Overview Herniated disc, often referred to as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, is a common spinal condition that can cause discomfort and pain. It occurs when the outer layer of a spinal disc, which acts as a cushion between the vertebrae, weakens or tears, allowing the inner gel-like material …
Read More »Syringomyelia – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Syringomyelia is the disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal cord. The damage may result in pain, paralysis, weakness and stiffness in the back, shoulders, and extremities. Syringomyelia may also …
Read More »Acute Flaccid Myelitis – Introduction, Causes, and Prevention.
Introduction – Acute Flaccid Myelitis Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare disease that affects the spinal cord, the part of the nervous system that carries messages to and from the brain. Symptoms of AFM include sudden (acute) weakness in the arm(s) or leg(s), along with loss of muscle tone …
Read More »Spinal Stenosis – Symptoms, Complications and Diagnosis.
What is Spinal Stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a disorder that is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing happens as a result of the degeneration of both the facet joints and the intervertebral discs. In this condition, bone spurs (also called osteophytes) grow into the spinal canal. …
Read More »Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) – Causes, Treatment, and Prevention.
Overview of Spinal Cord Injury The spinal cord is very sensitive to injury. Unlike other parts of your body, the spinal cord does not have the ability to repair itself if it is damaged. A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord either from trauma, …
Read More »Sciatica – Overview, Risk factors, and Diagnosis.
Overview of Sciatica Sciatica is a pain in the lower extremity resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The pain of sciatica is typically felt from the low back (lumbar area) to behind the thigh and can radiate down below the knee. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in …
Read More »Radiculopathy – Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention.
Radiculopathy – Overview Radiculopathy is a common condition that refers to any kind of pinched nerve root within the spine, which can then lead to a variety of painful symptoms. Nerve roots split off from the spinal cord as it travels through your vertebrae. Roots, in turn, anchor nerves, which …
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