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