Conditions Affecting The Back And Lumbar Spine

Back Pain

Back pain is a symptom of a large number of conditions of the back and spine, including sciatica, scoliosis or arthritis. Whether the pain is in the upper, middle or lower back, an evaluation and diagnosis by a medical professional is recommended.

Arthritis

Many types of arthritis affect the back and spine. Symptoms may include stiffness and pain. In minor cases, exercise and weight loss can relieve pain. Other treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and surgery.

Sciatica/Herniated Disk

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down through the legs. Sciatica is a condition that causes pain along the pathway of the nerve. It is most often triggered when a herniated disk in the spine compresses the sciatic nerve. While sciatica can often be treated with over the counter pain relievers, cold packs, hot packs and stretching, it sometimes requires prescription medication, steroid injections or even surgery.

Compression Fracture

Spinal compression fractures commonly occur in people with osteoporosis or other bone-weakening diseases. They are small fractures in the vertebrae and are often not diagnosed. This can lead to additional and more severe fractures.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that some people are born with and others develop due to injury, disease or for no apparent reason. Treatments for this condition include back braces and surgery to straighten the spine depending on the severity of the curve.