Sometimes called a “bulging disc” or “protruding disc”, a herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc’s gelatinous substance protrudes, often into the spinal canal. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers in the spine, allow the spine to remain flexible, and absorb the weight of our daily activities. A disc herniation occurs when the fibrous ligament enclosing the disc tears.
The spinal cord carries nerve impulses to corresponding areas of the arms, shoulders, chest and legs. Cervical Myelopathy occurs when these nerve impulses are interrupted and neurological functions are impaired. This condition has a variety of causes including trauma to the spine, infection, inflammation, tumor, degenerative spinal conditions and herniated discs.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is not a condition in and of itself but rather a common term used to describe other spinal conditions. DDD can represent one single spinal condition or a combination of several spinal conditions occurring simultaneously.
Foot drop is the inability to lift the front part of the foot when walking, causing the toe and front foot to drag while walking. Foot drop can affect one or both feet simultaneously and can arise at any age.
Low back pain is caused by injury to a muscle (strain) or ligament (sprain). Common causes include improper lifting, poor posture, lack of regular exercise, fracture, ruptured disk, or arthritis.
A condition which refers to a problem with the rubbery disc between the spinal bones (vertebrae). This condition occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing.
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the Sciatic Nerve. This nerve begins in the lumbar spine and extends into the hips, buttocks and down each leg. A classic sign of Sciatica is radiating pain along the hip and into the leg. Generally, Sciatica will only affect only one side of your body. Standing, sitting, coughing, sneezing or sudden movements may aggravate this condition and cause a sharp pain along the Sciatic nerve.
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine. Scoliosis occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. The underlying cause of most cases of Scoliosis is unknown.
Spinal Stenosis is narrowing of the canal that houses the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. This narrowing can result in pressure or irritation of the spinal cord or nerve roots. Spinal stenosis most often occurs as a result of the aging process but can also be caused by trauma or arthritis.
Spinal cord injury results from trauma to the spinal cord. Precipitating factors include accident, sports injury, fall or other traumatic incidents. Spinal cord injuries may either be acute or slowly progressive. Symptoms may worsen over time if left untreated.
A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord and/or spinal column. These cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, seemingly unchecked by the mechanisms that control normal cells. Spinal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one spinal vertebra slips abnormally over the vertebra below. In some cases, this may lead to your spinal cord or nerve roots being pinched or irritated. Spondylolisthesis can be caused by a variety of factors and is often seen in athletes and children who engage in impact sports.