Spine Conditions
A healthy spine or vertebral column provides support for the body and protection for the spinal cord. It also allows you to move freely because of the three natural curves of the spine which keep your body balanced. Strong, flexible muscles and ligaments support the spine and keep the curves in normal alignment. Spine problems often start because of poor posture and/or sedentary lifestyle. Moving incorrectly also puts extra stress on the spine and discs.
The bones, or vertebrae, are stacked one on top of each other. Soft, cushioning discs, which act as shock absorbers, are located between each vertebrae allowing the spine to bend and move. The discs are made of a tough outer lining called the annulus, and a jelly-like center called the nucleus. The movement of fluid within the nucleus allows your vertebrae to rock back and forth on your discs, giving you the flexibility to bend and move. The shape, size and flexibility of your discs change throughout the day.
When the normal curvature of the spine is changed, there may be excess stress on structures, such as the bones, ligaments and discs. Disc degeneration occurs because of a gradual and progressive loss of water content in the nucleus of the disc. The result is a loss of elasticity, the disc becomes narrow and the vertebrae shift closer together, and causing compression to the nerve. Worn out or injured discs can lead to a variety of other spine and disc problems. The most common problems happen when discs tear, bulge or extrude, losing their ability to cushion and absorb shock. The rest of the spine may degenerate leading to pain, stiffness and other symptoms.
Other spinal conditions that may require surgery are:
- Spinal stenosis occurs when the vertebral canal, nerve root canals or intervertebral foramina narrows causing irritation of the nearby nerves, congenital or due to spinal degeneration.
- Bone spurs can develop, which can encroach upon, or narrow the spinal canal or spinal foramen.
- Scoliosis is a lateral, or side to side, curvature of the spine, which can lead to disc degeneration and/or compression of the internal organs. Spondylolisthesis (a slippage) – is a displacement of one spinal vertebrae compared to another.
Surgery may be necessary to help correct any of these conditions. When this is the case, it is important to remember that proper exercise and good body mechanics will help your spine to heal and significantly reduce the risk of further injury
Spine Conditions Treated
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Back to Driving Spine
"Procedure: Complex Spinal Surgery Watching TV, taking long walks, getting up out of a ..."
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Back to Enjoying Life Spine
"Procedure: Spinal fusion Jonathan Dibiasi and his family love spending time at their ..."
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Back to Running Spine, Sports Medicine
"“I can’t believe I’m walking, let alone running,” says car crash survivor, seven-time ..."
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Back to Savoring Every Day Hand & Wrist, Spine
"Procedures: Spinal Surgery: January 16, 2017; Right Wrist Fusion: January 12, 2018 ..."
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Back to Painting Spine
"Procedure : Multi-level Spinal Fusion At age 69, lifelong professional artist ..."
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Back to Wearing Cowboy Boots Spine
"For two years, Sally Greer spent most of her time on her couch, and gained 130 pounds ..."
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Back to Being Healthy Spine
"I would like to get a message to a couple of your staff members and their supervisor. ..."
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Back to Dancing Spine
"For the past decade, Irvine aerospace engineer Shoja’s zest for life led him to grace ..."
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Back to a Better Life Spine
"I had spine surgery by Dr. Richard Lee on January 3rd. It appears to have been been ..."
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