Juvenile Disc Disorder - Spine-health
Juvenile disc disorder occurs when the parts of the vertebrae called end plates are too weak to withstand the pressures inside the disc spaces. The end plates are the very top and bottom portions of the vertebrae that attach to the cartilaginous disc between each vertebra. When the end plates of the vertebrae are weak, portions of the tough ...
Lumbar Osteophytes (Bone Spurs) Video - Spine-health
Lumbar osteophytes, or bone spurs, are growths that form on the joints in the lower back as a result of degenerative changes to the spine. As disc material or cartilage in between the bones of the spine breaks down, extra movement occurs in the joints of the spine. In order to compensate for this extra movement, the body forms bone spurs on the ...
L5-S1 Treatment - Spine-health
Radiofrequency ablation may be used to treat pain stemming from the L5-S1 facet joints. A part of the pain-transmitting nerve is heated with a radiofrequency needle to create a heat lesion. This resulting lesion prevents the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain. While performing injection treatments, fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance is ...
Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) - Spine-health
A degenerated disc is marked by a significant decrease in hydration, making the disc inflexible, smaller, and more prone to tearing in the exterior. When one disc degenerates, it can alter the structure and mechanics of the lumbar spine, particularly at the segment surrounding the disc.
All About the L3-L4 Spinal Segment - Spine-health
The L3-L4 spinal motion segment, positioned in the middle of the lumbar spine, plays an important role in supporting the weight of the torso and protecting the cauda equina (nerves that descend from the spinal cord). While the L3-L4 motion segment is less likely to be injured compared to its lower counterparts, it may be subject to degeneration ...
All About T12-L1 (Thoracolumbar Junction) - Spine-health
The T12-L1 spinal motion segment, also called the thoracolumbar junction, connects the thoracic spine (upper back) with the lumbar spine (lower back).
All About the L4-L5 Spinal Segment - Spine-health
The L4 and L5 are the two lowest vertebrae of the lumbar spine. Together with the intervertebral disc, joints, nerves, and soft tissues, the L4-L5 spinal motion segment provides a variety of functions, including supporting the upper body and allowing trunk motion in multiple directions. 1 Waldman SD. Functional Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine.
Bone Spurs (Osteophytes) and Back Pain - Spine-health
Bone spurs constrict foramina and compress nerve roots, leading to back pain. Bone spurs typically cause back pain one of three ways: Joint inflammation. Bone spurs of the joints of the spine (facet joints) can cause adjacent vertebrae to grind against each other, resulting in friction and inflammation. The inflammation can lead to pain ...
Cervical Osteophytes: Symptoms and Diagnosis - Spine-health
Neurological problems. Cervical osteophyte may lead to numbness and weakness in both arms. Numbness or tingling in one or both arms and/or hands. There could also be progressive weakness in one or both arms and/or hands with or without impairment of finger dexterity. See Understanding Hand Pain and Numbness.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Scheuermann's Disease - Spine-health
Muscle spasms or muscle cramps. Difficulty exercising. Back pain or backache, which may come and go. Limited flexibility. Tight hamstrings. Feeling off-balance. Serious damage is rare, but it is possible for Scheuermann’s disease to develop in such a way that the spinal cord or internal organs are harmed.