Spine Conditions

Understanding the Different Spine Conditions And The Treatments Available To You

Southlake Orthopaedics offers multi-specialty orthopedic services for patients throughout Central Alabama. With a team of knowledgeable board-certified physicians, Southlake Orthopaedics is proud to provide coordinated care, from diagnosis and conservative treatments to surgery and rehabilitation. At our two locations in Birmingham and Hoover, AL, patients can receive treatment for a wide range of acute and degenerative spine conditions. We also treat neck pain, not associated with cervical spine conditions, which may be caused by muscle strains or other soft tissue injuries.

COMMON SPINE CONDITIONS

Common Spine Conditions Requiring Orthopedic Care

Some of the conditions that the multi-level specialists at Southlake Orthopaedics treat include:

Acute, Mechanical, Neck Pain

When a patient feels episodes of pain that continue for less than three months, this is called acute, mechanical neck pain. This type of spine condition includes patients who do not have a neurological injury that may be inducing neck pain. Patients can achieve relief from this kind of pain using over-the-counter medications. Physicians may also recommend that patients receive ample rest to heal from their condition.

If a patient’s condition worsens or affects their ability to complete everyday tasks, physicians can utilize nonsurgical treatments. Nonsurgical treatments can come in the form of:

Physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Prescription medications
Injections

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

Commonly referred to as a pinched nerve, cervical radiculopathy is a condition that develops when a nerve root in the neck becomes compressed and inflamed. Symptoms include neck pain that radiates into the arms or hands, muscle weakness, and numbness. Most cases of cervical radiculopathy resolve with conservative treatments like rest, pain medication, and physical therapy.

Cervical Spine Fractures

A car accident, fall, or other injury can cause a fracture in one of the seven vertebrae in the cervical spine. Older patients may also develop compression fractures as the spine begins to weaken and lose height. Cervical spine fractures can cause neck pain, stiffness, and swelling. Treatment will depend on the type of fracture.

Fracture of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

The lumbar and thoracic spine regions are essential for sending nerve signals from the brain. They are the pathways that lead from the brain, which allow nerve signals to disperse throughout the body. If a patient experiences a fracture in the thoracic or lumbar spine area, they must seek medical attention right away. As the condition worsens, patients can experience symptoms like numbness or muscle weakness and potentially even a loss of control of their bladder or bowel.

Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck)

Abnormal wear and tear on the vertebrae and discs in the cervical spine (neck) can lead to spondylosis, the medical term for arthritis of the spine. Patients with cervical spondylosis may have chronic neck pain and stiffness. Other symptoms include:

Headaches
Numbness or muscle weakness in the arms or hands
A grinding or clicking sensation when turning the neck
Difficulty maintaining balance

Degeneration of the spinal discs is a normal part of the aging process, and some patients don’t experience any symptoms. For those who do, treatment options include physical therapy, pain medications, steroid injections, and surgery.

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) or Spinal Cord Compression

Also known as spinal cord compression, CSM is a type of spinal cord damage caused by degeneration of the vertebrae and discs in the neck. Symptoms can include numbness and weakness in the hands, balance problems, and leg stiffness. CSM may require decompression or fusion surgery to prevent further damage to the spinal cord.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As a person ages, the rubbery discs that cushion the spinal vertebrae start to dry out and break down. That can lead to pain in the neck or lower back that may be worse when the person bends the spine or sits for long periods. Depending on the severity of symptoms, degenerative disc disease may be treated with physical therapy, medication, corticosteroid injections, or surgery.

Herniated Disc

Intervertebral discs have a tough outer ring of cartilage and a jelly-like nucleus. When a disc herniates, the outer ring can rupture, causing the nucleus to bulge out. The disc may press up against surrounding nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Herniated discs are most common in the neck and lower back. Often, a period of rest followed by physical therapy can relieve herniated disc symptoms.

Osteoporosis

More common among women than men, osteoporosis is a progressive disease in which bones become weaker and more likely to fracture. Many patients do not realize they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. Treatments for osteoporosis can include supplements and medications to improve bone density and slow the pace of bone mass loss. Southlake Orthopaedics has a dedicated Osteoporosis Clinic to provide patient education and personalized treatment plans.

Scoliosis

An abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, scoliosis is often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. However, adults can develop a form of this condition known as degenerative scoliosis as the joints in the spine begin to break down. Patients with scoliosis may have uneven hips or shoulders, or one side of their ribcage may jut forward. Children with scoliosis often do not need interventional treatments and are monitored as they grow, though some pediatric patients may need to wear a brace. Adults with scoliosis are usually encouraged to manage their symptoms with healthy lifestyle changes like exercising, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause pain, numbness, or a pins and needles sensation. Spinal stenosis can develop as a result of osteoarthritis, bone spurs, or an acute injury. Steroid injections and anti-inflammatory pain medications can treat spinal stenosis symptoms, but some patients will need surgical intervention if they are at risk of nerve damage.

Spondylolysis (Spondylolisthesis)

This condition is a type of stress fracture occurring in the pars interarticularis, a thin piece of bone that connects two spinal vertebrae. It is a common injury that often develops in athletes who play contact sports. Spondylolysis can also happen to children and teens when they are going through a growth spurt. It can cause lower back pain that radiates into the buttocks and thighs. Rest, bracing, and physical therapy can help reduce symptoms while the pars interarticularis heals.

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Spine Condition Treatments and Services

Southlake Orthopaedics is proud to deliver comprehensive orthopedic care from diagnosis to surgery to rehabilitation. Whatever type of orthopedic care you need, our board-certified physicians have experience with every subspecialty. Committed to compassionate and personalized patient care, Southlake Orthopaedics has built trust among patients in central Alabama for complete orthopedics services.

Find Relief for Spine Conditions at Southlake Orthopaedics

Patients can find advanced care for a wide range of degenerative spine conditions at Southlake Orthopaedics. With locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, Southlake Orthopaedics is led by board-certified physicians who offer comprehensive orthopedic care. Committed to ‘Less Pain, More Living,’ our medical team develops personalized treatment plans for each patient. For more information about treatment options for common spine conditions, contact us today.