Spine Conditions

Dealing with Common Spine Problems

The 10 Common Spine Problems

1. Herniated Disc
2. Muscle Strain
3. Scoliosis
4. Whiplash
5. Osteoporosis
6. Sciatica
7. Compression Fracture
8. Spinal Myelopathy
9. Osteoarthritis
10. Spondylolisthesis

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Dealing with spine/back pain can really put a damper on your “giddy up and go.” You might think that back pain is simply a sign of aging, but the truth is back pain is the most common health issue that over 30 million Americans of all ages deal with each year. Not only can spine problems be extremely painful, but it is the leading cause of lost work time globally. 

10 Most Common Spine Problems 

Back/spine pain can seem like a generic problem, but there are actually numerous causes of spinal pain. Your spine carries all the nerves throughout your body via vertebrae through which your spinal cord travels. It is spine issues that are responsible for the majority of back pain.

Here are the 10 top culprits of spine problems that can cause back pain: 

1. Herniated Disc

Between each vertebrae are discs meant to provide a “cushion” between the bones of the spine. Herniated discs typically occur in the lower back (but can happen elsewhere), and when a disk is herniated, it shifts and can interfere with nerves. This can cause symptoms such as: 

• Back pain 
• Tingling 
• Numbness 
• Muscle weakness 

2. Muscle Strain

Overuse, bad posture, or stress can cause the muscles around your spine to become strained or tense, leading to pain. Maintaining a healthy weight and stretching before any activity or strenuous lifting is crucial, therefore avoiding pain. 

3. Scoliosis

This is an abnormal bending of the spine and can be minor or severe. This common affliction affects approximately 9 million Americans, and the onset of scoliosis typically happens during childhood or adolescence. This condition can lead to pinched nerves and may require bracing, therapy, or even surgery. Symptoms of scoliosis include:

• Uneven shoulders 
• Ribcage uneven 
• One hip higher than the other 
• Body tilt 
• Head not centered over the pelvis 

4. Whiplash

This neck injury is caused by a sudden jolt or jarring of the head and neck. This motion strains the muscles or damages intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments in the neck. Treatment for whiplash includes pain relievers such as Advil, massage, and physical therapy. Symptoms of whiplash may take up to 24 hours to appear and include: 

• Stiff neck 
• Neck pain 
• Dizziness 
• Headache 

5. Osteoporosis

Lower bone mass in older people can result in osteoporosis. This can lead to weakened bones in the spine becoming more brittle and damaged resulting in fractures. This can cause hunched posture due to collapsed vertebrae. Detecting osteoporosis before it’s a problem can be difficult since symptoms usually don’t occur until it’s too late. Avoid osteoporosis by eating a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D. Exercising also helps improve posture and bone health. 

6. Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down your leg and, when impinged by a herniated disc or a bone spur, can result in pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back. Treatments for sciatica pain can include: 

• Physical therapy 
• Steroid injections 
• Chiropractic visits 
• Medications such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories 

7. Compression Fracture

As we age, weakened bones can lead to cracks and fractures in our vertebrae and lead to a compression fracture or a collapsed vertebrae. The most common cause is osteoporosis, and risk factors include bone cancer, smoking, being frail/thin, or women over 50. Due to fractures being painful, pain medications may be prescribed, or physical therapy is another option. 

8. Spinal Myelopathy

Degeneration of the spinal cord as you age can lead to components of your back and spine changing and becoming weaker. As you can imagine, this leads to pain, numbness in the hands/feet, muscle weakness, and loss of balance. Often surgery can help prevent the progression/worsening of symptoms. 

9. Osteoarthritis

This is arthritis of the joints and cartilage of the spine. This can cause bone spurs and nerve damage causing inflammation and pain. Maintaining a healthy weight, acupuncture, and massage can help manage symptoms. 

10. Spondylolisthesis

This is when one vertebrae of the spine slides forward and over the vertebrae below it. This can cause pain and damage the spinal cord. Often surgery is required in severe cases, but physical therapy, weight loss, and pain medications can help in lesser cases. 

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