Different Types of Spinal Issues

Dr.Nagesh Chandra, 5 mins read

The spine or backbone is the central support system that connects different parts of the musculoskeletal system. It helps you sit, twist, bend, stand and walk. Any back injury or spinal condition can damage the spine and interfere with your daily life. 

These problems can affect the spinal cord anywhere from the neck to the lower back, thereby impinging overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll talk about the different types of spinal issues and how to manage them. 

13 Common Spinal Issues

• Slipped Disc

When the disc, a soft cushion of tissue that sits between bones in your spine, comes out from its defined space, it results in a debilitating condition called slipped disc. It hurts a lot, especially when it presses the nerves. Slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, can lead to: 

1. Muscle weakness 
2. Numbness and tingling in the back, hands, legs, feet, or shoulders 
3. Pain in the lower back and neck

Management & Treatment

Take enough rest and gradually start exercising under the supervision of a certified trainer. Additionally, take painkillers prescribed by your doctor. If this doesn’t help you, you may need to undergo surgery.

• Cervical Spondylosis

It is a general term given to a condition of wear and tear in the cervical spine that leads to neck pain, stiffness, and other problems. Sometimes the condition is also called arthritis or osteoarthritis of the neck. Most of the patients with cervical spondylosis are from the 60+ age group. Usually, patients experience pain and stiffness in the neck. Sometimes this issue also leads to the narrowing of the spinal canal inside the vertebrae (back bones). This ultimately makes the spinal cord and nerve roots pinched, which can cause:

1. Difficulty walking
2. Lack of coordination
3. Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet

Management & Treatment

Cervical spondylosis treatment is based on its severity. The main goal of the treatment is to prevent further damage to the spine, relieve pain and help the patient to continue their regular activities normally. In addition, there are several medicines available in the market, like anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to ease up the symptoms.

• Spinal Osteoarthritis

The vertebrae have slippery tissue on both ends, which protects the joints and provides necessary lubrication for joint movement. When these tissues or cartilage deteriorates, the condition is called spinal osteoarthritis. Patients with this disease usually experience:

1. Pain and stiffness in the neck and back
2. Numbness in the arms or legs

Management & Treatment

Bouts of strengthening and aerobic exercise can help you. Some people also opt for acupuncture and massage. Besides, there are several pain medications available for spinal osteoarthritis management.

• Spinal Stenosis

The spine has some space within it through which the spinal cord and nerves branch out. When these spaces shrink, it puts pressure on the nerves. This problem usually occurs in the lower back and neck. Initially, you may not notice the symptoms, but you may start experiencing pain over time. 

If the problem is in the neck, you may experience numbness, neck pain, tingling, weakness in your legs, arms, and feet, and difficulty with the bowel, walking and balancing. The problem in the lower back can cause back pain and cramp in the legs.

Management & Treatment

For spinal stenosis treatment, there are self-help remedies:

1. Apply heat as it improves blood flow, thus relaxing muscles and relieving aching joints.
2. Apply cold (ice) to reduce swelling, inflammation, and tenderness.
3. Ask your doctor for exercises that can strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility and balance.

Apart from this, several oral medications, physical therapies, steroid injections, and surgical options are available for spinal stenosis management and treatment.

• Sciatica

When an overgrowth of bone or slipped disc puts pressure on the sciatica nerve, it leads to sciatica. In this condition, the pain travels through the lower back to the buttocks and the legs. Sciatica causes pain, inflammation, and numbness in the affected region.

Management & Treatment

You can manage pain and swelling by applying ice and/or hot packs, taking medications, and performing gentle exercises. In addition, physical therapy, spinal injection, acupuncture, and surgery can help you.

• Tumour

Abnormal growth of tissue within or surrounding the area of the spinal cord leads to tumours. These cells multiply uncontrollably and cause pain, weakness, and numbness. Sometimes it could even paralyze some parts of the body.

Management & Treatment

Depending on your condition, your doctor may advise you for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

• Scoliosis

It is an abnormal sideways curve in the backbone. Scoliosis is a complex and three-dimensional problem. The most seen symptoms of scoliosis are: 

1. Uneven shoulders and waist
2. One or both hips are raised higher than usual
3. The Head is not centred perfectly.
4. The entire body leaning to one side
5. Rib cages are at different heights

Management & Symptoms

For a curve of 25 to 40 degrees, the doctor recommends bracing. If the curve exceeds this, the doctor may advise you for surgery.

• Kyphosis

In this condition, the spine curves outward more than usual and causes the upper back to look overly rounded. Some people also call it round back or hunchback. Usually, it affects older people and can cause:

1. Pain
2. Stiffness
3. Extreme fatigue
4. Numbness in the legs
5. Balance problems 
6. Bowel incontinence
7. Abnormal shape of the body

Medications & Treatment

Based on various factors, like your age, medical history, and the severity of the curve, the doctor may advise you for physical therapy, a back brace, pain medication, or surgery.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

It is a type of arthritis that causes your lower back and hips to be stiff and sore. With time, the problem can spread to other organs and joints. Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms include:

1. Pain in the lower back, joints, abdomen, neck, and hips
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Fatigue
4. Vision problems
5. Loss of appetite
6. Skin rash 

Management & Treatment

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), painkillers, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), physical therapies, and steroids can help you. Sometimes it requires surgery.

• Spinal Cord Injury

Any injury to the back that damages any part of the spinal cord or cut off the blood supply to any part can lead to permanent changes in sensation, strength, and other functions of the body.

Management & Treatment

The management and treatment of spinal cord injury depend on its severity. If the injury is severe, you may require surgery. 

• Spondylolisthesis

It is a condition that involves spine instability, which means the vertebrae move more than normal. This puts pressure on the nerve, which causes:

1. Pain in lower back and legs.
2. Muscle spasms in the hamstring
3. Weakness, numbness, and tingling in the foot
4. Difficulty standing and walking for long periods
5. Back stiffness

Management & Treatment

Your doctor may recommend rest, surgery as the mainstay of treatment, anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy, or bracing based on your condition.

• Cauda Equina Syndrome

The compression of the collection of nerve roots (cauda equina - shapes like a horse’s tail and located at the bottom of the spinal cord) is called cauda equina syndrome. It can lead to:

1. Urinary retention
2. Problem having sex
3. Weakness in the lower extremities
4. Pain in the back or legs
5. Different sensations or numbness in the back of legs, hip, butt, and inner thigh

Management & Treatment

You need prompt surgery to restore movement and any loss of feeling.

• Syringomyelia

It is the formation of a fluid-filled cyst in the spinal cord. With time, the spinal cord can enlarge and cause: 

1. Pain in the neck, arms, and back 
2. Weakness
3. Scoliosis
4. Stiffness in shoulders, arms, back, and legs 
5. Loss of the reflex and sensitivity to temperature

Management & Treatment

Your doctor may advise you for physical therapy and painkillers. In case you don’t get any relief, you can opt for surgery.

Also, Read - Spondylitis Types What You Need to Know Revised