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The Most Common Spinal Conditions

The spine starts to develop problems due to natural wear and tear as you age. The first noticeable sign of spinal issues is back and neck pain. The pain becomes persistent, affecting your daily routine and causing other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness of your muscles. Treatment is essential at this point to prevent complications. Luckily, the neurosurgery Edison NJ specialist Jeff Pan, MD, offers skilled and expert care in treating various spine conditions. Here are among the spine conditions he provides solutions to.

Spinal tumors

They are strange tissue growths in your spinal column. Though not all tumors are cancerous, they may interfere with your wellbeing. Spinal tumors are less common compared to brain tumors.

You may be at risk of a spinal tumor if you have a family history of spinal tumors. Some genetic conditions may also increase your chance of having spinal tumors.

Spinal tumors either come from the spine or emerge from other body parts. They occur in different types depending on where they develop.

If you have spinal tumors, you are likely to develop the following symptoms based on the type and location of the tumor;

  • Bladder problems
  • Neck or back pain
  • Difficulty walking
  • Leg pain
  • Numbness
  • Paralysis

Dr. Pan offers comprehensive care to prevent severe complications.

Low back conditions

The back provides support for your body; it’s, therefore, vulnerable to damage and injuries, causing back pain. Different low back conditions cause low back pain, including the following;

  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis
  • Isthmic spondylolisthesis
  • Lumbar stenosis
  • Low back strains and sprains
  • Lumbar degenerative disc disease
  • Lumbar disc herniation
  • Spinal tumors
  • Lumbar radiculopathy

Your provider performs a thorough evaluation to confirm your diagnosis. After your diagnosis results, he offers the following treatments;

  • Physical therapy
  • Spinal injections
  • Home exercise program
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
  • Activity modification

He suggests surgery when your treatments do not work.

Cervical conditions

The neck is among the most flexible part of your spinal column. It allows smooth movement of your head in all directions. The mobility causes the cervical spine to become more susceptible to injuries.

Neck pain occurs due to different cervical conditions, such as;

  • Cervical disc herniation
  • Cervical degenerative disc disease
  • Cervical stenosis
  • Cervical radiculopathy
  • Craniocervical instability
  • Cervical strains and sprains
  • Spinal tumors

Your provider performs a thorough diagnosis to determine the exact cause of your pain. They use your results to create treatment plans to eliminate inflammation and pain. Your provider recommends surgical and nonsurgical treatments to relieve pain and enhance recovery.

Thoracic conditions

The thoracic part of your spine joins the cervical spine to the lumbar spine. It offers stability and protection to the spinal cord and secures the rib cage.

Usually, the thoracic spine is less flexible, and its conditions cause upper back pain. Your provider works with you to find the cause of pain and provide treatments.

Conditions that affect the thoracic spine include the following;

  • Age-related kyphosis
  • Scheuermann’s kyphosis
  • Compression fractures
  • Spinal tumors

Most spine conditions are painful, interfering with your mobility and affecting daily life activities. When not treated, the pain may lead to severe complications. Dr. Pan offers surgical and nonsurgical treatments to help you find relief. Call Jeff Pan, MD, today to schedule your consultation.