Neck & Spine

Lumbar Disc Herniation

A lumbar disc herniation is one of the most frequent causes of lower back and leg pain. It is common for the discs in your lower back to weaken over time, leading to the soft inner material pushing out through the disc’s outer layer. When this happens, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain that may radiate down into your legs.

Approximately 80% of people will experience some form of lower back pain during their life, and lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common reasons for that pain.

Symptoms:

• Sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back down into your leg
• A tingling sensation, often described as “pins and needles,” that radiates down the leg
• Weakness in the leg or foot, which can affect your ability to walk or stand

Lumbar Spondylosis (Low Back Arthritis)

As you age, the joints in your spine can undergo the same wear-and-tear that affects other joints in your body, such as your knees or hips. Lumbar spondylosis refers to arthritis in the lower back, where the cartilage in the facet joints breaks down over time. Without this protective cartilage, the bones can rub together, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited movement.

Symptoms:

• Persistent lower back pain, especially during activity
• Stiffness in the lower back, making it difficult to bend or move
• Decreased range of motion in the spine

Cervical Disc Herniation

A cervical disc herniation occurs in the neck and can lead to significant pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms. Just like in the lower back, the discs in your neck can deteriorate over time or become injured, resulting in the soft material inside the disc pushing outward. This herniated disc can press on surrounding nerves, causing pain that radiates down through the shoulders and arms, sometimes even into the hands.

Cervical disc herniation is often mistaken for shoulder, elbow, or hand problems, but it originates from the neck.

Symptoms:

• Persistent aching pain in the neck
• Muscle spasms that can make turning your head difficult
• Pain radiating from the neck to the shoulders, arms, or hands

Cervical Spondylosis (Neck Arthritis)

Cervical spondylosis, also known as neck arthritis, is a common condition affecting nearly 85% of people over the age of 65. It is caused by age-related wear and tear on the discs and joints in the cervical spine. As the discs lose moisture and elasticity, they become more prone to degeneration, leading to pain and stiffness in the neck.

Symptoms:

• Localized pain in the neck, often worse in the morning or after long periods of sitting
• Stiffness that can make turning your head difficult
• A grinding, popping, or clicking sound when moving the neck
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, or fingers
• In some cases, balance issues or weakness in the legs

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition that causes a sideways curvature of the spine, often shaped like an “S” or “C.” For a diagnosis of scoliosis, the curve must be greater than 10 degrees when viewed from the front. It is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents, but adults can also develop scoliosis due to degenerative changes in the spine.

While scoliosis is often mild, more severe cases can cause discomfort and noticeable changes in posture.

Symptoms:

• Uneven shoulders, with one shoulder higher than the other
• A more prominent shoulder blade on one side
• Uneven waist, with one hip higher than the other