The spine is complex, helping support our body and allowing fluid movement. However, some people suffer from common spine conditions that cause pain and impact daily life.
Our spine specialist at Advanced Orthopedics New England is skilled in addressing various spine issues and can diagnose and treat common spine conditions.
Read further to learn about the different common spine conditions a specialist near you can treat.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs occur when the gel-like material inside an intervertebral disc in the spine bulges. This bulging puts pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the back, legs, arms, and even feet or hands.
Herniated discs can result from injury or simple wear and tear. Treatment options for your symptoms can include physical therapy, medication, injections, or surgery. The choice will depend on the severity of your symptoms and other factors.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the natural spaces within the spine. This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal nerves.
Spinal stenosis commonly develops in the neck and lower back. It causes pain, numbness, weakness, and cramping in the affected areas. Age-related changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease, often lead to spinal stenosis.
Treatment for spinal stenosis may include physical therapy, pain medication, steroid injections, or surgery. Addressing this condition early is important to prevent further nerve damage and worsening symptoms.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a chronic spine condition which affects the sciatica nerve. This large nerve runs from the lower back to the foot.
Symptoms of sciatica include sharp pain, numbness, and tingling in the back, buttocks, and legs. A herniated disc or bone spur may cause these symptoms.
Treatment options for sciatica may include physical therapy, pain medication, or, sometimes, surgery. The surgical procedure removes bone spurs or the part of a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that affects around two to three percent of Americans. It often develops during adolescence and can cause back pain, muscle fatigue, and even difficulty breathing in severe cases.
While the exact cause of scoliosis is unknown, this spine condition may be hereditary. Certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, may cause scoliosis.
Treatment for scoliosis depends on the severity of the curvature. In more extreme cases, your back specialist may recommend physical therapy, bracing, or surgery.
Facet Joint Syndrome
Facet joint syndrome is a collection of symptoms that impact the joints or connections in the spinal column. These joints allow movement and flexibility in the back. When inflammation or damage occurs, individuals may experience stiffness, pain, and a limited range of motion.
Treatment options for facet joint syndrome include physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation. Doctors use radiofrequency ablation to stop the nerve signals that cause pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease can occur anywhere in the spinal column but most commonly occurs in the lumbar region. It involves fluid loss in the intervertebral discs.
As we age, a spinal condition can develop. This problem causes back pain and stiffness. The discs in your spine cannot cushion and support your bones properly. This leads to discomfort and reduced flexibility in your back.
To manage degenerative disc disease, your back specialist may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), spinal injections, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged discs or fuse vertebrae to provide stability.
To lessen the symptoms of degenerative disc disease, try making lifestyle changes. This can include staying healthy and adding gentle exercises to your daily routine. These changes may help alleviate the discomfort associated with the condition.
Spine Arthritis
Arthritis can affect any number of joints in the body, including the joints in your spinal column. The symptoms of spine arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling. The symptoms make it difficult to move easily and comfortably and to perform daily tasks.
Treating arthritis in the spine may include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medication can consist of pain relievers and injections.
Physical therapy can help improve mobility and strength. Lifestyle adjustments may involve eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. In addition, your spine specialist may recommend using braces or assistive devices to help support the affected joints.
Your Expert Spine Specialist Near You in Hartford County, CT, and Springfield, MA
Advanced Orthopedics New England’s professional team oversees the musculoskeletal system, including the complex spinal column. Call us to arrange an appointment with Dr. David Kruger to learn how to have a healthy spinal structure and function. He specializes in spinal surgery and is skilled in various non-operative assessment and treatment procedures.
Call (860) 728-6740, and we will schedule your informative consultation.
