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• Collagen

Collagen

Collagen is made up of different types of protein and is a primary component of connective tissue. It is found in various forms in the skin, tendons, blood vessels, organs, bone, cartilage, hair, and elsewhere in the body. Collagen cells possess great tensile strength. As the body ages, a breakdown of collagen cells within the skin leads to the formation of wrinkles. Collagen breakdown in the bones and joints can lead to osteoporosis or osteoarthritis.

Collagen is present throughout the spinal anatomy, including within the:

• Intervertebral discs
• Facet joints
• Ligaments, tendons, and muscles
• Meninges (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater)
• Blood vessels

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Collagen breakdown within the intervertebral discs occurs when degenerative disc disease is present. As the discs lose their elasticity, the vertebrae can collapse and nerve roots become vulnerable to impingement or irritation. The same is true for the facet joints, which depend on cartilage to create a smooth connection between the vertebrae. Nerve root or spinal cord impingement or irritation can produce chronic back or neck pain, accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling within the shoulders, arms, hands, or lower body.

These symptoms usually can be managed through conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, exercise, pain medications, or therapeutic massage. Occasionally, weeks or months of conservative therapy is not enough to mitigate chronic neck or back pain, and a doctor might present surgery as an option. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) offers a gentle, endoscopic alternative to traditional open back surgery. The award-winning surgeons at LSI can perform minimally invasive, outpatient procedures to help you rediscover a life without pain. Contact LSI to learn more about the role collagen plays in spinal health and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.