Scoliosis is not just for teenagers! Many adult spines begin to deform as the disks between the bones wear out from age. A significant curvature can be associated with back pain, and even lead to pinching of the nerves. When options such as physical therapy and injections are no longer helping, surgery may decrease pain and improve function. This highly complex surgery is an area not all spine surgeons are comfortable with. It is a routine part of our practice.

A herniated cervical disk can result in pressure on a nerve in the neck which can result in pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms. If the disk is large enough, it can result in a spinal cord injury, also known as myelopathy.

Cervical radiculopathy is an injury to the nerve in the neck caused by pressure. Although it can sometimes be caused by a herniated disk in the neck, it can also be the result of narrowing due to arthritic changes in the cervical spine. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness in the arms.

Cervical myelopathy is an injury to the spinal cord in the neck due to narrowing of the central cervical canal. The narrowing, also known as stenosis, can be caused by herniated disk and/or arthritic changes in the cervical spine.

Fortunately, the majority of spine fractures can be treated non-surgically in a brace. However, when instability is present or nerves are at risk, we have an array of surgical techniques. These days, some spine fractures can even be managed with minimally-invasive techniques.

A herniated lumbar disk can result in pressure on a nerve in the lower back which can result in pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms, commonly referred to as sciatica.

Lumbar radiculopathy and “sciatica” is an injury to the nerve in the low back caused by pressure. Although it can sometimes be caused by a herniated disk, it can also be the result of narrowing due to arthritic changes of the lumbar spine. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness in the legs.

Narrowing of the spinal canal or exit passages for the nerves is most commonly caused by age-related changes in the spine. Options may include epidural steroid injections performed by a Pain Management doctor or surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerves.

The forward slippage of one vertebra on another can lead to back pain and pinching of the nerves. Treatment options may include physical therapy, injections, or surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves and stabilize the vertebrae. Often, this can be accomplished with newer, minimally-invasive techniques.

Tumors of the spine do not always need surgery. When they do, we have a team of interventional radiologists, general surgeons, thoracic surgeon, and oncologists to assist with the management of these complicated cases. While tumors of the spinal cord itself are referred to a neurosurgeon, these are quite rare.