Is persistent back pain or neck stiffness disrupting your life? Millions of people suffer from spine disorders, impacting mobility and overall well-being. Understanding these conditions is important for effective management and better quality of life. In this blog, we will discuss some common spinal problems and outline a comprehensive range of treatments for effective relief. Let’s navigate the path to a healthier spine together.

A] Anatomy of the Spine

The spine is like a strong pillar that keeps us standing tall and allows us to move and sit. It is also designed to protect your spinal cord, a column of nerves that connects your brain with the rest of your body, allowing you to control your movements. Without the spinal cord, you can not even lift your finger, and your organs cannot function. This is why keeping your spine healthy is important if you want to live an active life..

The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae that are stacked on top of one another to create a spinal column. Between each vertebra is a soft gel-like cushion called a disc that helps absorb pressure and keeps the bones from rubbing against each other. Groups of ligaments hold each vertebra. Ligaments connect bones to bones, and tendons connect muscles to bones. The spinal column also has joints like you do in knees or elbows, known as facet joints. The facet joints link the vertebrae together, allowing them to move against each other.

The spine can be divided into five regions:

• Cervical spine: The first seven vertebrae at the top of the spine.
• Thoracic spine: The twelve vertebrae of the mid back that are attached to your ribs.
• Lumbar spine: The five vertebrae of the lower back.
• Sacrum: This bone carries all the body’s weight and is the site for many muscles and ligaments to attach to the hip and pelvic region of the body.
• Coccyx: Also known as the tail bone, this tiny triangular-shaped bone consists of four to five fused vertebrae.

B] Common Spine Disorders

The spine is an intricate and vital structure subject to many diseases like any other body part. These diseases spread their influence to the affected body parts, causing discomfort and pain in the spine. Some main spine disorders are:

1. Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the soft gel-like centre of a spinal disc is pushed through the outer layer. This condition occurs due to ageing, improper lifting techniques, or sudden injury. Identifiable symptoms will include pain in the lower back and numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or legs that depend on which disc is affected by the injury. It can get worse and might affect daily activities if left undiagnosed. Therefore, seeking spine treatment at an early stage becomes very important.

2. Spinal Stenosis

This condition results from the narrowing of the spinal canal, primarily due to age-related wear and tear, arthritis, or osteophytes (bone spurs). It can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty walking because of the compression of nerves within the narrowed spaces. Without proper care, spinal diseases like stenosis can reduce mobility and also lower the quality of life. Seeking a spine specialist can provide effective relief.

3. Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curve to the spine, which usually develops in the teenage years. Although most of the time, the cause remains unknown, it is sometimes inherited. Common symptoms include uneven shoulders or tilted waist and overall misaligned posture. In severe cases, it may even interfere with lung function or result in chronic discomfort. Hence, it is important to have regular checkups and consult a spine surgeon if required. If you are looking for a spine surgeon in Andheri, Dr. Prabhoo is a trusted expert who offers personalized care and advanced treatments to help you regain mobility and live pain-free.

4. Degenerative Disc Disease

As we age, the spines lose hydration and elasticity, referred to as degenerative disc disease. This wear and tear results in chronic back pain, sometimes extending to the limbs. Early management of symptoms of spine problems through physical therapy or medications can help maintain mobility and reduce discomfort.

5. Sciatica

Sciatica occurs due to a compressed sciatic nerve that originates from the lower back and runs into both legs. Usually, this is due to a herniated disc or a bone spur. The important sign of this condition is shooting pain from the lower back down one leg. Recurrent sciatica requires targeted spine treatment such as physical therapy or injections to improve quality of life.

6. Spondylosis

Spondylosis is a common spinal disorder. It is also known as spinal arthritis and occurs due to progressive degeneration of the spinal joints, discs, and ligaments. You may experience stiffness and decreased flexibility, especially around the neck and lower back. Exercising regularly and consulting a spine specialist can help reduce the effects and maintain spinal health.

C] Signs You Need to Consult a Spine Specialist

Knowing when your spine problems need a doctor’s attention is essential. You must never ignore persistent discomfort, as early treatment could prevent complications. Below are some top signs to look out for:

• Chronic Back Pain: If the back pain continues for weeks and has shown little improvement with rest or over-the-counter medications, it is probably time to visit a specialist.
• Radiating Pain: If the pain travels to your arms and legs, it might indicate nerve involvement, such as sciatica or a herniated disc.
• Numbness or Tingling: Unexplained numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness may suggest that the nerves are compressed, requiring urgent medical attention.
• Difficulty Walking or Standing: Struggles with posture, balance, or mobility could point to severe spinal diseases like stenosis.
• Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: This is a medical emergency and may indicate spinal cord compression. Immediate consultation with a spine specialist is important.

Our spine specialist in Andheri can provide the expert care you need to address these symptoms effectively and treat various spine disorders, using advanced techniques to ensure the best outcomes.

D] Treatment Options for Spine Disorders

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Physical Therapy: Specific exercises are targeted for strengthening the back and improving flexibility, hence reducing pain and preventing more damage.
• Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants help treat symptoms of spine disorders more successfully.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: For pain due to conditions like sciatica or stenosis, epidural steroid injections would try to reduce inflammation and give temporary pain relief.

Surgical Treatments:

• Discectomy: It involves removing the damaged herniated disc to relieve the pressure. This procedure is commonly practised with a large success rate.
• Spinal Fusion: In severe conditions related to spinal diseases such as degenerative disc disease, this allows the joining of two vertebrae together, providing stability.
• Laminectomy: In this treatment, part of the vertebra is removed to relieve compression on the spinal cord, thus improving mobility and lessening pain.

Emerging Treatments

• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: It represents a new surgical approach that employs small incisions, allowing faster recovery with less postoperative pain.
• Regenerative Therapies: Advanced treatments using stem cells and other regenerative methods are emerging to repair degenerated spinal tissues.

Conclusion

Your spine is the foundation of your mobility and overall well-being, making its care and health a priority. Understanding common spine disorders, recognising early symptoms, and exploring the available treatment options can make a significant difference in managing pain and improving your quality of life.

If you face persistent discomfort and exhibit signs of spinal problems, seek professional advice promptly. Dr. Tanay Prabhoo offers spine treatment in Andheri, providing expert diagnosis and treatments tailored to your needs.

Take the first step toward a healthier spine today. Go ahead and schedule your consultation and start your journey to moving freely.

We all have experienced some form of joint or bone pain in our lives. But most people do not rush to a doctor when they feel slight pain caused by exercising, playing sports, or minor injuries. Most people tend to wait out the pain and let the body heal naturally. However, there is a limit to how much your body can naturally heal. Much serious pain needs to be consulted by an orthopaedic surgeon at the earliest.

In this blog, we will learn what common conditions orthopaedic surgeons treat, when is the right time to consult an orthopaedic surgeon, what is their diagnostic procedure, and more. But first, we must understand their field of expertise.

A] What Is An Orthopaedic Doctor?

A medical doctor who specialises in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system is known as an orthopaedic surgeon. An orthopaedic surgeon deals with bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the body. They may also treat neural problems if the treatment calls for it. They consult patients suffering from fractures and joint pains and suggest surgical and non-surgical interventions.

They are highly educated and trained, needing to qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is a competitive exam in India. Then they complete an MBBS degree before receiving hands-on experience with a three-year residency program in MS (Master of Surgery), specialising in orthopaedics. They also complete a fellowship or diploma course to further their expertise.

B] Common Orthopaedic Conditions Treated By Orthopaedic Surgeons?

• Joint pain: Joint pain can be a symptom of various types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and an inflammatory condition called bursitis. These conditions limit the mobility of joints and cause pain while walking, sitting, or doing everyday activities. Orthopaedics often suggest non-surgical treatments for these conditions at first.
• Back, Neck, and Spine Problems: Some of the most common orthopaedic issues in today’s society are back, neck, and spine problems. These occur mostly in office-going people who have to sit at their desks for extended periods. These problems include conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica..
• Sports Injuries: Sports injuries like ACL tears, sprains in MCLs and LCLs, and tendonitis need immediate medical attention and intervention. Orthopaedic surgeons perform surgery to treat these conditions at the earliest. They may also consult the patient during the recovery phase to ensure a quick and healthy recovery.
• Fractures and Trauma: Broken bones, dislocations, and acute injuries fall under the specialisation of an orthopaedic doctor. Whether due to blunt-force trauma or accidental fractures, these conditions cause immense pain, swelling, redness, and inability to move. An orthopaedic surgeon will diagnose the type of fracture using X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans and suggest interventions.
• Degenerative Diseases: Degenerative diseases like osteoporosis and other age-related conditions make bones, ligaments, and tendons weaker over time. Weaker bones mean loss of strength and mobility. Orthopaedic surgeons address the root cause of these problems.

C] Signs You Should Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon

• Joint and Bone Pain: Joint and bone pain can significantly reduce quality of life. If you experience acute and chronic pain in your knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders or any other bones, you must seek professional consultation from our orthopaedic doctor in Andheri at the earliest opportunity.
• Limited Range of Motion: Finding it difficult to move your body like before and experiencing stiffness in joints could be signs of arthritis. Getting evaluation and treatment by an orthopaedic specialist can help to diagnose underlying musculoskeletal issues.
• Loss of Strength: Loss of overall strength is natural in old age or while recovering from a major injury. According to a study, significant bone loss occurs around age 65 years in men and 50 years in women. An orthopaedic specialist will help you stop and reverse this problem to regain your strength..
• Inflammation: Persistent swelling, inflammation, or redness around a joint can be early warnings of bursitis, tendonitis, or arthritis. Get medical attention from an expert as soon as possible.

D] What Diagnostic Methods Do Orthopaedics Use?

• Physical Examination: A physical exam may include observation of swelling or inflammation, using a reflex hammer to see tendon reflexes and a pain test.
• X-ray: X-rays help to find fractures in bones and joints and may also be used for diagnosing arthritis.
• MRI: Unlike X-rays which only image the bones, MRI uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
• CT Scan: CT Scan is an advanced imaging technique that also uses X-rays to a certain extent for imaging the body, including bones, muscles, organs, and fat.

E] Orthopaedic Treatment Methods

1. Non-Surgical:

Non-surgical orthopaedic treatments include exercise, immobilisation techniques, and medication. Exercise helps to improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Immobilisation techniques like braces, splints, and casts are used for treating fractures and traumas. Medication may be recommended for treating symptoms like pain and swelling, sometimes in conjunction with other treatment methods.

2. Surgical:

Surgery is recommended when other means of treatment are deemed ineffective. Some common surgeries offered by orthopaedic surgeons are joint replacement surgery, bone fusion, internal fixation, osteotomy, soft tissue repair, and release surgery.

F] Benefits of Consulting an Orthopedic Surgeon Early

• Diagnosing and treating conditions at an early stage.
• Professional consultation leads to faster recovery and better outcomes.
• Prevention of further complications or chronic issues.
• Access to specialized expertise and advanced treatment options.

Conclusion

Knowing when to seek professional medical attention from an orthopaedic surgeon is critical for maintaining a good quality of life. Early consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon can help to diagnose the underlying conditions at an early stage and address them. This can be done through a physical exam, x-ray, or even an MRI. The doctors will then proceed to create a tailored treatment for you which can be non-surgical or surgical.

If you are experiencing joint or bone pain, difficulty in moving them, or mobility issues, visit our orthopaedic clinic in Andheri today!

Take the first step toward a healthier spine today. Go ahead and schedule your consultation and start your journey to moving freely.