Kenneth Nwosu

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We have provided the following education resources to help you better understand your spinal condition.

Spine Conditions and Treatments Of The Cervical Spine

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Cervical degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in the neck gradually lose hydration and elasticity. Over time, these discs flatten and become less effective at cushioning movement, which can place extra stress on nearby joints and ligaments. This process may cause stiffness, aching, or grinding sensations in the neck, and sometimes pain radiating toward the shoulders or upper back. Bone spurs or disc collapse can also irritate nearby nerves, occasionally leading to arm discomfort or weakness. Most people experience improvement with posture correction, targeted neck and shoulder strengthening, and anti-inflammatory medication. Injections or gentle traction may also help relieve symptoms. If conservative care fails and nerve compression or instability develops, surgical options such as cervical disc replacement or fusion may be considered to restore alignment and reduce pain.

A cervical disc herniation occurs when the soft inner portion of a disc pushes through its outer layer and irritates or compresses a nearby nerve root. This can cause neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand, sometimes accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness. Movements such as looking up or turning the head may worsen symptoms, while rest or gentle traction may relieve them. Many patients improve with time and conservative care, including physical therapy, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medications. For persistent or severe pain, epidural steroid injections can calm the irritated nerve. If weakness or nerve compression continues, surgery to remove the herniated disc and decompress the nerve may be recommended. In appropriate cases, artificial disc replacement can relieve pressure while maintaining motion at that spinal level.

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal in the neck becomes narrowed, reducing space for the spinal cord and nerves. This is most often caused by arthritis, thickened ligaments, or bone spurs that develop over time. Patients may notice neck stiffness, balance difficulty, or arm and hand symptoms such as numbness, clumsiness, or weakness. In advanced cases, patients may experience unsteady walking or loss of fine motor control, such as difficulty buttoning a shirt. Mild cases can be managed with posture improvement, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. When symptoms progress or the spinal cord becomes compressed, surgical decompression may be needed to protect nerve function and prevent permanent damage.

Cervical spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips slightly forward over the one beneath it, usually due to degeneration of the discs and joints that stabilize the neck. This can lead to mechanical neck pain, stiffness, and in some cases, nerve or spinal cord compression. Patients may report pain that worsens with neck motion or fatigue in the neck and shoulder muscles after activity. Early treatment focuses on improving posture, strengthening supporting muscles, and maintaining flexibility through physical therapy. Anti-inflammatory medications and selective injections can reduce pain and inflammation. If significant instability or nerve compression develops, surgical stabilization may be considered to restore alignment and relieve pressure on neural structures.

Cervical myelopathy results from compression of the spinal cord in the neck, typically due to arthritis, disc herniation, or thickened ligaments. It often develops gradually and may first present as subtle clumsiness of the hands, difficulty with fine motor tasks, or unsteady walking. As the condition progresses, patients may experience numbness, weakness, or stiffness in the arms and legs. Because spinal cord compression can cause permanent nerve injury if untreated, surgical decompression is often recommended once myelopathy is diagnosed. The goal is to prevent further neurological decline, though some recovery of function can occur after surgery.

Cervical facet arthropathy describes degeneration or arthritis of the small joints that connect the vertebrae in the neck. These joints guide motion and can become irritated or inflamed as the protective cartilage wears down. Patients often experience localized neck pain, stiffness, or discomfort radiating toward the shoulders or upper back, especially with extension or rotation of the head. The pain is typically mechanical rather than nerve-related, meaning it does not cause arm numbness or weakness. Treatment includes posture training, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medication. Facet injections can reduce inflammation and confirm the pain source. If pain recurs frequently, radiofrequency ablation can provide longer-lasting relief by disrupting the small nerves that carry pain signals from the affected joints.

Spine Conditions and Treatments of the Lumbar Spine

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

Lumbar degenerative disc disease describes the gradual breakdown of the spinal discs that cushion the vertebrae in the lower back. As the discs lose hydration and elasticity, they become thinner and less able to absorb shock. This can place extra stress on the joints and ligaments, leading to inflammation and stiffness. Some people experience localized back pain, while others may develop nerve irritation if the disc collapses or bulges. Common symptoms include aching in the lower back that worsens after sitting or bending, intermittent flare-ups, or pain radiating into the hips or upper thighs. Most cases improve with activity modification, core-strengthening therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. Injections may help reduce inflammation. Surgery, such as spinal fusion or disc replacement, is considered when pain persists and daily activities become limited despite conservative care.

A lumbar disc herniation occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer and presses on a nearby nerve root. This can cause inflammation and nerve irritation, often resulting in sharp pain that radiates down one leg, a condition commonly known as sciatica. Pain may worsen with coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting and can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Many herniated discs improve naturally within weeks. Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and maintaining mobility through medication, physical therapy, and gentle activity. Epidural steroid injections may be used to reduce swelling around the nerve. If pain or weakness continues despite conservative treatment, a minimally invasive microdiscectomy may be recommended. This procedure removes the herniated portion of the disc to relieve pressure on the affected nerve root. Most patients experience rapid improvement in leg pain and are able to return to normal activities within weeks following surgery.

Lumbar spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve passageways, most commonly caused by arthritis, thickened ligaments, or bone spurs from disc degeneration. This narrowing puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the lower back into the legs. Patients often describe pain, heaviness, or cramping in the legs when walking or standing for long periods, with relief when sitting or leaning forward. This pattern is known as neurogenic claudication. Early treatment includes core and flexibility exercises, activity pacing, and anti-inflammatory medications. Injections can help calm nerve inflammation. For those whose walking distance or quality of life is significantly reduced, minimally invasive decompression surgery can create more space for the nerves and restore function.

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, most often due to joint degeneration or stress fractures in the supporting structures. The slippage can irritate nearby nerves, causing both localized back pain and radiating leg pain similar to sciatica. Stiffness, fatigue, or instability in the lower back are also common. Treatment begins with physical therapy aimed at strengthening the core and stabilizing the spine. Weight control and anti-inflammatory medication can also reduce strain on the affected level. If nerve compression or instability persists, surgical stabilization with spinal fusion may be necessary to restore alignment and relieve pain.

Facet arthropathy involves degeneration or arthritis of the small paired joints that connect the vertebrae in the lower back. As cartilage wears down, the joints become inflamed, leading to localized pain that is often worse with standing, arching backward, or twisting. Pain may radiate into the buttocks or upper thighs but typically does not extend below the knee. Treatment includes physical therapy to improve flexibility and strengthen supporting muscles, along with posture correction and anti-inflammatory medications. Image-guided facet injections can provide relief and confirm the pain source. If symptoms persist, radiofrequency ablation can disable the small sensory nerves that transmit pain from the facet joints, offering longer-term relief without affecting mobility.

Compression fractures occur when weakened vertebrae collapse, most often due to osteoporosis or trauma. The collapse can lead to sudden, sharp back pain, tenderness, or gradual loss of height and posture over time. Pain usually worsens with standing or movement and improves with rest. Most fractures heal with activity modification, bracing, and medication to improve bone density. When pain remains severe or alignment worsens, a minimally invasive procedure such as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty can stabilize the fracture, restore height, and provide rapid pain relief.

Degenerative scoliosis develops when discs and joints on one side of the spine wear unevenly, causing a sideward curve that can progress gradually over years. The imbalance may create both mechanical back pain and nerve compression symptoms. Patients often describe fatigue or aching after standing and may notice uneven shoulders, hips, or waistline. Treatment focuses on maintaining posture and flexibility through physical therapy and core strengthening. Targeted injections can help relieve pain from inflamed joints or compressed nerves. For patients with severe curves or disabling pain that limits activity, surgical correction and fusion can realign the spine and improve balance.

The sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the pelvis and help absorb forces between the upper and lower body. Inflammation or abnormal motion of these joints can cause pain in the lower back, buttock, or groin that may radiate into the upper thigh. Pain often worsens with prolonged standing, stair climbing, or transitions from sitting to standing. Diagnosis is confirmed through physical examination and diagnostic injections. Most patients improve with stabilization exercises, therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. For persistent pain, SI joint injections can provide both diagnostic clarity and temporary relief. When symptoms remain chronic despite conservative care, minimally invasive SI joint fusion can restore stability and improve long-term comfort.