Did you know that your spine consists of 33 vertebrae stacked on top of each other and separated by intervertebral discs? This complex structure supports your upper body and allows for complex movements.
However, advanced age, injury or even poor posture can cause damage and poor spinal function. In this blog, you will learn to recognize the signs of spinal conditions, so you know when to see a specialist for accurate assessment and treatment.
Signs of Spinal Conditions
There are many signs that you may have a problem within your spinal column. Perhaps you were involved in a car crash or experienced a serious fall.
Also, you may have an undiagnosed congenital disorder, an infection or even a tumor which affects how you feel and function. Finally, family history and the simple aging process may impact your spinal health and function.
Here are some symptoms of spinal disease, injury or malformation. If one or more of these symptoms persists and impacts your comfort and ability to work and to rest, it is time to see a spine doctor in near you.
Back Pain
One of the most common signs of spinal conditions is back pain. This can range from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating pain.
Back pain may occur in the four major areas: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back) and sacral (tailbone). Back pain can be dull and achy, sharp and shooting or even radiate to other areas of the body.
Arthritis, trauma, repetitive motion and osteoporosis are common sources of back pain. However, it can also be a sign of more serious conditions such as spinal tumors or infections.
Changes in Sensation
Spine issues also may cause changes in sensation. This includes a feeling of pins and needles, burning or even loss of feeling in certain areas of the body, such as the hands and feet. These symptoms may indicate nerve damage from conditions such as sciatica or from spinal cord injuries.
Numbness and Tingling
Another common symptom is numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or back. This can be caused by nerve compression due to herniated discs, irritation in the spine or a variety of other problems.
Difficulty Moving or Walking
If you’re having difficulty moving your arms and legs or cannot walk without pain or limitation, it could be a sign of spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space within the spinal canal itself.
Changes In Bowel or Bladder Control
In some cases, spinal conditions affect bowel and bladder control. Cauda equina syndrome is a relatively rare, but serious and impactful spinal column condition. It leads to varying degrees of incontinence as well as numbness and tingling in the groin.
Differences in Spinal Alignment
Children and adolescents may have an S-shaped, lateral curve to their spine known as scoliosis. Adults and seniors may develop forward bends at the neck (kyphosis), shoulder drops and other noticeable changes in posture and alignment due to osteoarthritis or other degenerative problems.
How a Spine Doctor Can Help You
Your spine doctor is the go-to health provider for the symptoms we have outlined in this blog. This highly trained specialist will discuss your symptoms with you and do a physical exam. He will order state of the art imaging to get a clear view of your spinal column. He may do nerve conduction tests and other assessments to locate the origin of your symptoms and to plan treatment.
With your spine doctor, you are assured of comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment which fits your health and lifestyle. Surgery is not necessarily the first and best option. Instead, your treatment plan may include bracing, orthotics, medications, physical therapies or other treatments.
However, if you do need surgery, rest assured that today’s spine procedures are far less invasive. They require less disruption of neighboring tissues, smaller incisions and shorter recovery times.
Spine Doctor Near You in Plantation, FL
At Baylis and Brown Orthopedics, Dr. Christopher Brown is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with extensive training and experience in spinal conditions and injuries. He will get to the source of your symptoms and put you on the path to better spine health and function.
For an in-office consultation, please call us today at (954) 476-8800, or request a visit here. Get control of your pain and other spine problems!
