Common Spine Issues Worth Watching Out

The spine is a major organ that supports your body’s weight and protects your spinal cord and nerve roots. Unfortunately, the spine is prone to various health problems, including spinal cord damage caused by injury or disease, such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis. Alliance Spine Associates, LLC helps treat all forms of spine problems. So, if you are battling any problem with your spine, it is crucial to seek professional help

The spinal cord sends messages from the brain and other body parts, including muscles and organs. It is in charge of reflexes, such as coughing or sneezing, and transmits signals to control movement. An injured spine can cause pain and loss of function in the arms and legs (peripheral nervous system). The injuries may also cause problems with bowel and bladder function.

Below is a list of other spine problems that require medical attention.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis causes the spine to bend on one or both sides. The main cause is abnormal growth in kids, which normally starts between 10 to 11 years. Scoliosis leads to back pain and can escalate to something else if not treated. If you are showing any symptoms of scoliosis, a spine specialist can recommend stretches and exercises to reverse the effects. However, if the condition is severe, surgery may be opted for.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by thinner and weaker bones. It can cause a vertebra to break or collapse, the bones forming the spine. If you happen to collapse, it can press on the spinal cord or nerves running through it. This can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or paralysis in your arms or legs.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a common cause of back pain. A herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the buttocks to the legs. Pain from sciatica causes numbness and weakness and shooting pain down the legs in one or both legs. Sciatica can improve with time and exercise, but it can take weeks or months to resolve completely.

Lumbar stenosis

Lumbar stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal (the space where nerves pass through) in your lower back. Narrowing of this canal often occurs with aging and can cause sciatica symptoms if pressure builds up on one or more nerves in your back due to this narrowing.

Disc herniation or degeneration

A disc herniation occurs when one or more soft gel-like discs between vertebrae tear or rupture, causing them to push against nerves in your spine. Herniated discs can press on nerves anywhere in your spine, from your neck down to your lower back, causing pain and numbness.

If you are experiencing pain in the back, neck, or any spine-related condition, seeking the right diagnosis and treatment plan is vital so the experts can help relieve your pain and improve mobility. Your doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms and examine your spine carefully and provide the right treatment. For help with spine problems, contact Alliance Spine Associates, LLC experts.