Conditions Treated
Degenerative
Degenerative
Degenerative
Disc Herniation
What is a Disc Herniation?
Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) cushioned by soft, gel-like discs that act as shock absorbers. A disc herniation—often called a slipped or ruptured disc—occurs when the inner gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) pushes through the outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
Common Causes
Disc herniation can result from:
- Age-related wear and tear (degenerative disc disease)
- Sudden injury – Lifting heavy objects improperly or twisting the spine
- Repetitive strain – Frequent bending or twisting motions
- Trauma – Falls, accidents, or sports injuries
Genetic factors – Family history of spine problems
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the disc’s location and whether it’s pressing on a nerve:
- Lower back (lumbar spine): Pain radiating to the buttocks, thigh, calf, or foot (sciatica)
- Neck (cervical spine): Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing
Diagnosis
Your provider may recommend:
- Physical exam – Testing reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation
- Imaging – MRI (most common), CT scan, or X-ray
Nerve tests – Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies
Treatment Options
Most herniated discs improve without surgery. Options include:
- Medications – NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or short-term oral steroids
- Physical therapy – Core strengthening, posture training, and gentle stretching
- Activity modification – Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
- Epidural steroid injections – Reducing inflammation around the nerve
Surgery – Microdiscectomy or other minimally invasive techniques for persistent or severe symptom
Self-Care & Prevention
- Lift with your legs, not your back
- Maintain good posture while sitting and standing
- Strengthen core muscles to support your spine
- Stay active with low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, yoga)
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Seek urgent evaluation if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe or worsening weakness in the legs or arms
Numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia)
These could indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency.
Degenerative
Disc Herniation
What is a Disc Herniation?
Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) cushioned by soft, gel-like discs that act as shock absorbers. A disc herniation—often called a slipped or ruptured disc—occurs when the inner gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) pushes through the outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
Common Causes
Disc herniation can result from:
- Age-related wear and tear (degenerative disc disease)
- Sudden injury – Lifting heavy objects improperly or twisting the spine
- Repetitive strain – Frequent bending or twisting motions
- Trauma – Falls, accidents, or sports injuries
Genetic factors – Family history of spine problems
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the disc’s location and whether it’s pressing on a nerve:
- Lower back (lumbar spine): Pain radiating to the buttocks, thigh, calf, or foot (sciatica)
- Neck (cervical spine): Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing
Diagnosis
Your provider may recommend:
- Physical exam – Testing reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation
- Imaging – MRI (most common), CT scan, or X-ray
Nerve tests – Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies
Treatment Options
Most herniated discs improve without surgery. Options include:
- Medications – NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or short-term oral steroids
- Physical therapy – Core strengthening, posture training, and gentle stretching
- Activity modification – Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
- Epidural steroid injections – Reducing inflammation around the nerve
Surgery – Microdiscectomy or other minimally invasive techniques for persistent or severe symptom
Self-Care & Prevention
- Lift with your legs, not your back
- Maintain good posture while sitting and standing
- Strengthen core muscles to support your spine
- Stay active with low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, yoga)
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Seek urgent evaluation if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe or worsening weakness in the legs or arms
Numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia)
These could indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency.
What is a Spinal Stenosis?
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves that branch out from it. This condition most often occurs in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) or the neck (cervical stenosis) and can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
Common Causes
Spinal Stenosis can result from:
- Age-related changes – Natural wear and tear over time, including arthritis.
- Herniated discs – Bulging or ruptured discs pressing on nerves.
- Bone spurs – Extra bone growth due to osteoarthritis.
- Thickened ligaments – Ligaments in the spine can stiffen and enlarge, narrowing the canal.
- Spinal injuries – Fractures or dislocations.
- Tumors – Rare, but can narrow the spinal canal.
Types of Spinal Stenosis
- Lumbar stenosis – Narrowing in the lower back; the most common type.
- Cervical stenosis – Narrowing in the neck, which can cause more serious neurological symptoms.
- Thoracic stenosis – Narrowing in the middle back (less common).
Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time. They can include:
- Pain in the neck or lower back
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
- Relief when bending forward or sitting down (common in lumbar stenosis)
- Problems with balance
- In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control
Diagnosis
Your provider may recommend:
- Medical history & physical exam – Checking posture, movement, and neurological function.
- MRI – The best test to show soft tissue and nerve compression.
- CT scan – For detailed bone images.
- X-rays – To detect bone spurs, alignment changes, or narrowed spaces.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity, location, and symptoms:
- Activity modification – Avoiding activities that trigger symptoms.
- Medications – Anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, or nerve pain medications.
- Physical therapy – Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility.
- Epidural steroid injections – To reduce inflammation around compressed nerves.
- Surgery – For severe or worsening symptoms. Options may include decompression procedures (laminectomy, laminotomy) or spinal fusion if stability is needed.
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain good posture during daily activities.
- Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming.
- Strengthen your core and back muscles.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine.
- Get early treatment for arthritis or degenerative spine conditions.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
- New or worsening weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (urgent medical attention needed)
Degenerative
Spinal Stenosis
Degenerative
Spinal Stenosis
What is a Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves that branch out from it. This condition most often occurs in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) or the neck (cervical stenosis) and can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
Common Causes
Spinal Stenosis can result from:
- Age-related changes – Natural wear and tear over time, including arthritis.
- Herniated discs – Bulging or ruptured discs pressing on nerves.
- Bone spurs – Extra bone growth due to osteoarthritis.
- Thickened ligaments – Ligaments in the spine can stiffen and enlarge, narrowing the canal.
- Spinal injuries – Fractures or dislocations.
- Tumors – Rare, but can narrow the spinal canal.
Types of Spinal Stenosis
- Lumbar stenosis – Narrowing in the lower back; the most common type.
- Cervical stenosis – Narrowing in the neck, which can cause more serious neurological symptoms.
- Thoracic stenosis – Narrowing in the middle back (less common).
Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time. They can include:
- Pain in the neck or lower back
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
- Relief when bending forward or sitting down (common in lumbar stenosis)
- Problems with balance
- In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control
Diagnosis
Your provider may recommend:
- Medical history & physical exam – Checking posture, movement, and neurological function.
- MRI – The best test to show soft tissue and nerve compression.
- CT scan – For detailed bone images.
- X-rays – To detect bone spurs, alignment changes, or narrowed spaces.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity, location, and symptoms:
- Activity modification – Avoiding activities that trigger symptoms.
- Medications – Anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, or nerve pain medications.
- Physical therapy – Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility.
- Epidural steroid injections – To reduce inflammation around compressed nerves.
- Surgery – For severe or worsening symptoms. Options may include decompression procedures (laminectomy, laminotomy) or spinal fusion if stability is needed.
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain good posture during daily activities.
- Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming.
- Strengthen your core and back muscles.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine.
- Get early treatment for arthritis or degenerative spine conditions.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
- New or worsening weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (urgent medical attention needed)
Degenerative
Degenerative Disc Disease
What is a Degenerative Disc Disease?
Despite the name, degenerative disc disease (DDD) is not actually a disease—it’s a natural, age-related process where the spinal discs lose hydration, flexibility, and height over time. These changes can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In some cases, disc degeneration can contribute to conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.
Common Causes
Degenerative disc disease develops from a combination of:
- Aging – Natural wear and tear on spinal discs
- Loss of disc hydration – Reducing flexibility and shock absorption
- Small tears in the outer disc layer – Leading to disc weakening or collapse
- Repetitive stress – Frequent lifting, bending, or twisting
- Injury or trauma – Accelerating disc breakdown
- Genetics – Family history of early disc degeneration
Symptoms
Not everyone with DDD has symptoms, but when they do occur, they may include:
- Persistent low back pain or neck pain
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
- Pain that improves with walking or changing positions
- Stiffness and reduced flexibility
- Radiating pain into the arms or legs (if nerve compression occurs)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider may recommend:
- Physical examination – Assessing flexibility, strength, and reflexes
- Imaging – MRI (most accurate for disc changes), X-ray, or CT scan
- Medical history review – To rule out other causes of pain
Treatment Options
Most cases improve without surgery. Treatment may include:
- Medications – NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or short courses of steroids
- Physical therapy – Core strengthening, posture training, and stretching
- Activity modification – Avoiding heavy lifting or prolonged sitting
- Heat and ice therapy – For pain and inflammation
- Epidural steroid injections – To reduce nerve irritation
- Surgery – For severe, persistent symptoms; may involve spinal fusion or disc replacement
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal strain
- Engage in regular low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, yoga)
- Strengthen core muscles to support your spine
- Practice good posture at work and home
- Avoid smoking, which can accelerate disc degeneration
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or worsening back or neck pain that does not improve with rest
- Pain that radiates into the arms or legs, especially if accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (may indicate a medical emergency such as cauda equina syndrome)
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats along with back pain
- Difficulty walking, balancing, or performing daily activities due to pain or stiffness
Early evaluation can help prevent further degeneration and improve treatment outcomes.
Degenerative
Degenerative Disc Disease
What is a Degenerative
Disc Disease?
Despite the name, degenerative disc disease (DDD) is not actually a disease—it’s a natural, age-related process where the spinal discs lose hydration, flexibility, and height over time. These changes can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In some cases, disc degeneration can contribute to conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.
Common Causes
Degenerative disc disease develops from a combination of:
- Aging – Natural wear and tear on spinal discs
- Loss of disc hydration – Reducing flexibility and shock absorption
- Small tears in the outer disc layer – Leading to disc weakening or collapse
- Repetitive stress – Frequent lifting, bending, or twisting
- Injury or trauma – Accelerating disc breakdown
- Genetics – Family history of early disc degeneration
Symptoms
Not everyone with DDD has symptoms, but when they do occur, they may include:
- Persistent low back pain or neck pain
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
- Pain that improves with walking or changing positions
- Stiffness and reduced flexibility
- Radiating pain into the arms or legs (if nerve compression occurs)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider may recommend:
- Physical examination – Assessing flexibility, strength, and reflexes
- Imaging – MRI (most accurate for disc changes), X-ray, or CT scan
- Medical history review – To rule out other causes of pain
Treatment Options
Most cases improve without surgery. Treatment may include:
- Medications – NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or short courses of steroids
- Physical therapy – Core strengthening, posture training, and stretching
- Activity modification – Avoiding heavy lifting or prolonged sitting
- Heat and ice therapy – For pain and inflammation
- Epidural steroid injections – To reduce nerve irritation
- Surgery – For severe, persistent symptoms; may involve spinal fusion or disc replacement
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal strain
- Engage in regular low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, yoga)
- Strengthen core muscles to support your spine
- Practice good posture at work and home
- Avoid smoking, which can accelerate disc degeneration
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or worsening back or neck pain that does not improve with rest
- Pain that radiates into the arms or legs, especially if accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (may indicate a medical emergency such as cauda equina syndrome)
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats along with back pain
- Difficulty walking, balancing, or performing daily activities due to pain or stiffness
Early evaluation can help prevent further degeneration and improve treatment outcomes.
What is a Facet Joint Arthritis?
Facet joints are small joints in the spine that connect each vertebra to the one above and below. They help provide stability and allow smooth movement in your neck and back. Facet joint pain—sometimes called facet joint syndrome—occurs when these joints become irritated, inflamed, or arthritic. Pain may stay localized or radiate into nearby areas, depending on which part of the spine is affected.
Common Causes
Facet joint pain can develop from:
- Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear degeneration of cartilage over time.
- Injury or trauma – Whiplash, falls, or heavy lifting.
- Poor posture – Long periods of sitting or slouching.
- Repetitive strain – Frequent twisting, bending, or lifting.
Spinal degeneration – Disc height loss increases pressure on facet joints.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary based on location but may include:
- Localized pain in the neck, mid-back, or lower back
- Pain that worsens when leaning backward or twisting
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Tenderness over the affected joint area
- Referred pain into the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs (but not usually below the knee).
Diagnosis
Your provider may use:
- Physical examination – Testing spinal movement and palpating tender areas.
- Imaging – X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to check for arthritis or joint injury.
- Diagnostic facet joint injections – An anesthetic is injected into the joint; if pain improves, the joint is confirmed as the source.
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving mobility:
- Medications – NSAIDs or muscle relaxants.
- Physical therapy – Stretching, strengthening, and posture training.
- Heat or ice therapy – To manage inflammation and stiffness.
- Facet joint injections – Corticosteroids for inflammation relief.
- Medial branch blocks – Nerve-blocking injections for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
- Radiofrequency ablation – Destroys small nerve endings to provide longer-lasting relief.
- Lifestyle modifications – Ergonomic changes and core-strengthening exercises.
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain good posture when sitting, standing, and lifting.
- Strengthen core and back muscles to support spinal joints.
- Stay active with low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Avoid prolonged sitting and take frequent stretch breaks.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
See a provider if:
- Pain lasts more than a few weeks
- Movement becomes increasingly limited
- Pain interrupts sleep or daily activities
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness develops (may indicate another spinal condition)
Degenerative
Facet Joint Arthritis
Degenerative
Facet Joint Arthritis
What is a Facet Joint Arthritis?
Facet joints are small joints in the spine that connect each vertebra to the one above and below. They help provide stability and allow smooth movement in your neck and back. Facet joint pain—sometimes called facet joint syndrome—occurs when these joints become irritated, inflamed, or arthritic. Pain may stay localized or radiate into nearby areas, depending on which part of the spine is affected.
Common Causes
Facet joint pain can develop from:
- Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear degeneration of cartilage over time.
- Injury or trauma – Whiplash, falls, or heavy lifting.
- Poor posture – Long periods of sitting or slouching.
- Repetitive strain – Frequent twisting, bending, or lifting.
Spinal degeneration – Disc height loss increases pressure on facet joints.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary based on location but may include:
- Localized pain in the neck, mid-back, or lower back
- Pain that worsens when leaning backward or twisting
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Tenderness over the affected joint area
- Referred pain into the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs (but not usually below the knee).
Diagnosis
Your provider may use:
- Physical examination – Testing spinal movement and palpating tender areas.
- Imaging – X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to check for arthritis or joint injury.
- Diagnostic facet joint injections – An anesthetic is injected into the joint; if pain improves, the joint is confirmed as the source.
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving mobility:
- Medications – NSAIDs or muscle relaxants.
- Physical therapy – Stretching, strengthening, and posture training.
- Heat or ice therapy – To manage inflammation and stiffness.
- Facet joint injections – Corticosteroids for inflammation relief.
- Medial branch blocks – Nerve-blocking injections for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
- Radiofrequency ablation – Destroys small nerve endings to provide longer-lasting relief.
- Lifestyle modifications – Ergonomic changes and core-strengthening exercises.
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain good posture when sitting, standing, and lifting.
- Strengthen core and back muscles to support spinal joints.
- Stay active with low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Avoid prolonged sitting and take frequent stretch breaks.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
See a provider if:
- Pain lasts more than a few weeks
- Movement becomes increasingly limited
- Pain interrupts sleep or daily activities
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness develops (may indicate another spinal condition)
Degenerative
Sacroilitis
What is a Sacroilitis?
Sacroiliitis is inflammation of one or both sacroiliac (SI) joints—the joints that connect the lower spine (sacrum) to the pelvis. This inflammation can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or legs, and may be aggravated by standing for long periods, climbing stairs, or running. Sacroiliitis can occur on its own or as part of another condition, such as arthritis.
Common Causes
- Arthritis – Including osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis.
- Injury – Trauma to the lower back or pelvis from accidents or falls.
- Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and added pelvic stress can loosen SI joints.
- Infection – Rare but possible in the SI joint.
- Repetitive stress – From activities like running, stair climbing, or heavy lifting.
Symptoms
Sacroiliitis symptoms may include:
- Pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or thighs
- Pain that worsens when standing for long periods, climbing stairs, or running
- Stiffness in the lower back and hips
- Discomfort when transitioning from sitting to standing
- Pain that may improve with gentle movement but worsen with heavy activity
Diagnosis
Your provider may use:
- Physical examination – Checking joint mobility, tenderness, and pain triggers.
- Imaging – X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to look for joint inflammation or damage.
- Blood tests – To detect signs of infection or inflammatory conditions.
- Diagnostic injections – An anesthetic injected into the SI joint to confirm the pain source.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms:
- Medications – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription pain relievers.
- Physical therapy – Strengthening and stretching exercises for the lower back, hips, and core.
- Activity modification – Avoiding activities that trigger pain.
- Joint injections – Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Radiofrequency ablation – Targeted nerve treatment for longer-lasting pain relief.
- Treatment of underlying condition – Such as arthritis or infection.
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain strong core and hip muscles to stabilize the pelvis.
- Use proper posture when lifting and bending.
- Avoid repetitive stress on the SI joints.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the joints.
- Stay active with low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or yoga.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider if:
- Pain persists for more than a few weeks
- Pain interferes with walking, sleeping, or daily activities
- You have swelling, redness, or warmth over the joint
- You experience fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats (possible signs of infection or inflammatory disease)
Degenerative
Sacroilitis
What is a Sacroilitis?
Sacroiliitis is inflammation of one or both sacroiliac (SI) joints—the joints that connect the lower spine (sacrum) to the pelvis. This inflammation can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or legs, and may be aggravated by standing for long periods, climbing stairs, or running. Sacroiliitis can occur on its own or as part of another condition, such as arthritis.
Common Causes
- Arthritis – Including osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis.
- Injury – Trauma to the lower back or pelvis from accidents or falls.
- Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and added pelvic stress can loosen SI joints.
- Infection – Rare but possible in the SI joint.
- Repetitive stress – From activities like running, stair climbing, or heavy lifting.
Symptoms
Sacroiliitis symptoms may include:
- Pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or thighs
- Pain that worsens when standing for long periods, climbing stairs, or running
- Stiffness in the lower back and hips
- Discomfort when transitioning from sitting to standing
- Pain that may improve with gentle movement but worsen with heavy activity
Diagnosis
Your provider may use:
- Physical examination – Checking joint mobility, tenderness, and pain triggers.
- Imaging – X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to look for joint inflammation or damage.
- Blood tests – To detect signs of infection or inflammatory conditions.
- Diagnostic injections – An anesthetic injected into the SI joint to confirm the pain source.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms:
- Medications – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription pain relievers.
- Physical therapy – Strengthening and stretching exercises for the lower back, hips, and core.
- Activity modification – Avoiding activities that trigger pain.
- Joint injections – Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Radiofrequency ablation – Targeted nerve treatment for longer-lasting pain relief.
- Treatment of underlying condition – Such as arthritis or infection.
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain strong core and hip muscles to stabilize the pelvis.
- Use proper posture when lifting and bending.
- Avoid repetitive stress on the SI joints.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the joints.
- Stay active with low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or yoga.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider if:
- Pain persists for more than a few weeks
- Pain interferes with walking, sleeping, or daily activities
- You have swelling, redness, or warmth over the joint
- You experience fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats (possible signs of infection or inflammatory disease)