Spine conditions
To better understand spine conditions, it helps to know the anatomy of the spine – the backbone of the human body, both literally and figuratively.
It is the central point from which the rest of your skeletal structure extends. It holds you upright, supports much of your body weight and allows you to move freely and flexibly.
Your spine is made of small bones known as vertebrae. These are linked by facet joints that let you bend forwards and backwards and twist. Discs, which sit between each vertebra, also help your spine to move and absorb shock.
Vertebrae, facet joints and spinal discs form the spinal column. This is divided into five areas. From top to bottom, they are the:
Cervical spine (neck): Comprises seven vertebrae (C1-C7) and supports the head’s movement.
Thoracic spine (upper back): Contains 12 vertebrae (T1-T12) that connect to the ribcage, aiding in protecting vital organs.
Lumbar spine (lower back): Made up of five vertebrae (L1-L5), it bears much of the body’s weight and allows for flexibility and movement.
Sacrum: Consists of five fused vertebrae (S1-S5) forming the back part of the pelvis.
Coccyx (tailbone): Includes four fused vertebrae at the spine’s base.
Between each vertebra lies an intervertebral disc, acting as a cushion to absorb shock and help movement. Ligaments and muscles attached to the spine provide stability and support.
The spine also protects your spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that let your brain communicate with the rest of your body and let the rest of your body communicate with your brain.
These incoming and outgoing messages are vital to your survival. They power your breath, your heart beat and your movement.
What conditions affect the spine?
Understanding spine conditions is important for maintaining spinal health. Some conditions that affect the spine include:
What are symptoms of spine conditions?
Symptoms vary, depending on the specific condition and how it affects your body, but they may include:
Back or neck pain
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Numbness or tingling in the limbs
Muscle weakness
Difficulty maintaining posture
If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s important to see your GP for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Your GP may do medical tests and investigations. They may also send you for medical imaging, such as an X-ray or scan. They may refer you to a neurosurgeon or another medical professional for a specialised diagnosis and treatment. Make sure you bring your test results and imaging to your appointment. If you would like to see A/Prof Raj Reddy, make sure you get a referral from your GP before you book an appointment.
How are spine conditions diagnosed?
A neurosurgeon will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose a condition. This may include:
- Medical history and symptoms review: Understanding your symptoms, their severity and how they affect daily life.
- Physical examination: Checking for signs of nerve compression, muscle weakness or reduced mobility.
- Imaging tests: Such as X-rays, CT scans or MRIs to evaluate the spine’s structure and identify issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis or fractures.
Once diagnosed, your neurosurgeon will develop a personalised treatment plan, which may include physiotherapy, medication or surgery if necessary.
How are spine conditions treated?
Treatment for spine conditions depends on the diagnosis and severity. Options may include:
Conservative treatments
- Physiotherapy: Exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles supporting the spine and improve flexibility.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines, or muscle relaxants to manage symptoms.
- Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, practising good posture and doing regular low-impact exercise.
Interventional treatments
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Surgical treatments
If non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief for a spinal condition, surgery may be a suitable option. Discover more about spine surgery here:
- Spinal fusion
- Lumbar laminectomy (decompression)
- Lumbar microdiscectomy
- Lumbar disc replacement (total disc replacement)
- Cervical laminectomy
- Cervical discectomy
- Cervical disc replacement (total disc replacement)
How can I prevent spine conditions?
To maintain spine health and prevent potential issues:
Engage in regular physical activity focusing on strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness.
Practise proper lifting techniques to avoid unnecessary strain on the back.
Ensure ergonomic setups at workstations to promote good posture.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine.
How to prepare for your neurosurgical appointment.
Image by Injury Map under a Creative Commons license.
