Our spine is our body’s central support structure, which goes through daily stress so we can stand upright and move around freely. No matter how strong or flexible it is, though, it’s not invincible, and it’s still susceptible to injuries and conditions that can drastically affect how your body functions, not to mention the uncomfortable symptoms it can cause.
Good thing there are spine surgeons in CT who have the training and expertise to deal with any of your spine-related conditions. They will usually exhaust all the possible non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, to alleviate your back pain. If those methods don’t work and the symptoms become more excruciatingly painful, a spine surgeon may recommend surgery.
Below are some of the most common conditions orthopedic spine surgeons in CT treat.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are caused by damage to the spinal cord or the nerves located at the bottom of the spinal canal. Since the spinal cord is a critical part of the nervous system, any injuries may cause impairment in some bodily functions
Instead of recommending conservative treatments, your spine surgeon in CT will more likely recommend surgical treatment. They will eliminate bone fragments or foreign materials and use metal components to stabilize your spine. They will also recommend spinal decompression surgery to reduce the pressure experienced by your spinal column.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a condition wherein the soft core of the spinal disc pushes through the exterior casing. There are times when a herniated disc causes no symptoms, but there are also instances when it can irritate nearby nerves and cause severe pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs, particularly in the arms and legs.
If the pain persists for around six or more weeks and is accompanied by bowel and bladder problems, it may indicate a complication that needs to be addressed. Your spine surgeon will recommend surgery if the conditions worsen. They will also suggest that the patient remove the specific part of the disc that causes the problem to avoid permanent nerve damage.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine, often diagnosed in adolescents. While some people are born with scoliosis, the cause of this condition is still unknown. Over time, this curvature can worsen, often leading to the rotation or twisting of the spine
Spine surgeons in CT generally recommend braces and physical therapy as conservative treatments for this condition. Patients with scoliosis are also ideal candidates for spinal fusion surgery, wherein the surgeon will realign the vertebra to prevent it from moving independently. Afterward, the surgeon will install artificial components such as metal rods and screws to straighten the spine and allow the vertebrae to heal.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis happens when the space inside the backbone is too small. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis happens most often in the lower back and the neck. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear damage in the spine related to arthritis.
People who have serious spinal stenosis may need surgery. Surgery can create more space inside the spine. This can ease the symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. But surgery can’t cure arthritis, so arthritis pain in the spine may continue.
