Spine disorders

Spine disorders can cause pain and affect your ability to live life fully. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our spine specialists are here for you. They work diligently to make an accurate diagnosis and offer safe and effective treatment options to meet your needs.

What are spine disorders?

Your spine is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae held together by muscles, tendons and ligaments. Gel-filled disks and cartilage cushion the vertebrae and prevent them from rubbing together.

This complex structure provides support and allows you to stand and bend. It also protects the spinal cord and nerves that run through it. The nerves that branch off your spinal cord carry signals that control all your body functions.

Spine disorders include a wide range of conditions that affect the structure of the spine. Pain and other symptoms occur when the spinal cord and nerves become compressed or pinched.

Types of spine disorders

There are many spine disorders. Some of the most common include:

• Congenital (present at birth) spine conditions
• Herniated disk
• Kyphosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Spinal fractures, including compression fractures
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal tumors

Causes of spine disorders

Spine conditions are often caused by wear and tear and decreased bone density (osteoporosis) that occur with age. Trauma, infections, cancer and other diseases can also affect the spine.

Symptoms of spine disorders

The most common symptom of spine disorders is neck or back pain that may be dull, sharp or radiating. You may feel it on one or both sides or when you move a certain way. Other symptoms include:

• Changes in posture
• Difficulty walking, standing or sitting
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence)
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness

Spine disorders diagnosis

Diagnosing spine disorders begins with a review of your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order one or more tests, such as:

• Bone density test
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
• X-ray, CT and MRI tests

Spine disorders prevention

Spine disorders aren’t always preventable. You can lower your risk of spine problems by taking steps to improve your spine health:

• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise and stretch regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Practice good posture
• Use proper lifting techniques

Spine disorders treatment

Treatment depends on the type of spine disorder, what’s causing it and how severe it is. Your doctor will also consider your age and overall health.

Often, doctors try conservative therapies before surgery. Your doctor may recommend:

• Cold and heat therapy
• Complementary treatments, such as acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care 
• Evaluation for a support brace
• Pain medications
• Physical therapy
• Rest or reduced activity
• Spine injections

If you need spine surgery, our surgeons are highly skilled and up to date with the latest procedures. When possible, they use minimally invasive techniques to lessen pain and speed healing.

Recovery after surgery takes time, but you’re not alone. Your care team will provide close follow-up care to help you heal and guidance to prevent future spine problems.