Back Pain & Spine Surgery

The spine is at the heart of human motion. Back pain often considerably limits quality of life. © Filip_Krstic, istock

By far the most back pain occurs in the lowest section of the spine. The lumbar spine bears the torso’s entire weight. The vertebrae bearing this weight are rather small when compared to other areas of the spine. Walking upright puts great strain on the joints in the lumbar spine.

Every day some of the fluid in the discs which cushion and absorb is lost and they shrink. Although this fluid is restored overnight and when lying down, this process of restoration slows as we age and the discs shrink permanently.

This shrinkage causes a decline in muscle tension. The lumbar spine bulges forward and this can result in increasing hollow back which puts further strain on the back itself. The result is deep-seated back pain that can radiate in a belt-like pattern. Additionally, the movements that pass from the torso to the legs take place in the area of the lumbar spine. This involves muscular traction such as the hip flexor or the so-called adductors. This is why the back specialist must also take a close look at the pelvis and legs during the examination.

Cervical spine pain. © joint-surgeon

As the uppermost part of the spine, the cervical spine supports the head. It has a total of seven cervical vertebrae (C1 to C7). The first cervical vertebra (atlas) is situated directly below the foramen magnum (large opening), an opening through which the spinal cord passes into the vertebral canal. The second cervical vertebra (axis) is responsible for skull rotation. It has a tooth-like structure (dens axis) which the atlas rests on. The main purpose of the cervical spine is to stabilise and move the head and protect the spinal cord. Cervical spine pain or injuries are therefore serious events which should be examined by a specialist.

Pain in the back, neck or arm can be signs of cervical spine syndrome, or C-spine syndrome for short. A distinction is usually made between acute cervical spine syndromes and chronic cervical spine syndromes. Acute cervical spine syndromes are typically caused by injuries caused by sudden overstraining. This includes e.g. injury to the cervical spine in traffic accidents, the so-called whiplash injury of the cervical spine. However, acute cervical spine syndromes can also arise due to unusual strain from heavy physical activity or by exposure to draughts. Another trigger for pain in the cervical spine is acute spinal disc herniation (disc prolapse), where the inside of the disc emerges from the nucleus and compresses the spinal cord nerves.

The high-resolution MRI scan is important for accurate diagnosis involving intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies and intervertebral joints. The complete range of spine-related diagnoses is offered in the Spine Centre at the Gelenk-Klinik Hospital. © Joint-surgeon.com

Chronic back pain is often diagnosed by specialists from different fields and different areas of knowledge.

Depending on whether you consult a general practitioner, a doctor with a background in psychosomatic medicine, an orthopaedic surgeon, a neurosurgeon or a rehabilitation physician, the explanation for your problem and the treatment recommendations you receive, may vary greatly. Many patients relate the experience of having to search for an effective diagnosis of and plan of action for their back pain for a very long time.

Expert Diagnosis of Orthopaedic Spine Diseases © Viewmedica

The spine is the central axis of the human body. It holds us upright, gives us mobility and protects the sensitive spinal cord. Despite its remarkable properties, however, more than 40% of all adults suffer from spinal disorders and lower back pain is one of the leading causes of work disability in the industrialized countries of the world. Moreover, the incidence of spinal disorders in individuals below twenty years of age continues to grow. Whether you suffer from temporary lumbago, chronic back pain, or a gradually worsening wear-related condition, it is essential to regard backpain as an important alarm signal.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion © Viewmedica

Spinal Fusion (Sypondylodesis) is surgery to relieve backpain caused by hypermobility of vertebrae in your spine (Spondylolisthesis). The surgical fusion of vertebrae is called Spondylodesis. Spondylodesis also treatsspinal deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis.

Spondlylolisthesis is the name given to the condition when a vertebrae (single bone of the spine) slips forward and pinches the spinal cord and sensitive nerve roots in this area.

Degenerated Spinal Disc © Viewmedica

Degenerative Disc disease is a chronic and often painful condition. This condition happens when one or more of the vertebral discs (cushions between the vertebrae) become damaged and weakened and no longer work as shock absorbers for the movement of the spine.

Specialist diagnosis and treatment of a degenerated cervical disc © Viewmedica

A herniated cervical disc occurs when a disc in the neck region of the spine becomes ruptured or bursts as a result of damage to the surface. The soft material inside the disc comes out, hardens and can press on the nerves which run through the spinal column.

Expert diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis © Viewmedica

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. Every nerve connecting the brain with the body passes through this spinal canal. Spinal stenosis consequently affects the function central nervous system. Every nerve of the peripheral nervous system providing control and feeling for muscles and limbs passes through the spinal canal. Pressure and narrowing of this passage can result in severe functional deficits and pain.

Expert Diagnosis of Lumbar Spine Disorders © Viewmedica

Vertebral discs are usually only mentioned in connection with herniated discs and back pain: our spinal discs tend to have a bad reputation. Most people start to consider the existence of vertebral discs only after a painful discus prolapse causes extreme pain. Other symptoms such as tingling, numbness and weak reflexes indicate loss of nerve function in the spine.