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…
Read MoreLumbar stenosis is the narrowing of the spine in the lower back. It is most commonly caused by aging, when the disc degenerates and loses water content. This results in the space between the discs in the vertebrae settling or collapsing causing symptoms in the lower back or legs…
Read MoreSometimes 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…
Read MoreSymptoms of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine (or lower back) can range from low back pain as an early symptom followed by leg pain, numbness, or weakness…
Read MoreNeurogenic 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…
Read MoreLow 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…
Read MoreMusculoskeletal pain affects the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and nerves and can be characterized by tenderness, stiffness, localized or widespread pains and aches, as well as muscle burning and fatigue. Among its causes are injury, repetitive motion and poor posture…
Read MoreA 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…
Read MoreSpondylolisthesis 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…
Read MoreAs we age and the spine begins to dry out and weaken, the discs in the spine can lose height, become stiff, and begin to bulge. As arthritis develops, it weakens the joints and ligaments that hold the vertebrae in place…
Read MoreSpondylolytic spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the vertebrae in the spine slips forward as a result of a break. This most often occurs in the lumbar area of the spine. The fracture most often occurs during adolescence and goes unnoticed until adulthood…
Read MoreSpondylolysis 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…
Read Morenduced fracture such as from a high-energy impact of an auto accident or fall, gunshot wound or sports-related injury…
Read MoreAs we get older, our bones thin and our bone strength decreases. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become very weak and more likely to break. It often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a bone breaks…
Read MoreA burst fracture is a type of spinal injury in which a vertebrae breaks from a high-energy axial (Vertical) load (car accidents or falls from height), with all or pieces of the vertebra pushed into surrounding tissues and sometimes the spinal canal…
Read MoreScoliosis 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…
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