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A compression fracture most commonly occurs when one or more vertebrae collapse, for example, due to weakness from osteoporosis, when bones become porous and brittle. Compression fractures can also be a result of trauma.

Resting between the vertebrae of your spine are discs — strong, pliable cushions that act as shock absorbers and facilitate spinal movement. Disc herniation implies the circumstance where the outer wall of the disc ruptures and extrudes outside of its normal position, compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. Disc herniation can be caused by:

• Degeneration or aging of the spine
• Unhealthy lifestyle choices (obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption)
• Trauma
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms of a herniated disc can include:

• Neck or lower back pain
• Numbness or pain in a limb
• Muscle weakness and/ or spasms

Degenerative disc disease results from a long-term wear of the intervertebral disc, the cushion between the bony structures of the spine. The disc itself loses its shock-absorbing properties and diminishes in height and integrity. Repeated friction between the structures can create bone spur formation and narrowing causing pain in the neck or back, sometimes radiating through the limbs.

Myelopathy results from spinal cord compression, which is commonly caused by degenerative changes or herniation of a disc in the cervical (neck) or thoracic spine (mid-back). Myelopathy can occur at any age, but most often occurs in older patients and can cause the following symptoms:

• Weakness or heaviness in the arms or legs
• Pain in the neck or mid-back with radiation to the limbs
• Difficulty performing fine motor skills such as writing or grasping small objects
• Spasticity or stiffness in upper or lower extremities
• Numbness or tingling in the upper or lower extremities
• Difficulty walking or feeling unsteady
• Loss of bowel or bladder function in very severe cases

The term scoliosis is associated with spinal deformity where the spine is curved unnaturally toward the right and/or left side of the body, often in the shape of an “S” or a “C.” While generally a natural phenomenon in the aging process related to degeneration of the spine, genetics can play a role. We offer pediatric and adolescent scoliosis surgery as well.

A spine tumor is a growth that develops within or near the spinal cord or spinal column. These growths can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Whether cancerous or not, a spinal tumor can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots resulting in pain.

A synovial cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops due to degeneration of the spinal joints (facets) over time. These cysts are benign but can cause narrowing (spinal stenosis).

There are many causes of spine problems. Common injuries, including disc herniations that compress nerves in the neck or lumbar spine, can happen as part of the normal aging process. More serious problems, including tumors, a collapse of the spinal column, and infections, can also occur. Trauma from accidents or falls can cause fractures and nerve compression, which may require surgical attention.

The warning signs you should look for include severe neck or back pain that doesn’t subside with rest or over-the-counter medications, and severe pain in either the arm or leg that doesn’t go away.

Yes, regular exercise, specifically focusing on core stability and sustaining muscle strength can help protect the spine from injury. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking can also be beneficial in reducing the risk of spinal complications.

Back pain is common and can be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. If pain persists for longer than two weeks, or if there is pain, numbness, tingling, or a sense of weakness in the arms or legs, it is time to see a doctor. The diagnostic process begins with an MRI to assess the severity of the issue, and then treatment options are discussed.

These injuries are often treated similarly at first, using anti-inflammatory medications, heat, ice, stretching, and physical therapy, if needed. If you develop numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the arms or legs, the injury could be a nerve issue resulting from a herniated disk.

Surgery is sometimes necessary if someone experiences severe pain or movement limitations or significant weakness or numbness. In many cases, patients have tried conservative treatments of physical therapy and injections without success. Surgery can be a good option in these circumstances to ease pain, restore function and improve mobility and help the patient resume normal activities.

Many spine-related injuries improve without surgical intervention. Physical therapy and core-strengthening exercises can be effective in reducing symptoms. Steroid injections can also help with pain management.

Though often successful, traditional spine surgery can involve extensive muscle manipulation at the injury site. This results in a longer recovery process that impacts your mobility, and can increase risks for infection and blood loss.

Minimally invasive spine surgery involves much smaller incisions and techniques that minimize trauma to the supporting tissues of the spine such as muscles. This type of surgery allows you to mobilize quickly after surgery and lowers the risk of complications and infections. Our specialized team ensures that the most advanced techniques are accessible to you.

Depending on the specific problem and circumstance of the spinal injury, you could be a potential candidate for minimally invasive procedures. Our providers work with patients to determine the best course of treatment.

We treat a range of conditions that affect the spine, from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Common procedures include:

• Removing disc herniations
• Disc replacement procedures
• Fusion surgeries
• Treating complex conditions, including tumors, infections, and deformities

Maintaining the function of the spine is an important long-term consideration for patients requiring spinal surgery. In some fusion surgery cases, patients may need additional surgery to address changes at adjacent levels in the spine after the procedure. Fortunately, spine surgeons have developed prosthesis devices that help preserve the motion of the cervical and lumbar spine and decrease future adjacent level deterioration. These devices can be an alternative option to maximize mobility for appropriately selected patients.

Artificial disc replacement involves placing plastic or metal discs during surgery to allow for continued motion at the procedure site. The devices are long-lasting and minimize the strain on the areas above and below the injury. If you are a candidate for this treatment, this procedure is often the preferred method.

Minimally invasive surgeries allow you to be mobile more quickly than traditional procedures. In many cases, patients are out of bed within a day or two after these types of surgeries. Generally, these patients can resume normal activities in four to six weeks, though physical therapy is sometimes recommended to help rebuild muscle strength.

More complicated procedures, including fusions, require longer recovery times, and it can take patients more than six months to return to sports or other vigorous activities. However, these patients can often begin light exercise, such as walking, soon after the procedure if their provider has cleared them.

Patients can often return to their usual exercise regimens and activities after follow-up appointments that determine if they are healing appropriately. Following more intensive procedures, such as fusions, tumor surgeries, or operations for trauma or scoliosis, patients may be limited from participating in high-impact exercising or intense sports. In general, most surgical patients are not required to make any lifestyle changes after a full recovery.

In the treatment of the spine, both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons complete similar work, including decompression of the spinal cord and nerves and placing instrumentation in the spine for disc replacement and fusion procedures. Neurosurgeons also typically perform brain surgery and are trained to remove tumors of the nerves and spinal cord. Both orthopedic and neurosurgeons have fellowship or subspecialty training in spine surgery.