In the back or neck, problems with the vertebrae can often lead to pain and other frustrating symptoms, leaving individuals to consider their numerous treatment options. Typically, these symptoms can be traced to problems in one of two areas: the facet joints or the intervertebral discs, with nerve compression the most common source of discomfort. Regardless of the specific condition, most back or neck vertebrae pain will respond well to conservative treatment over the course of several weeks.
Function
The spine is made up of individual bones, known as vertebrae, beginning in the cervical spine (neck) and ending at the coccyx in the tailbone. These bones allow the spine to be flexible and mobile while also strong and stable. To stabilize the vertebrae, matching sets of facet joints exist on each vertebra—with one set facing upward and one set facing downward—which allow adjacent vertebrae to interlock together. Additionally, in order to ensure that the interlocking vertebrae don’t grind up against one another, intervertebral discs exist between each bone in the back and neck. These soft, spongy discs act as shock absorbers and limit the stress placed on each segment of the spine. However, both the facet joints and the intervertebral discs are prone to deterioration, which can lead to vertebrae problems and pain.
Causes of Pain
Some of the most common sources of vertebrae deterioration and pain-related symptoms include:
- Having the intervertebral disc become ruptured or bulged, leading to the compression of a nerve root
- Osteoarthritis presenting at the facet joints
- Bone spurs
- The narrowing of the spinal canal or other foramen
- Traumatic injury
Treatment Options
If you are suffering from one of these conditions afflicting your vertebrae and causing pain, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI) to learn about your treatment options. In most cases, your physician should be sufficiently able to manage your pain with a series of conservative, non-surgical treatments. However, should your pain persist, minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery from LSI may be just the thing you need to rediscover a life without pain. Contact us today to hear about our services and receive a completely free review of your MRI or CT scan.
