Degenerative Disc Disease is a general term for the wear and tear that occurs in the disc pads of the spine. This process is part of normal aging, but can cause acute pain and spasm…
Stenosis is a term that means “narrowing.” Arthritis develops slowly over time in the joints of the spine. As the joints become enlarged, they crowd or narrow the spinal canal where the spinal nerves live….
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people around the world. It’s sometimes known as “wear and tear” arthritis as it worsens with time and age. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint…
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward onto the vertebrae below it. This produces both a gradual deformity of the lower spine and also a narrowing of the vertebral canal.
The disk is a pad between the bones of the spine. It is helpful to think of them as a jelly donut. When the nucleus or “jelly” bulges out, it can pinch a nerve in…
The vertebra bones of the spine can fracture. This is more common with a fall in the elderly population. Fractures are treated with braces until the bone heals. These types usually do not need a…
Stress fractures of the vertebra in the low back are most common in young athletes with repetitive backward bending activity or loading of the spine. Gymnasts and football players who do heavy deadlifts are particularly…
Scoliosis refers to abnormal curvature of the spine. This is most common in girls between the ages of 10 and 15. Slight curves can be treated with bracing until the child is done growing. If…