Signs It’s Time to See a Spine Surgeon
Is lower back or neck pain making it difficult to do the things you love? Maybe you’ve tried a couple of conservative treatments but they don’t seem to be helping. You’re probably wondering if it’s time to talk with a spine surgeon. If so, you’re not alone. At some point in our lifetimes, most of us will deal with painful conditions that affect the neck or lower back. For some, these issues eventually go away with nothing but time or conservative treatments. However, others will experience symptoms that make their lives miserable. Conservative treatments and therapies just don’t seem to help. They may feel that spine surgery is their only recourse. But wait, there’s something you need to know… In many cases, you may not need spine surgery to manage pain and other symptoms. Of course, there are many situations in which an orthopedic doctor may be beneficial (or even needed) to address your pain. But, more on this later… For now, let’s take a closer look at the spine and common problems that affect it. Understanding the Spine The spine is a series of 33 bones (vertebrae) that start at the base of the skull and end at the tailbone. These bones house the spinal cord—a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the brain to faraway regions of the body. How does the spine accomplish this? Through the use of nerve roots that exit through holes in vertebrae to extend outward to most parts of your body. Obviously, a basic function of the spine is to protect the spinal cord. In fact, the arch-shaped bones in the middle of your vertebrae collectively form your protective spinal canal. The spine also has other responsibilities, however. For instance, your back provides balance and structural support to your entire body. This is achieved, in part, with the drum-shaped vertebral bodies at the front of each spinal bone. The spine also allows for movement, enabling you to bend, twist, and stand upright. At the back of each vertebra are star-shaped processes that attach to muscles in the back. In addition, facet joints connect the bones of your spine together. Regions of the Spine The spine is divided up into several key regions. Some of these areas are more prone to injuries than others. Cervical spine: Includes seven vertebrae that start at the base of the skull and end at the upper back. This region makes up the neck portion of the spine—one of the two main areas usually responsible for generating spine-related pain. Thoracic spine: Consisting of twelve vertebrae below the cervical spine and above the lower back. The thoracic spine has more limited mobility than other regions of the spine because it is connected to the ribs and sternum. However, this also makes it less likely to suffer injury. Lumbar spine: The five vertebrae in your lower back. This section of the spine handles most of the body’s weight and allows for the most motion. As such, the lumbar spine is another
