One of the most vital parts of the human body, the spinal column supports our trunk and makes all of our movements possible. Spinal disorders that often result in disabling back pain or paralysis are among the most common medical conditions with significant impact on our health-related quality of life.
While the majority of back pain can be treated with non-surgical methods, some patients will require surgery to alleviate the pain.
Symptoms
Spinal disorders can cause a range of symptoms and/or findings on a physical exam. A patient’s signs and symptoms depend on the type of disorder, its severity, and its location within the spine. Symptoms may include:
Sharp and/or dull pain of short- or long-term duration
Activity-related neck or back pain
Pain radiating into the arms and/or legs
Limited motion and poor posture
Pain during standing or walking
Abnormal sensations of the arms and/or legs, such as tingling or burning
Sensory loss or numbness in the arms and/or legs
Weakness in arms and/or legs
Unsteadiness, with poor balance
Diagnosis
Spinal disorders may be diagnosed using a number of non-invasive techniques, including:
An interview with the patient to understand the history of the condition
Physical and neurological examinations
Imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging
For more complex conditions, advanced diagnostic tools can be used, including:
Electrophysiological studies, such as electromyography, to determine how well the nerves function
Nuclear bone scans to diagnose spinal compression fractures
Myelography, which uses a dye injected into the spinal canal to better define on imaging studies the channel through which nerves pass through the spine