Common Spine Disorders: Diagnosing and Treating Back Pain
Having back problems is one of the most common health issues. Whether you are experiencing a dull ache or a sharp, radiating pain, spine disorders can impact our quality of life significantly by reducing mobility and comfort. The spine is made up of bones, discs, nerves, and muscles that all work together to support the body. When seeking a diagnosis and treatment, it is essential to understand the various spine disorders you may have.
Understanding Spine Anatomy
Before educating yourself on the various spine disorders, it is helpful to understand the basic anatomy of the spine. The spine, also known as the vertebral column, is the primary support structure of the body, allowing us to stand upright, bend, and twist. Its most important job, though, is to protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a vital component of the nervous system, carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
The spine is divided into five parts:
- Cervical Spine (C-spine or Neck): The cervical spine, commonly referred to as the C-spine or neck, consists of 7 vertebrae that work together to support the head and allow for neck movement.
- Thoracic Spine (T-spine or Upper Back): The T-spine has 12 vertebrae that attach to the ribcage and provide stability and protection.
- Lumbar Spine (L-spine or Lower Back): The L-spine is composed of 5 vertebrae that work to bear most of the body’s weight.
- Sacrum: The sacrum is a triangular bone composed of 5 fused vertebrae that connects the spine to the pelvis.
- Coccyx (Tailbone): The tailbone is a four-vertebrae structure that is fused together at the very end of the spine.
Intervertebral discs are located between the vertebrae of the spine and act as a cushion to absorb shock. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles provide strength, stability, and flexibility.
Understanding the basic anatomy will later help you understand which disorders affect specific regions of the spine and provide more insight into the exact type of pain you may be experiencing.
Common Spine Disorders
Back problems can come from various spine disorders that can affect anyone, regardless of age. Here are some of the most common spine disorders that cause back pain:
- Herniated Disc: This condition, also commonly known as a slipped disc, occurs when the soft inner part of a spinal disc protrudes through the outer layer.
- Causes: Wear and tear due to age, improper lifting mechanics, and trauma.
- Symptoms: Sharp pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs.
- Where in the Spine: Typically in the L-spine and C-spine.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which then causes compression of the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.
- Causes: aging, arthritis, or thickened ligaments.
- Symptoms: Pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or cramping when walking or standing for long periods.
- Where in the spine: Mainly the L-spine and C-spine.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: This spinal disorder occurs when the disc loses hydration and flexibility, resulting in reduced cushioning between the vertebrae.
- Causes: Aging, wear and tear, repetitive stress, and injury.
- Chronic neck or back pain that worsens with increased movement or prolonged sitting.
- Where in the Spine: L-spine and C-spine are the most common.
- Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed.
- Causes: Herniated disc or spinal stenosis pressing on the sciatic nerve.
- Symptoms: Sharp, shooting pain in the buttock or upper leg, numbness, or weakness.
- Where in the Spine: The sciatic nerve is located in the lumbar and sacral region of the spine.
- Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine.
- Causes: Scoliosis can be present at birth or develop later in life, with no known specific causes.
- Symptoms: Uneven shoulders or hips, or back pain.
- Where in the Spine: Curvature can appear throughout the spine, but more commonly in the T and L-spine.
Diagnosing Spine Disorders
Before beginning treatment, a proper diagnosis needs to be made. Depending on your doctor, you may need to undergo diagnostic imaging (such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan), a physical examination, and neurological assessments. Here is what you can expect when figuring out your diagnosis:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: Often, the first step in finding a diagnosis is to review your medical history in detail and undergo a physical examination. This may include checking your posture, spine alignment, range of motion, and reflexes.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Your doctor may order imaging to get a closer look at the bones, discs, and soft tissue. The most common diagnostic imaging used to diagnose spine disorders is:
- X-rays: Used to detect bone fractures or abnormalities.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Ideal for examining soft tissues, such as the discs, nerves, and ligaments, in greater detail.
- CT (Computed Tomography): Offers cross-sectional images.
- DEXA Scan: Useful to assess bone health or conditions like osteoporosis.
- Neurological Assessment: Because back problems can affect nerves, doctors may perform a neurological assessment to evaluate muscle strength, reflex response, sensation, coordination, and balance.
These studies will help the doctor understand your condition in more detail, allowing them to make a proper diagnosis, so you can take the necessary steps to receive treatments for your back pain.
Treatments for Spine Disorders and Back Pain
Depending on the disorder, severity, and your overall health, the treatment you receive can vary. In most cases, surgery is avoided, and less invasive treatment is recommended to provide relief and improve function.
- Non-Surgical Treatments: For mild to moderate cases, many physicians recommend trying non-surgical treatments first, as they are non-invasive to the patient. Here are a few common treatments:
- Physical therapy to strengthen core muscles and relieve pressure on the spine.
- Medications like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or muscle relaxants.
- Lifestyle changes, such as weight management and posture improvement, can reduce strain on the spine.
- Minimally Invasive Treatments: After trying more conservative treatments, you may need to consider minimally invasive options if you haven’t found the proper relief.
- Epidural Steroid Injection: Reduces inflammation and relieves nerve-related pain.
- Facet Joint Injections/Nerve Blocks: Targets pain from arthritic joints or compressed nerves.
- Radio frequency Ablation: Heat is used to relieve nerve pain.
- Surgical Treatments: Surgery is an option for severe cases where conservative and minimally invasive treatments have not worked.
- Discectomy: Removal of a herniated disc.
- Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Spinal Fusion: Joins vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: Replaces a damaged disc to preserve motion.
Book a New Patient Appointment with JOI to discuss Spine Disorders
Are you currently seeking effective ways to alleviate your back pain? Our dedicated team of JOI doctors are here to help. We understand how debilitating back pain can be, and we are committed to providing you with the care you need. Contact us today so we can initiate the next steps in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating your back pain, helping you get back to your daily activities.