Low back pain is the leading pain complaint of adults and may affect three in four adults during their lifetime. Back pain may be degenerative, age-related, disease-related, or may be linked to poor posture, obesity, or an unhealthy lifestyle. Some back pain may be the result of an injury or persist after surgery.
There are many varied spinal disorders that prevent patients from enjoying their daily activities. Not all back pain is the same, nor should it be treated the same. With a proper diagnosis, Dr. Martinez can provide a specific treatment plan. By understanding and addressing your specific pain problem, there is a better opportunity of decreasing the pain and increasing enjoyment out of life.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is the aging of the discs in between the spinal vertebrae. With aging, the discs lose their flexibility and their ability to cushion the space in the spine. The thinner and rigid discs prevent the spine from normal movement and eventually lead to chronic pain.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal which pinches the nerves or spinal cord that travel through the spine. This compression of the nerves or spinal cord can lead to chronic pain. Spinal stenosis may be caused by a herniated or bulging disc or by an aging process such as osteoarthritis.
Herniated Discs and Bulging Discs
The discs between the vertebral bones are flexible cushions that have soft centers. They are kind of like a jelly doughnut. A herniated disc is when the soft center leaks out of the outer layer of the disc and puts pressure on the nerve roots. A bulging disc is when the soft center protrudes into the spinal cord space but hasn’t actually broken open. Sometimes these disc conditions cause no pain at all and other times they may cause severe pain that is felt throughout the spine and into the arms or legs.
Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis)
Spondylosis, which includes facet joint disease, is a degenerative process that typically occurs with aging. Over time the vertebrae may become compressed and impinge on the nerve roots. While many adults may have signs of spondylosis it does not always cause pain.