Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatic nerve pain refers to pain associated with pressure of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve, which controls muscles in the back of the knee and lower leg and provides feeling to the legs and feet. The pain usually begins in the lower back and extends down the leg to the calf, […]
Spinal Arthritis
Arthritis of the spine is a degeneration of the cartilage of joints and discs in the neck and lower back. It often presents as stiffness and pain in the neck and back, but if severe enough to affect spinal nerves or the spinal cord, can result in weakness or numbness in the legs or arms as […]
SPINAL CORD DISEASE
There are many different types of spinal cord disease. Living with any one of them can make daily life very challenging at times. Veterans who are living with a spinal cord disease can take advantage of ongoing support and helpful resources and benefits through Paralyzed Veterans of America membership. With knowledge and information, you […]
Spinal Cord Tumor
A spinal tumor is a mass or growth of cells within or near the spinal cord. The tumor – whether malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous) – can affect nerves located nearby, resulting in pain, neurological problems and sometimes paralysis. Even benign tumors of the spinal cord can result in death or permanent disability. Symptoms of […]
Spinal Fracture
A spinal fracture is one or more broken vertebrae in the spine that commonly results from high-energy trauma. The most common fractures of the spine occur in the mid-back (thoracic) or lumbar (lower) spine, or at the connection of the two regions. Fractures of the spine typically stem from intense accidents or trauma, such as […]
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis is a common condition characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal, causing compression on the nerve roots and spinal cord. While it’s possible for spinal stenosis to occur without producing any symptoms, it commonly leads to pain, cramping, weakness or numbness, or in severe cases, bladder or bowel problems. Spinal stenosis can […]
Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Spinal stenosis can be diagnosed through X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and blood tests. Common treatments include physical therapy, medication or, in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves. Surgery can be performed by removing, trimming or adjusting diseased areas of the spine that are causing […]
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
While it’s possible for spinal stenosis to occur without producing any symptoms, the disorder most commonly causes numbness, weakness, cramping, general pain in the arms or legs or sciatica. The area of the spine affected by spinal stenosis often is indicative of the symptoms experienced. For example, pressure on the lower portion of the spinal […]
Spondylosis
Spondylosis refers to the degeneration of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) or the disks or joints between those bones. The degeneration can occur in one or more areas of the spine, such as the neck (cervical spondylosis), lower back (lumbar spondylosis) or middle back (thoracic spondylosis). The wear and tear associated with spondylosis can […]
Stenosis
Stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of a canal, valve or passage in the body. Stenosis in the spine, for example, is characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal, which can in turn put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and cause pain. Spinal stenosis can cause numbness, weakness or tingling in the legs, feet, […]
Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cysts forms within the spinal cord. Over time, the cyst may expand and enlarge, resulting in damage to the spinal cord as well as pain, weakness and stiffness in the back, shoulders and extremities. Headaches, a loss of ability to feel hot or cold, as well as […]
Tethered Spinal Cord
Tethered spinal cord is a neurological disorder in which tissue attaches to the spinal cord, limiting its movement within the spinal column. The progressive disorder can occur congenitally – often with a close link to spina bifida – or as a result of injury to the spinal cord, and most commonly develops in the lower […]
Thoracic Spine
The thoracic spine is the middle section of vertebrae in the spine, made up of 12 vertebrae in the chest area with the ribs attached. The thoracic area of the spine is one of three sections of the spinal column and sits between the cervical spine in the neck and the lumbar spine in the […]
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Cervical Spine Injury
Cervical spine injury is an injury to an individual’s upper (cervical) spine, causing paralysis or weakness in both the arms, hands, trunk and legs. Injuries to the cervical spine – which includes eight vertebrae labeled C1 through C8 from top to bottom – are the most severe spinal cord injury levels. Injuries to the upper half […]