The sacroiliac (SI) joint exists between the sacrum and ilium bones in the back of the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a degenerative condition of this joint that can result in lower back pain. It is frequently overlooked and can explain up to 15-30% of cases of low back pain in the outpatient setting. Risk […]

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common cause of low back and leg pain. It occurs when the space around the nerve roots narrows. This puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots and may cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Degenerative changes and arthritis that occur over long periods of time are […]

Disc herniations are a common source of back and leg pain. They can also occur in the smaller discs in the neck. The intervertebral discs in our spine are composed of a thick outer ring of cartilage (annulus) and an inner gel-like material (nucleus). A disc begins to herniate or rupture when a part of […]

A spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the bones in your spine – called a vertebra – slips forward and out of place. It can occur anywhere along the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine). In some patients, this causes no symptoms at all while others may have back, leg, or […]

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a neck condition that arises when the spinal cord becomes compressed or squeezed, usually due to degenerative changes that occur in the neck over time. These degenerative changes like arthritis, bone spurs, and disc protrusions cause narrowing of the channel where the spinal cord passes and eventually compression. Because the […]

Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a “pinched nerve”, occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. Usually this can cause neck pain that radiates into the shoulder and/or arm. It can also cause muscle weakness and numbness. Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by degenerative changes […]