The spine is one of the parts of the body most commonly affected by arthritis, a progressive condition that contributes to inflammation and joint, bone, and soft tissue damage. You can’t reverse damage already caused by spinal arthritis (osteoarthritis), but […]
Any type of spinal narrowing can be problematic and potentially painful, especially if nearby nerve roots are compressed. If you have foraminal stenosis—which sometimes happens because of age-related changes or sudden (acute) trauma—nerves essentially become trapped in the foramen, which […]
Spinal discs are designed to consistently support the bones of the spine and keep the backbone at its normal height. However, if the tougher outer wall of a disc breaks down, the disc can lose height. When this happens, you […]
When spinal spaces narrow in certain areas, such as the backbone and supporting nerves, it’s referred to as spinal stenosis. Often affecting the lower back and neck, the condition can be a source of localized pain or discomfort felt in […]
Spinal discs are designed to be spongy enough to cushion the backbone yet strong enough to endure the burden of daily movements. Still, these discs can be damaged by age-related wear or injury to the point where inner disc material […]
Narrowing of the spinal canal, known as spinal stenosis, tends to progress over time, which is why some people who have had this condition with little or no discomfort for many years sometimes begin to develop disruptive symptoms later in […]
Spinal stenosis is a progressive narrowing of the spine that can cause little or no discomfort for many years. Over time, age-related changes affecting the spine may contribute to increasingly noticeable symptoms such as numbness, tingling sensations, and general weakness […]
Twenty of the spine’s 31 pairs of nerves are in the mid-back and neck region. Ten pairs are within the lower back area and the very end of the spine (sacrum), and the last set of nerves is in the […]
Thankfully, spinal tumors are a rare occurrence. When abnormal growths do develop, early detection increases the odds of successful treatment. In adults, risk factors for this type of cancer typically include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, body weight, and lifestyle habits. […]