Common Conditions
WHAT’S CAUSING MY PAIN?
Your comfort and well-being are important to us. Helping our patients find relief is what motivates us to stay on the cutting edge of the field. Since every spinal condition has a unique set of causes, triggers, and symptoms, the information given on this website can only act as a guide to get you started on your path to health.
The conditions that can affect your back are limitless. Sometimes you may be experiencing back pain because of a combination of factors and conditions. This is important to remember as you continue reading on this site. A diagnosis can only be made by a physician. Our clinic uses a comprehensive approach to assess and diagnose your condition with methods that may include tests such as x-rays and MRIs.
Spinal stenosis occurs when one or more areas of the spine narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This compression can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the extremities. Spinal stenosis can be caused by arthritis, or the degeneration of joints…
Sometimes referred to as slipped, ruptured or bulging disc, a herniated disc occurs when the jelly-like center, or nucleus, of your vertebrae pushes against the outer ring of the vertebrae causing back pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs. In some cases, if the disc is worn or injured, the nucleus may burst through the outer ring altogether…
Also referred to as a pinched nerve, radiculopathy is a compressed nerve in the spine. It is most commonly found in the cervical spine (neck area) or in the lumbar spine (lower back), although it can also be found in the thoracic spine (upper back) as well…
Neurogenic or spinal claudication is the impairment in walking caused by the narrowing of the nerve root canal (or spinal stenosis). Neurogenic claudication causes pain, cramping, discomfort, or weakness in the legs during walking…
Low back pain has multiple causes, many of which are discussed in detail in other sections of this website. It is primarily musculoskeletal (Tendinitis, bursitis, trigger points) in nature and can be acute or short term or chronic, lasting three months or more…
Myelopathy is compression of the spinal cord by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord), resulting in pinching of the spinal cord in the cervical or thoracic spinal regions. This can cause weakness, numbness, pain (radiculopathy), coordination issues, bowel or bladder dysfunction and changes in gait…
A normal, healthy disc cartilage primarily consists of water and protein, giving the disc a “white” appearance. With aging, however, much of the water in the cartilage is lost, causing the disc to become dehydrated or desiccated and giving it a “black” appearance…
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the bones in your spine slips forward. It may occur anywhere in the spine but most commonly occurs in the lower back. The two most common types of spondylolisthesis are degenerative spondylolisthesis and lytic spondylolisthesis…
Spondylolysis occurs when one of the vertebrae (usually the fifth lumbar vertebra) fractures. This fracture at the pars interarticularis (rear portion of the vertebra) is a very common cause of low back, occurring in adolescents and athletes due to hyperextension injuries but is often found as a genetic, inherited condition as well…
nduced fracture such as from a high-energy impact of an auto accident or fall, gunshot wound or sports-related injury…
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine often beginning in childhood. Symptoms of scoliosis include one shoulder or shoulder blade protruding more than the other, unevenness of the rib cage, waist, hips or legs. Scoliosis can have developmental, degenerative or congenital causes…
Kyphosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine causing a rounded, or hunchback appearance. A curve of more than 50 degrees is considered to be abnormal. Symptoms can include the rounded back, back pain, stiffness and tenderness, and fatigue…
Discitis is an inflammation of the disc space of usually the thoracic or lumbar spine found in adults but more commonly seen in children. It is a very painful condition and can be aggravated by moving the spine…
A spinal tumor is a growth of cells located in or around the spinal cord at any level. The tumor can be cancerous or noncancerous and can cause pain in the affected level as well as neurological problems including numbness…
Post Laminectomy Syndrome or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is a condition in which pain continues after spinal surgery, in the form of a fusion, laminectomy or discectomy. Symptoms include the same pain as before the surgery, dull aches and pains…
Cervicalgia is neck pain that does not radiate outward to the upper extremities or shoulders. Its symptoms can be chronic or acute and can include neck stiffness, aching, tenderness, pain upon movement and headaches. It can be treated with application…
The sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) and the pelvis. The sacroiliac joints are gliding joints and are surrounded by strong ligaments; they do not move much. Their main purpose…
Joint osteoarthritis results from excessive wear and tear on the normally slippery cartilage in joints over time. Without the protective cartilage, pain, stiffness and swelling ensue in the affected joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis…
The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is located in the pelvis; it links the iliac bones (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone). It is an essential component for shock absorption to prevent impact forces from…