Spinal Destination: 3 Common Spinal Injuries and Treatments

by Kevin Smith Author

The spine is the central support column of the human body, but it does more than keep us upright. The 26 bones of the spinal column, sometimes called the vertebral column, house and protect the spinal cord. This long, thin structure is one half of the central nervous system, which is responsible for movement and sensation. Without the spine and its components, we would be unable to play, dance, or even feel. Here are 3 of the common problems that can affect your spine.

Slipped Disc

A slipped disc occurs when the tissue between vertebrae pushes out, irritating nerves. Its possible causes include age-related degeneration and overexertion-related injuries. Slipped disc patients may feel pain and numbness or a combination of both throughout their body, including the limbs and lower back. They may also experience weakness and tingling sensations.

Nonsurgical and surgical treatment options are available for affected individuals. Doctors may recommend exercises, hydrotherapy, rest, and medication. Patients with extreme cases may be advised to undergo microsurgical discectomy or minimally invasive microendoscopic discectomy.

Spondylolisthesis

This refers to the condition in which a vertebra slips over the bone beneath it. The shift might cause the bone to press on a nerve and cause pain. This may be caused by injury or trauma, like repeated stress fractures and traumatic fractures. It could also be congenital. Back pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms are a few symptoms of spondylolisthesis. Some patients also experience pain or numbness in their legs.

Spondylolisthesis can be divided into two types, congenital and degenerative. Congenital spondylolisthesis has been present since birth, while degenerative spondylolisthesis is caused by aging. If a patient's condition hasn't improved with physical therapy, then performing surgery, like spinal fusion, may be necessary.

Spinal Stenosis

In this condition, the spaces within a spine are contracted as a result of degeneration. This is brought about by the thickening of the facet joints and ligaments by arthritis. The narrowed space pinches the bundle of nerves that is encased by the spine. Its symptoms include back or neck pain and some numbness, cramping, and weakness in the limbs.

There are two types of spinal stenosis: cervical and lumbar stenosis.

· Cervical stenosis is the compression of nerves in the neck or the cervical spinal nerves.

· Lumbar stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal nerves that travel through the lower back into the legs.

Treatment can be nonsurgical, like physical therapy and medication. Surgical treatments are also available, such as spinal decompression and lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Atlanta patients are prescribed these treatments based on the degree of the stenosis.

It's important to take care of your body. When you feel that something isn't right, don't hesitate to consult the experts. You can find many doctors who specialize in spinal surgeries and treatments, like lumbar spinal stenosis surgery in Atlanta.