Back pain and spine problems affect millions of people in the United States every year. Many people deal with daily pain, trouble moving, and a lower quality of life because of these issues. Thankfully, new developments in spine surgery and medical care provide effective ways to treat these problems. Spine surgeons are doctors who focus on finding and treating serious spine conditions.
Do you live in Lone Tree, Colorado, and are you dealing with ongoing back or neck pain? This article will explain five common problems that local spine surgeons can help treat.
1. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in the spine become narrower. This narrowing puts pressure on the nerves that run through the spine. It often occurs as people get older and their bodies go through natural wear and tear.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness, and trouble walking. Many people in Lone Tree with spinal stenosis feel pain in their lower back or neck. This pain can get worse during physical activity or when standing for a long time.
How Is It Treated?
Doctors use different treatments depending on how severe the condition is. For mild cases, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines, and steroid injections can help.
For more serious cases, surgery might be needed to take pressure off the nerves. The usual approaches are procedures like laminectomy or laminotomy. These surgeries create more space in the spinal canal, which eases nerve pressure and improves movement.
2. Herniated Discs
Herniated discs are also sometimes called “slipped discs.” They develop when the soft, jelly-like center of a disc pushes through its tough outer layer. Discs in the spine act like cushions, helping to absorb shocks and keep the spine flexible.
Common Symptoms
This condition often affects the lower back or neck. It can cause pain, weakness, or numbness that spreads to your arms or legs. Everyday actions like bending over or sneezing may make the symptoms worse.
How Is It Treated?
Doctors usually start with simple treatments to reduce pain and improve movement. Rest, physical therapy, and pain-relieving medications are often the first steps.
If these methods do not help, surgery might be needed. A common surgical option is microdiscectomy. This minimally invasive spinal surgery removes the part of the herniated disc pressing on a nerve.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease happens when the discs between your spine’s bones lose water and flexibility over time. These discs act as cushions, and as they age, they can wear down, causing discomfort.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease can be different for each person. Some may feel constant back pain or pain that spreads to the legs. Others might notice that certain movements, like bending or twisting, make the pain worse. Even though the word “disease” may sound serious, the condition is a common reason for back pain with aging.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment often starts with non-surgical methods to ease discomfort. This includes treatments like physical therapy, managing weight, and using anti-inflammatory medicines.
If these methods do not work, surgery might be needed. Options include:
- Spinal fusion, where two bones are joined together to reduce movement
- Artificial disc replacement to restore flexibility
These surgeries aim to stabilize the spine and help reduce pain. They allow patients to feel more comfortable and get back to their daily activities.
4. Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures can result from traumatic injuries, such as car accidents, falls, or sports-related impacts. These fractures can vary in severity, from small compression fractures to more severe burst fractures.
Common Symptoms
Patients with spinal fractures often experience sudden, severe pain in the affected area. This ache is usually accompanied by swelling and a decreased range of motion. If the spinal cord is also affected, there may also be numbness, tingling, or paralysis below the fracture point.
How are They Treated?
Spine surgeons treat spinal fractures based on the severity and location of the injury. Minor fractures may only require a brace, pain management, and rest for healing. More complex and unstable fractures might need surgery like vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, or spinal fusion. These procedures aim to stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and prevent future complications.
5. Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe conditions treated by spine surgeons. These injuries often result from significant trauma, such as from car accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
Common Symptoms
They can cause partial or complete loss of sensation and mobility below the site of the injury.
Spinal cord injuries require immediate medical attention to minimize damage.
How Is It Treated?
Surgeons often stabilize the spine using hardware like rods, plates, or screws. This prevents further injury and improves overall spinal alignment. Surgical procedures cannot always fully restore function after a spinal cord injury. However, they are crucial in preventing secondary complications and improving quality of life.
Rehab, physical therapy, and advanced technologies like spinal stimulators can further aid recovery.
The Best Spine Surgeon in Lone Tree, CO
Spinal problems can make daily life difficult, but experienced spine surgeons can help you find lasting solutions. Getting expert care is an important step toward feeling better and moving more easily. Are you looking for the best spine surgeon in Lone Tree, CO? At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our experienced spine surgeons are here to help. We specialize in treating spinal conditions, offering both non-surgical and surgical solutions.
If you or a loved one is dealing with back or neck pain, do not wait any longer to seek expert care. Call us today at (303) 790-1800 or visit our website to request a consultation. We are here to help you take the first step toward a pain-free life. We also perform spine surgery in Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Castle Rock.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352966
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12768-herniated-disk
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16912-degenerative-disk-disease
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17498-spinal-fractures
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12098-spinal-cord-injury
