Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the space within your spine narrows, which can pinch the nerves that travel through that space, causing nerve pain. Because of this, patients often experience a pinching sensation, leading to pain, muscle weakness, and numbness or tingling. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and neck in adults 50 and older. Considered a wear-and-tear type of degenerative condition, spinal stenosis may slowly develop over time as a person ages. It ... [Read More]
Archives for June 2019
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
We tend to think of slippage in the spine in regards to a slipped disc, but spondylolisthesis is when a vertebral bone slips out of alignment in the spine. The farther down it slips, the more discomfort and effects it can cause. If the vertebra places pressure on an adjacent nerve, it can cause a lot of pain. Many people with spondylolisthesis do not even realize they have it, as they remain asymptomatic. When symptoms do happen, they usually manifest as lower back pain that radiates and ... [Read More]
All About Artificial Discs
A person’s back consists of many different parts with different functions. One of these is the intervertebral discs, which are spongy cushions that both connect and separate the block-like bones of the spine. These discs also help protect the spinal cord. Discs serve as shock absorbers; they act as strong ligaments that hold each set of two adjacent vertebrae together in the spine. Also, discs are somewhat flexible to allow for a certain amount of mobility in the spinal column. Like any p ... [Read More]
Discectomy
When a spinal disc’s internal soft material has spilled out of the harder outer shell, it can cause a feeling of constant pressure and pain. This condition has many names: herniated disc, slipped disc, ruptured disc, bulging disc, and disc prolapse – and if the pain becomes chronic and unbearable, a discectomy may be in order. This type of spinal surgery involves removing the portion of the vertebral disc that is pressing against your nerve and causing the pain. It is most helpful if the pain ... [Read More]
