Spinal Health
Your back is a key support for your body. It helps you keep your balance while walking on two feet and helps keep your head in an upright position. There are several components of your spine that work together, allowing your body to maintain healthy structure and function.
VERTEBRAE (BONES)
Vertebrae are individual bones that are stacked on top of one another to form the vertebral column. There are 26 vertebrae – 7 in the cervical spine (neck), 12 in the thoracic spine (mid-back) and 5 in the lumbar spine (low back). When these vertebrae get out of alignment, especially in a growing child, the deformity can progress causing scoliosis, kyphosis and/or spondylolisthesis. They provide the solid structure of your spine and also protect the spinal cord. At the bottom of the spine there is a solid bone known as the sacrum, which connects to the rest of the pelvis through the sacro-iliac (SI) joint, which can sometimes become arthritic and cause pain.
DISCS AND FACET JOINTS
The discs are located between the vertebrae and serve as shock absorbers, allowing spinal movement along with the two facet joints at the back of the spine. Degeneration of the discs and/or facet joints can cause pain, and this degeneration can lead to encroachment into the spinal canal causing nerve and/or spinal cord compression which can cause pain, numbness, weakness and/or clumsiness in the arms and/or legs.
SPINAL CORD AND NERVES
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that allows the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. It extends from the skull down to the lumbar spine, with individual nerves exiting out of the spinal canal at different levels and extending to the rest of the body. This enables the body to perceive sensation, initiate movements and maintain balance.
MUSCLES
There are several muscles positioned around the spine. These help keep the spine upright. With certain injuries or conditions, the muscles can be stretched, strained or injured. Weak muscles can also cause back pain and create difficulty supporting affected parts of the back, causing deformity.
Spine Conditions
When any one of these components is not functioning correctly (whether due to an accident, injury or genetics), there can be a variety of symptoms that can develop, including pain, tingling and numbness. On our site, we have included some common spinal disorders and deformities, as well as their respective treatment options. These are meant to serve as an authoritative introduction and to answer some initial questions you might have, but are in no way a substitute for discussing these matters with Dr. Hey or a PA in person during your appointment.
Spine Conditions We Treat
The Hey clinic team is experienced in treatment options for all of the following disorders. Click the links below to learn more about the specific disorder.
Scoliosis
Kyphosis
Pars Fracture (Spondylolysis) and Spondylolisthesis
A fracture of the posterior elements of the spine is called a “pars fracture” or spondylolysis, and can be a cause of back pain especially in children and adolescents. It can often be treated successfully with a special back brace and possibly some physical therapy. Pars fractures can lead to a slippage in the spine called “spondylolisthesis”, which can progress in some cases especially during childhood. Spondylolisthesis is a slippage of one vertebra to the front, back or side of the bone below it. It can be congenital, degenerative, or caused by an injury to a vertebra. In children and adolescents, it most commonly occurs at L5S1. This is often seen in young athletes, particularly those who participate in gymnastics, football and weight lifting.
More About Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis and Treatment Options
Disc Herniation
Discs are located between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers for your spine. A disc herniation is when the contents of the disc go beyond its normal borders. When the gel-like material of the disc exits its confined space, it can cause impingement on the spinal cord and/or nerves, which can lead to pain, numbness and/or weakness. The herniated disc also releases chemicals that cause irritation and inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. This can cause pressure on your cord itself or on the nerves that go from your spinal cord to your muscles. Symptoms of spinal stenosis often start gradually and worsen over time.
