The spine helps us stand upright and acts as a protective tunnel for the spinal cord – the nerves that help the brain control every part and system of your body. While it is built to withstand various mechanical shocks and regular wear and tear, the doctors at our Atlanta spine and orthopedics clinic know that spinal conditions can occur even if you are careful to avoid accidents.
In this guide, we will present the most common problems of the spine and how to recognize their symptoms. In each of the cases, it is essential to reach out to us and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The highest chances of recovery are if you start treatment in the early stages.
1. Herniated Disc
The spine is formed by vertebrae with discs between them. These discs act as cushions, preventing the direct contact of bone on bone. As we grow older, these discs start getting more frail and shrunken. When a person makes a sudden effort, such as lifting a heavy object, one of these damaged discs can slip out of position or even break.
The symptoms of a herniated disc are:
- Numbness and tingling in the arms or legs
- Pain occurring on one side of the body
- Sharp pain in the leg, hip, and buttock
- Muscle weakness
2. Scoliosis
Scoliosis is one of the spinal conditions that have its onset in childhood or early teenage years. The spine starts developing an abnormal curvature to the left or the right side of the body. For parents, it is essential to monitor their children’s posture to identify the early signs of this condition:
- Unstable position standing up
- Uneven shoulders and hips
- Prominent ribs that stick out in one area
There is still no clear cause of scoliosis, although some research indicates it may be hereditary. In the early stages, scoliosis may be corrected in a non-invasive manner, by wearing a brace, chiropractic, and physiotherapy.
3. Spinal Stenosis
As we explained at the beginning of the article, one of the key functions of the spine is to allow the bunch of nerves called the spinal cord to run through it. The shape of the vertebrae is such that they have a hollow space in their middle.
Many people who come to our Atlanta spine and orthopedics clinic for various complaints, including back pain, are not aware that this hollow space in their spine has shrunken and the bone presses on the nerves.
This is spinal stenosis, often the result of osteoarthritis or intense wear and tear resulting from decades of physical work (in warehouses, moving companies, or the construction field, for example).
While there is no permanent treatment for this spinal condition, modern therapies help patients enjoy a life free of pain and mobility restrictions.
4. Sciatica
Sciatica is one of the most painful and debilitating spinal conditions. It is caused by the sciatic nerve – one of the longest nerves in the human body. It starts in the lower back and runs through your buttocks and legs.
When a slipped disc or other kind of spine misalignment puts pressure on this nerve, it causes intense pain shooting down the leg. This condition usually affects only one side of the body and can be resolved through minimally invasive therapies, which do not involve surgery or taking painkillers.
5. Spine Injuries
Finally, many dangerous spinal conditions may be caused by sudden trauma, such as a car crash, a fall, or a sports accident. In some cases, the injuries are so severe that they require immediate medical intervention at the nearest hospital or ER.
However, if your spine injuries are not life-threatening, our doctors are ready to provide you with the best care for a full recovery. We will pinpoint the exact location of the injury, evaluate its severity, and create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Our Doctors Will Help You Recover from Various Spinal Conditions!
The spine specialists at our Atlanta spine and orthopedics clinic have extensive experience in helping patients find relief from back pain and heal from various spine conditions. We combine medical knowledge with top-of-the-range equipment to offer you a safe and comfortable environment, which gives you the confidence that you are in good hands.
Contact us at 678-929-4494 as soon as you experience negative symptoms to schedule an appointment with us!
