Back Pain

A herniated disc occurs when the soft core of a damaged disc protrudes through its outer wall, compressing nerves in the spine. This condition can severely affect flexibility and lead to significant pain.

Facet arthropathy (FA) is a painful arthritic condition impacting the facet joints of the spine, essential for bending, twisting, and alignment. Often linked to chronic lower back pain, FA arises from issues with ligaments, compression of spinal cord roots and the dura, and muscle disorders in the lower spine and facet joints.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread joint disorder affecting over 30 million individuals in the United States. It results from the deterioration of hyaline cartilage in fluid-filled joints, impacting the entire joint structure, including the adjacent bone and synovial membrane. Although the hands, hips, and knees are most frequently affected, any joint or bone, including those in the spine, can be susceptible.

Some patients may continue to experience pain even after a successful back surgery, a condition known as failed back syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome. This does not imply that the surgery was unsuccessful; rather, it indicates that the symptoms were not fully alleviated.

Sacroiliitis is a painful condition impacting the sacroiliac joints situated between the lower spine and pelvis. It leads to pain and stiffness in the buttocks or lower back, sometimes radiating to the legs. Activities like prolonged standing, sitting, or climbing stairs can exacerbate the discomfort.

Sciatica is pain that follows the sciatic nerve from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. It often results from a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal narrowing that compresses the nerve. Symptoms include sharp pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg, often affecting one side more. Sciatica can impact daily life, with treatments like physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery to relieve pressure.

Most spinal curvatures are harmless, but severe scoliosis can cause complications like organ pressure and chronic pain. Characterized by a sideways spine curve, it can make shoulders uneven and stress the hips and knees. Severe cases may form an 'S' or 'C' shape with possible spinal rotation. Diagnosed through exams and X-rays, mild scoliosis requires monitoring, while severe cases may need bracing or surgery. Understanding scoliosis is key to effective management and spinal health.

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, often caused by the degeneration of intervertebral discs and facet joints as we age. This process can lead to bone spurs and arthritis, compressing nerves and causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Recognizing these changes is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Spondylosis is characterized by a fracture in the thin bony bridge at the rear of a vertebra, often impacting the lumbar spine. While it can develop at any age, it is most prevalent among children and teenagers, whose bones are still growing.

This condition arises from irritation or compression of nerve roots in the lumbar spine, resulting in symptoms affecting the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. Sciatica, a possible outcome of lumbar radiculopathy, is caused by various issues with the bones and tissues of the lumbar spinal column.

Post fusion syndrome is the chronic pain some patients experience after spinal fusion surgery, which aims to stabilize the spine. Despite the surgery's intent to relieve pain, individuals may face persistent symptoms like pain, stiffness, and limited mobility due to factors such as inadequate healing or scar tissue. Understanding this syndrome is essential for managing expectations and considering further treatments.