General conditions of the spine

Conditions of the spinal column The spine is so important for support and movement that damage to the spinal column can disrupt even the simplest daily activities.

There are a number of factors that can cause back disorders and affect movement. As our bodies age, old injuries, habitual positions and movements can be costly to spine health and can influence disc degeneration. This section of the website addresses phenomena linked with the degeneration of the spine; it does not address spinal fractures or deformities.

A spinal disc shrinks when it degenerates, narrowing the space between the vertebrae and sometimes pinching nerves. This can cause pain at the site, and it can also cause symptoms in the parts of the body served by these nerves. People with spine degeneration may have low back pain or numbness that travels down one or both legs to the feet, possibly with a weak feeling in the leg muscles.

Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and to ease pain. Your doctor may also prescribe medication. This may resolve the issue; some problems and pain may continue.

Sometimes the pain will not go away, and there are a number of possible reasons for this.

Disc Degeneration

Over time, discs between the vertebrae can dry out and can no longer cushion and absorb shock in the spine. Degeneration triggers stenosis, the narrowing in the canal that protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. This may cause pain in the lower back or legs when walking or standing and be relieved by sitting or bending forward. (Fig. 1)

Stenosis of spinal column

Fig. 1 Stenosis

 

Disc Herniation

The disc between the vertebrae may rupture and protrude, which creates pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. (Fig. 2)

 

Disc herniation of the spinal column

Fig. 2 Disc Herniation

 

Sciatica

A herniated disc of the lumbar spine may cause pain along the sciatic nerve and radiate to the buttocks and to the back of the thigh.

Spondylolisthesis

The vertebrae may become out of line, with one or more vertebra becoming displaced, causing pressure on the nerves. (Fig 3.)

Spondylolisthesis of the spinal column

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Fig. 3 Spondylolisthesis

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