Common Spine Conditions: Understanding Your Diagnosis in Detail

Spine conditions are a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting millions of people and causing significant pain and mobility issues. Understanding your diagnosis can help you make informed decisions about treatment options. Let’s explore some of the most common spine conditions:

• Herniated Discs: Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, this occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a disc pushes out through a tear in the outer ring. It can press on nearby nerves, causing symptoms like sharp back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, particularly down the leg if it affects the sciatic nerve. Herniated discs are often caused by injury, aging, or repetitive strain.

• Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It commonly occurs in the neck (cervical stenosis) or lower back (lumbar stenosis). Symptoms include pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, and difficulty with balance or walking. It is often a result of aging or degenerative changes.

• Scoliosis: A lateral (side-to-side) curvature of the spine that often develops during adolescence but can also occur in adults due to degenerative changes. In severe cases, scoliosis can cause back pain, reduced lung function, and visible deformities, such as uneven shoulders or hips. Treatment options range from bracing to surgery, depending on the severity.

• Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, the discs in your spine naturally lose water and wear down, leading to less flexibility and cushioning. This process, known as degenerative disc disease, can cause chronic pain in the neck or lower back. In some cases, it can lead to conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

• Sciatica: This condition refers to pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the hips and legs. Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the nerve. The hallmark symptom is a sharp, shooting pain down one leg, often accompanied by numbness or weakness.

Each of these conditions affects the spine in unique ways, and treatment options vary based on severity and individual needs. Proper diagnosis through imaging tests, like MRIs or X-rays, is crucial for determining the best course of action.

Always consult with a qualified spine specialist like Dr. Remi Ajiboye to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Remi M. Ajiboye M.D. is considered one of the best board-certified spine specialist in Los Angeles who is trained in non-surgical and surgical management of spine conditions. He has advanced training in minimally-invasive spine surgery and complex spinal reconstruction. Dr Remi Ajiboye serves Torrance, El Segundo, Long Beach, and the surrounding communities of South Bay, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Lomita, San Pedro, Carson, Lawndale, Gardena, Hawthorne, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Los Alamitos, Westminster, Garden Grove, Lakewood, Cerritos, Bellflower, Downey, Paramount, Bellflower, Norwalk, Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Fullerton, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and greater Los Angeles county and Orange County. Contact Remi Ajiboye, MD, online or over the phone to set up an appointment.

Author

Remi Ajiboye MD Remi M. Ajiboye M.D. is a spine specialist who is trained in non-surgical and surgical management of spine conditions. He has advanced training in minimally-invasive spine surgery and complex spinal reconstruction.