Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine and typically affects the neck. Stenosis generally presents with neck pain or stiffness, weakness in the arms, tingling or numbness, loss of reflex function, reduced fine motor skills, difficulty walking, and shooting nerve pain. It’s important to get cervical spinal stenosis diagnosed and treated early, as it can lead to other cervical spine problems.

The root cause of the problem determines treatment for cervical spinal stenosis. Treatment typically includes a combination of activity modification, physical therapy, application of ice and heat, spinal stenosis exercises, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. However, in extreme cases, some people may need surgery or epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation.

A herniated disc is a problem with 1 of the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spine, which puts pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots and causes pain.

Herniated discs are often caused by normal aging, as the discs of the spine dry out and become more brittle, but can also be caused by genetics, obesity, spinal trauma or stress, or smoking.

Symptoms of a herniated disc include pain, tingling, muscle weakness or stiffness, muscle spasms, or a feeling of heaviness in the hands and feet. Before we consider surgery as a treatment option, we use holistic treatment approaches including anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Physical therapists will also train patients on proper lifting techniques and may have the patient assess ergonomics at work. In some cases, surgery may be required to provide pain relief, prevent permanent nerve damage, and repair the herniated disc.

Lumbar stenosis is the most common type of spinal stenosis, and symptoms typically come and go, but develop gradually over time. Lumbar stenosis can lead to other health problems if left untreated—that’s why it’s important to see a spine specialist immediately if you’re experiencing symptoms like low back pain, or weakness, numbness, or tingling in 1 or both feet or legs.

Sciatica refers to any pain or neurological symptoms, such as numbness and tingling, resulting from the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down each leg, and symptoms of sciatica can include lower back pain, pain in 1 side of the buttocks or in 1 leg, and tingling, numbness, or weakness of the leg or foot.

Sciatica can be caused by a herniated disc in the lower spine, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis (a slippage of the vertebral body that  can cause back pain and nerve compression), degenerative disc disease, irritation of the sciatic nerve, muscle strain, chronic inflammation around the spine, spinal tumors, and more. For most people, sciatica goes away on its own in a few days or weeks, with minimal or no treatment. For others, the pain and other symptoms persist.

Sciatica specialists generally begin treatment by prescribing nonsurgical sciatica pain treatments, which can include anti-inflammatory medications and alternating heat/ice. People with severe pain may need an epidural steroid injection to help reduce inflammation. Physical therapy and special exercises can help prevent recurring episodes of sciatica. If symptoms persist, surgery is an option.

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, affects all sections of the spine, and is common in adolescents. Cases of mild scoliosis may not require treatment, while more advanced cases require an intervention, such as a custom-made back brace or surgery.

There are various types of scoliosis, such as:

• Congenital scoliosis – This is the rarest type of scoliosis. It develops in utero, is present at birth, and usually requires surgery to correct
• Degenerative scoliosis – Occurs later in life as the joints in the spine degenerate
• Idiopathic scoliosis – Usually starts during adolescence and is the most common form of scoliosis
• Neuromuscular scoliosis – Develops in some people who cannot walk

In most cases, there are no visible signs of scoliosis (to the untrained eye), and mild cases usually have no symptoms.

Moderate to severe cases can cause pain and other symptoms, including:

• Alterations while walking
• Muscle spasms and inflammation
• Joint problems
• Reduced range of motion
• Trouble breathing

The majority of idiopathic scoliosis cases are mild and only require observation. The scoliosis specialist will usually see patients every 4 to 6 months through adolescence until their skeletons are fully developed. Treatment for scoliosis often requires regular bi-annual appointments and wearing a customized back brace, but scoliosis that progresses may require surgery.