Your spine is a marvel of evolution. It is an intricately balanced support system that provides the foundation for the entire body. It works to keep all parts of the body, from the neck to the lower back to the legs, in proper alignment. More than that, it acts as a protector to the command center of our nervous system—the spinal cord. This vital part of our body has the strength to keep us upright while providing the flexibility for us to move in countless directions.
Spine health is essential to our overall health. However, the spine is often overlooked and taken for granted until we experience pain or lose range of motion. Several conditions can threaten the health of the spine. At Endeavor Health Neurosciences Institute’s Advanced Neurosciences Center, our team of specialists can help with a variety of spine health services.
Types of spine conditions
Problems with the spine can include:
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a disorder that causes the spine to curve abnormally sideways. It’s usually diagnosed in childhood and may worsen if left untreated.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a common condition that happens when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. It usually affects adults over 60.
Degenerative disc disease
While degenerative disc disease is a common disorder that affects nearly everyone over 40, only a small percentage of people feel pain and need to be treated. The condition occurs as the discs between the vertebrae are worn down.
Symptoms of spine disorders
Specific symptoms you may experience will depend on what spine condition you have. However, common symptoms of spine disorders include:
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain
- Spine stiffness
- Loss of range of motion
- Weakness or numbness
Diagnosing spine conditions
Diagnosing a spine condition will depend on your symptoms. Your care team may do one or more of the following:
- Physical exam: Your doctor may check for tenderness or ask you to do specific movements to see how your range of motion is affected.
- Neurological exam: This assessment will test muscle strength and reflex responses.
- Imaging: Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, to look for abnormalities in the spine’s structure.
At the Advanced Neurosciences Center, our team of specialists is highly skilled in treating spine conditions and will determine a diagnosis or provide you with a second opinion if you are experiencing neck or back pain.
Causes of spine conditions
Spine problems can affect nearly anyone. A few possible causes that may contribute to spine health problems include:
- Age: The bones and joints in your body wear down over time.
- Birth defects: Sometimes, bones do not develop properly during pregnancy.
- Secondary condition: Some spine conditions can develop due to another health condition, such as muscular dystrophy.
- Traumatic Injury: Experiencing an injury such as a car accident or sports injury can lead to issues with the spine.
- Poor posture: Lack of proper posture can lead to weak back muscles or, in some instances, to structural deformities in the spine.
- Genetic conditions: There are possible genetic factors that can lead to a greater risk of spine-related problems.
Treatment for spine conditions
If you are diagnosed with a spine condition, you may be overwhelmed or confused about your options. Your treatment will depend on what specific condition you have, but possible treatments include medication, physical therapy, injections, and surgery. At the Advanced Neurosciences Center, we use the most innovative technology and techniques in spinal surgery to treat various complex spine conditions, and we’ll walk you through the options every step of the way.
We strive to provide you with the best possible information on how to keep your spine healthy, detect any issues early, and manage them effectively. We offer comprehensive services related to spine health, from diagnosis and treatment plans to recovery and rehabilitation. Our team takes pride in providing personalized care tailored specifically to your needs with you at the center.