Lumbar Conditions

Lumbar Conditions

• Lumbar Disc Displacement/ Herniation/ Protrusion - Lumbar Disc Displacement is sometimes also referred to as having a herniated disc and occurs when a disc in the lumbar spine pushes out of alignment and puts pressure on the surrounding nerves. Most common in men ages 35 to 50, this displacement can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs among other symptoms. Medication, physical therapy, and minimally invasive surgery are all viable options for treating this condition.
• Lumbar Disc Degeneration - Commonly referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease or DDD, disc degeneration in the lumbar spine is most often caused by age-related wear and tear. As the discs between the vertebrae of the lumbar spine stiffen and slowly become inflexible, the change causes pain, limited mobility, and a variety of other symptoms that can cause mild to extreme discomfort. Most commonly, an array of non-surgical treatments can be used to address lumbar disc degeneration before considering minimally invasive surgical options.
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar region. As the spinal canal narrows, the nerves traveling through the lower spinal region are compressed. This can cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs and buttocks, as well as cramping, radiating pain, and loss of motion. In certain cases, surgery may be considered to treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, but most often your doctor will first use a series of non-invasive treatments in an attempt to address the condition.
• Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis - Foraminal Stenosis refers to a condition where the foramina on the spine becomes narrow. The foramina are the passageways on either side of the vertebrae that allow the nerves to travel along the length of the spine. As they narrow, patients can begin to experience sharp or dull pain, muscle weakness in their extremities, as well as numbness and tingling. Pain from this condition can be treated via non-surgical methods, but minimally-invasive surgical options are also available.
• Lumbar Spondylolisthesis - Lumbar Spondylolisthesis involves spinal instability and occurs when the vertebrae slip out of place and make contact with the vertebrae below them, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves. Symptoms can include muscle spasms, stiffness, pain, difficulty while walking or standing. While non-surgical treatments can relieve unpleasant symptoms, minimally invasive surgical treatment can be used in severe cases. A CT scan, MRI scan, or Spinal X-Ray will need to be performed for a concrete diagnosis.
• Lumbar Spondylolysis & Pars Defect - This term refers to a stress fracture in the bones of the lumbar spine. The Pars Interarticularis is a thin bone that joins the vertebrae of the spine and can be easily affected by chronic stress. This condition can cause localized lower back pain and pain that radiates into the lower extremities. Along with non-surgical approaches, this condition can be treated by minimally invasive spinal surgery, or in some cases both.
• Lumbar Fractures - A Lumbar Fracture is a broken bone occurring in the lumbar portion of the spine. Like other fractures of the spine, this condition is caused by high-energy trauma. Treatment for this condition will depend on surrounding injuries, the exact nature of the fracture, and whether or not there is neurological injury. After treatment, rehabilitation will focus on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and returning the patient’s condition to a pre-injury state.
• Lumbar Deformity/Kyphosis/Scoliosis - These phrases refer to an overall abnormality with either the shape or the angulation of the spine. This condition can sometimes be caused by age-related wear and tear or complications from past surgeries. These conditions can cause shooting pain, stiffness, trouble standing straight or walking, as well as a hunched appearance and difficulty lying flat. Effective treatment options for this condition range from non-surgical to surgical and will vary on the exact nature and severity of the condition.
• Lumbar Instability - Lumbar Instability refers to an excess or abnormal mobility in the lumbar spine, or an abnormal joint between two or more connected vertebrae. This condition can cause degenerative changes to the joints of the spine as well as compression on the nerves in the spinal canal. Patients suffering from this condition may experience spinal pain, feelings of instability, lower extremity numbness, tingling, weakness, as well as other symptoms. Both non-surgical and surgical options are available for addressing this condition.