The Different Types of Spinal Conditions That Are Diagnosed Today
If you’ve been dealing with spinal pain, you’re not alone! Lower back pain is incredibly common. So says the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
You don’t have to continue to suffer. You can find your way back to optimal health. When it comes to spinal conditions, there are plenty of treatment options.
The healthcare industry offers both surgical and nonsurgical options to treat spinal conditions. Wondering what condition you may be dealing with?
Read on to learn about a few of the most common spine disorders and conditions.
Sciatica
When your sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, you suffer from sciatica. The sciatic nerve is on both sides of your lower body. If you have sciatica you will feel a pinching sensation and pain, commonly in your hip or buttocks area.
Aside from pain, you may feel the following:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Shooting pain down one leg
- Trouble walking
You can work with a spine surgeon to come up with a treatment plan. This can be nonsurgical or surgical treatment. Pain medication or oral steroids can help you with sciatica.
You can also consider cortisol spinal injections. Surgical options include a microdiscectomy or laminectomy which helps decompress the nerve area.
Herniated Disc
Your vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs. These are tiny gel-like pillows that help absorb impact between our bones. When one of these discs breaks open, it leaks the gel-like cushioning into your spinal canal.
The disc will often collapse after rupturing. This can lead to pinched nerves.
You’ll usually feel pain in your lower spine. This is the area that has to bear the weight of your upper body, so you’ll usually have a herniated disc in this area. You could also get a herniated disk in your neck area.
You have different options to treat a herniated disc:
- Physical therapy, combined with bed rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication or epidural injections
- Artificial disc replacement
- Microdiscectomy
Depending on your pain levels and needs, you can work with a spinal surgeon. Together you can decide which treatment will work best for you.
Scoliosis
Spine curvature or scoliosis can be a source of pain. You’ll feel stiffness and pain in your lower back and tend to lean forward when sitting. You may also feel pinched nerves or tingling in your lower back.
Your spine surgeon will work with your first on pain management. You may want to use pain relievers and anti-inflammatory injections. Usually, scoliosis does not require surgery.
You can do physical therapy, yoga, massage, and stretching first. If it does not improve, you may want to undergo surgeries to decompress the area. Another option is an osteotomy, in which parts of your vertebra are removed to create a new spinal angle.
Find Alleviation for Your Spinal Conditions
Suffering from spinal conditions isn’t necessary. You have surgical and non-surgical options regardless of your condition.
From spine curvature to spinal disorders, you can find relief. Say goodbye to lower back pain and hello to better health.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other health and fitness articles on the site.
