One of the most important parts of preventing pain is knowing what causes it. Patients who are interested in improving their spine health and preventing or reducing spine pain are encouraged to learn more about 5 of the most common spine conditions.
Condition #1: Osteoarthritis of the spine
Osteoarthritis is a chronic medical condition that causes the bones and soft tissues that make up a joint to slowly wear away. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body and in the spine, osteoarthritis affects the facet joints. Because the facet joints allow the spine to bend and flex, patients who have facet joint arthritis have pain that is associated with movement. Facet joint arthritis that reaches severe stages can cause the cartilage that protects the joints to completely wear away. This causes bone-on-bone rubbing that can be extremely painful.
Condition #2: Spinal Stenosis
The spinal canal is a structure that is formed when the vertebrae of the spine are perfectly aligned. In a healthy spine, the spinal cord runs interrupted through the spinal canal. The nerve roots of the spinal cord branch out and innervate the muscles and organs of the body. Spinal stenosis is a condition that characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal and subsequent pinching or compressing of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Patients who have spinal stenosis may experience pain in the spine and/or extremities.
Condition #3: A Herniated Disc
The intervertebral discs are one of the most important structures of the spine. The discs rest between adjacent vertebrae and prevent them from compressing or rubbing against each other. A diseased or damaged disc can lose water content and easily herniate or slip. When this happens, the disc can protrude into the spinal canal and pinch or compress the spinal nerve or nerve roots. Pain in the spine and/or extremities presents. The discs of the lumbar spine (lower back) are those that most commonly herniate.
Condition #4: Sciatica
The largest nerve in the body is the sciatic nerve. Sciatica, which is also called sciatic nerve pain, refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve. The key symptom of sciatica is pain that originates in the lower back and runs down the buttocks, back of the thigh and below the knee. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc.
Condition #5: Lower Back Pain
The lower back is responsible for bearing the majority of the weight of the upper body. Lower back pain can be caused by strains and sprains due to overuse, muscle imbalances, or improper lifting techniques. It can also be caused by more serious medical conditions such as those described above. Lower back pain that does not Meet-Dr-Virella on its own should always be seen by a
Spine Specialist.
Patients who are in pain and would like a treatment solution should
contact our offices in Agoura Hills, Valencia and Palmdale. We are currently accepting new patients and will get you in to see one our
Spine Specialist right away.
Dr. Anthony Virella is a Board-Certified, Fellowship trained Neurological Spine Surgeon with advanced training in the management of complex spinal disorders. He attended medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and is a graduate of the UCLA Neurosurgery Residency Program. Dr. Virella is a nationally recognized specialist in the field of complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and has offices located in Agoura Hills, Valencia and Palmdale. If you, or someone you love, is suffering from persistent neck or back pain,
contact us today to schedule an appointment.
