Effective Treatment For Spinal Injuries

Two of the most common spinal injuries are herniated discs and compression fractures. While herniated discs can happen to anyone at any age, compression fractures tend to occur more prevalently among the elderly, who may also have osteoporosis, or thinning bones. Some fractures occur spontaneously and some are caused by direct trauma.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a common injury that can affect any part of the spine. A herniated disc can cause severe pain and other problems in the arms or legs because its spongy material bulges outward and interferes with nerves in the spinal cord.

Dr. Hayward has several conservative treatments for herniated lumbar and cervical discs. When conservative treatment fails, cervical disc replacement, or an artificial disc, may be an option. Cervical disc replacement can treat a severely damaged or degenerated cervical disc or one that is impinging on nerves.

Dr. Hayward performs cervical disc replacement with an implant designed to allow motion. He will spend the necessary time evaluating your symptoms and discussing the option of cervical disc replacement. Cervical disc replacements are now being approved by insurance companies.

Compression Fracture

This type of fracture is a collapse of the vertebral bone structure that can affect one or more vertebrae. It can also result in a severe deformity of the spinal column. Compression fractures may affect any of the vertebrae but most commonly occur in the lower thoracic (mid-back) and upper lumbar (low back) regions.

Effective Treatment Of Lumbar Spine Conditions

The low back, or lumbar spine, causes more problems for more people than just about any other part of the anatomy. More than 80% of adults will experience low back pain sometime during their lives. What most people don’t realize is that there are many possible treatments for lumbar spine pain.

Spinal Stenosis & Spondylolisthesis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of (or an intrusion into) these openings. This can cause compression of the nerves. Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine. In spondylolisthesis, damage to bones or joints causes vertebrae to slip forward and distort the spinal cord. Both conditions can be painful and limit function, unless treated.

Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

This is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the lumbar spine. Because these nerves travel to the hips, buttocks, legs and feet, damage in the lumbar spine can cause symptoms in these areas. Sciatica, most often characterized by pain on one side of the buttocks and down one leg, may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the lumbar spinal column.

Facet Joint Syndrome

This is a deterioration of the facet joints, which help stabilize the spine and limit excessive motion. The facet joints are lined with cartilage and are surrounded by a lubricating capsule that enables the vertebrae to bend and twist. Facet joint syndrome is among the most common disabling low back and neck conditions.

The anatomy of the spine is incredibly complex. Any injury or trauma should be taken seriously. For more information about treatment for spinal injuries, call Heartland Spine Institute at 877.331.5763. For your convenience, you can use our online Appointment Request form.