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Spine Deformities and Other Spinal Conditions

Common Types of Spine Deformities and Other Spinal Conditions

The spine is one of the most complicated parts of the human body. It comprises muscles, bones, vertebrae, discs, and ligaments that are all connected. As with everything else in the body, the bones in the spine can break down over time due to tension and stress. A degenerative spine diagnosis is severe but not unheard of because the spinal nerves are so vulnerable to structural changes in the spine.

What are deformities of the spine?

A normal, healthy spine has a slight curve that looks like the letter "S." A spinal deformity changes how the spine curves or is shaped. Some people get spinal cord deformities as they get older or because of an accident. On the other hand, a congenital spinal deformity is there from birth. They can cause pain, trouble moving around, and even problems with the nervous system if they are not correctly diagnosed and treated.

Most degenerative spine conditions

Osteoarthritis of the spine

This spine condition is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the spinal joints, which causes the bones to rub against each other. This causes inflammation, nerve irritation, and the growth of bony lumps.

Degenerative Disc Disease

This condition is caused by a depression in nerves connecting the vertebrae or the spinal cord. This is caused by a displaced disc, which happens when the intervertebral discs dry out and lose regenerative proteins due to age or trauma.

Spondylolisthesis

This condition is a misalignment of the vertebral column. It happens when one of the vertebral bodies moves out of its usual place in the "S"-shaped curve of the spine that helps distribute weight evenly.

Degenerative Scoliosis

This is a spine condition in which the patient's backbone curves to either side instead of running straight down the middle. This curve can be small or big, but it is usually called scoliosis if it is more than 10 degrees. Even though this condition is typically linked to adolescence, it can happen to anyone at any age.

Bone Spurs

This condition is often caused by osteoarthritis. It is characterized by the growth of bony knobs on the spine, which can cause problems or at least a lot of pain if they touch a nerve. This condition can be caused by arthritis, but an injury can also cause it.

Foraminal Stenosis

This condition happens when the spaces where nerves enter the spinal canal get too small. This causes nerve irritation, which can cause pain in places that don't seem to have anything to do with the spine.

Piched Nerves

This condition can be caused by a herniated disc in the lower spine, which puts sudden pressure on the spinal nerves from nearby tissues, bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This pressure stops the nerves from working correctly. This condition is often marked by pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness, and it can usually be fixed by resting for a few days or weeks.

Sciatica

This condition can cause pain in one leg, usually worse when sitting. It is caused by inflammation or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which starts at the spinal cord's base and goes down to the feet.Even though the symptoms are often painful, sciatic nerve damage that lasts is rare.

Spinal diseases are usually excruciating, so it's good that they can't be prevented. Of course, as you get older, the physical parts of your spine will wear down, making you less flexible and more likely to have neck and back pain, but this is nothing to worry about. But if your symptoms are so bad that they get in the way of your daily life, you should see a doctor.

What causes a spine to be out of shape?

If you want to know what causes scoliosis and other spinal deformities, it's hard to say for sure. Your medical and health history is a significant factor. This includes accidents, genetic defects, back surgery, or certain diseases and illnesses you've had in the past. Some spinal deformities are present at birth and are known at that time.

When do you need surgery on your spine?

When a person with a spinal deformity wants to get back to doing what they love, surgery on their spine may be the best option. On the other hand, finding out you might need spine surgery can make you feel many different things.

Your spine surgeon will talk to you about why surgery is the best way to treat your spine problem and what you can expect during your recovery. Your back will be stiff and sore after surgery, and there will be things you should and shouldn't do. Getting help from your friends and family will make it easier for you to get better.