a tough outer layer and a soft, gel-like center. When the outer layer tears or weakens, the inner gel can push out, which is known as a herniation. The symptoms of a lumbar disc herniation depend on which disc is affected and whether it presses on nearby nerves. Common symptoms include:

  1. Low back pain: This is often the first sign, and it can range from mild to severe.
  2. Sciatica: Pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg, often following the path of the nerve. This pain can feel sharp, burning, or like an electric shock.
  3. Numbness or tingling: A “pins-and-needles” sensation or feeling of heaviness that can spread down the leg or foot.
  4. Neurological deficit: Weakness in the leg or foot, which can make walking or standing difficult.

If you experience symptoms like persistent pain, weakness, or other signs of nerve compression, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.

4. Lumbar Canal Stenosis (LCS)

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is a condition where the spinal canal in the lower back narrows, leading to pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It can cause symptoms such as lower back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, weakness, difficulty in walking, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. While the condition is most commonly age-related, other factors like trauma, herniated discs, scoliotic/ kyphotic deformity, and soft tissue hypertrophy can also contribute. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the symptoms, ranging from physical therapy and medications to surgery in more severe cases. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good posture, and staying active, you can help reduce the risk of developing lumbar canal stenosis or manage its symptoms effectively.

If you experience symptoms like persistent pain, weakness, or other signs of nerve compression, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.

5. Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one of the bones in the spine (called a vertebra) slips out of place, moving forward or backward in relation to the bone below it. This malalignment can cause varied symptoms depending on the severity and location of the slip. While some people may not experience any symptoms, others might feel:

  1. Lower back pain or stiffness
  2. Pain radiating to the legs or buttocks
  3. Numbness or tingling in the legs or buttocks
  4. Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
  5. Deformity of the lower back
  • Spondylolysis
  • Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
  • Lytic Spondylolisthesis

If you experience symptoms like persistent lower back or leg pain, weakness, or other signs of nerve compression, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.

6. Vertebral Infections

Vertebral infections, also called spinal infections, are infections that affect the bones (vertebrae), discs, or surrounding tissues of the spine.

Who Is at Risk?
Factors that increase the risk of vertebral infections include:

  1. Weakened immune system
  2. Diabetes or other chronic illnesses
  3. Recent spine surgery
  4. History of intravenous drug use

Symptoms of Vertebral Infections
Symptoms may develop rapidly or gradually and can vary, but common signs include:

  1. Persistent back pain, often worse at night
  2. Fever, chills, weight loss or loss of appetite
  3. Swelling or redness near the spine
  4. Neurological symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness if the nerves are affected.

If you experience symptoms like persistent back or leg pain, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, or other signs of nerve compression, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.

7. Spinal Trauma

Spinal trauma refers to any injury to the spine that affects the bones (vertebrae), discs, spinal cord, nerves, or the surrounding tissues. These injuries can range from minor fractures to severe damage that impacts the stability of the vertebral column and the spinal cord function.

Spinal trauma is often the result of high-impact events or accidents, including:

  1. Road Traffic Accidents: Collisions involving vehicles or motorcycles.
  2. Fall from height: Especially from significant heights.
  3. Sports-related Injuries: High-contact sports or extreme physical activities.
  4. Violence/ Assaults: Gunshot wounds, stabbings, or other physical assaults.
  • Cervical Fractures and Dislocations
  • Thoracic Fractures and Dislocations
  • Lumbar Fractures and Dislocations
  • Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

8. Metabolic Diseases of the Spine - Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mass, deterioration of bone microarchitecture, and an increased risk of fractures. It is a significant yet underdiagnosed health issue in India, with millions at risk, particularly among the aging population and post-menopausal women. Osteoporosis is often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs, but common presentations include:

  1. Fragility Fractures: Fractures occurring from low-impact trauma, commonly affecting the hip, spine, and wrist.
  2. Height Loss and stooped posture: Due to asymptomatic vertebral compression fractures.
  3. Chronic Back Pain
  • Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures
  • Osteoporosis
  • DISH

9. Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. Instead of appearing straight, the spine may curve into a “C” or “S” shape. Scoliosis can range from mild and asymptomatic to severe, impacting posture, pulmonary function, and quality of life. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

  1. Uneven shoulders or waist
  2. One shoulder blade appears more prominent than the other
  3. A visible curve in the spine
  4. Rib hump on one side when bending forward
  5. Back pain, especially in adults

While it often develops during the growth spurt in adolescence, scoliosis can affect people of all ages, including infants and older adults. In some cases, the curve remains stable, but in others, it can worsen over time. Early detection and treatment are key to managing the condition effectively.

 

  • Congenital Scoliosis
  • Neuromuscular Scoliosis
  • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

10. Kyphosis

Kyphosis is characterized by an excessive curvature of the spine, resulting in forward bending. The condition can occur in individuals of all ages and is classified based on its cause, severity, and clinical manifestation. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints and is one of the most common causes of kyphotic deformity of the spine. Over time, it can lead to the fusion of vertebrae and other large joints, resulting in a rigid and immobile spine. AS is more common in men, with symptoms often beginning in late adolescence or early adulthood

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Scheuermann’s Kyphosis

11. Spinal Tumors

  • Primary Spinal Tumors: Develop due to mutations in the cells of the spine (bones, marrow, soft tissues, or spinal cord) that lead to uncontrolled cell division and growth.
  • Tumors may infiltrate surrounding structures, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, or vertebral bodies, leading to compression or destruction of the spinal column.

Metastatic Spinal Tumors:

  • Cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the spine via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Once in the spine, the tumor may invade the vertebral body, spinal canal, spinal cord, or soft tissues surrounding the spinal cord. The cancer cells may destroy bone tissue, leading to vertebral collapse, fractures, or compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

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Don’t let back pain or spinal conditions hold you back from living a healthy, active life. Dr. Goyal provides advanced spine care solutions with personalized treatments, cutting-edge techniques, & compassionate care to help you recover faster and live pain-free.

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