Home

FAQ

Contact Information

THE SPINE AND SURGERY

The spinal cord is an extension of the brain. It is protected by a bony structure called the vertebral or spinal column. All the information going from the brain to the limbs travels through the spinal cord. This then allows for movement. The spinal cord is the first relay station for sensory information (what we feel in our arms and legs) on its way to consciousness in various centers of the brain.

Any interruption of spinal cord function at a particular level may result in a loss of sensation and motor function below that level. Paraparesis occurs when the motor and sensory loss is below the levels of the arms and thus involves the thoracic or lumbar region. Quadraparesis is the term used to describe sensory and motor malfunction which involves both arms and legs and usually involves a problem in the cervical area (neck).

Nearly 12 million visits are made to physician offices each year because of back problems. Eight out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Low back pain is one of the most frequent problems treated by orthopaedic surgeons. Common spinal problems include:

• Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc) - A herniated or slipped disc is a frequent cause of mild or moderate low back or leg pain. Soft flexible discs separate the bones in the spine. The discs, which have a rigid outside rim and a soft, gel-like center, act as shock absorbers and protect the spinal cord. Activity, stress, or a mechanical problem in the spine can cause a disc to bulge and become misshapen. The damaged or bulging disc may pinch or irritate a nerve root, causing pain.
• Disc degeneration (osteoarthritis in the spine) - As the body ages, the discs in the spine dehydrate or dry out, and lose their ability to act as shock absorbers. The bones and ligaments that make up the spine also become less flexible and thicken. Degeneration in the discs is normal and is not in itself a problem. But pain occurs when these discs or bone spurs begin to pinch and put pressure on the nearby nerve roots or spinal cord.
• Sciatica - The sciatic nerve, composed of several lumbar nerve roots, is one of the nerves most likely to become irritated, usually by a herniated disc. Each of the major branches of sciatic nerve travels through the pelvis and deep in the buttocks, then down the hip and along the back of the thigh to the foot. The pain of sciatica ranges from a mild tingling to a sharp ache severe enough to cause immobility.
• Lumbar spinal stenosis - Degeneration of the spine also can result in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). This disease involves a narrowing of the canal that houses the spinal cord and nerve roots. A narrowed spinal canal may compress nerve roots in the lower back, resulting in pain and weakness in the legs and a dull pain in the lower back. Patients often find relief by sitting or standing in a hunched over position, as if leaning on a shopping cart. Symptoms of LSS usually do not occur until after the age of 50.
• Spondylolisthesis - Degeneration in the spine also can lead to spondylolistheses, a condition characterized by the slippage of a vertebra in the spine. One vertebra slips forward over another, stretching or pinching the sciatic nerve and causing pain.

Surgery may be the correct course of action if conservative treatment does not work. Signs that indicate the possible need for surgery:

• Leg or back pain limits normal activity, resulting in an unacceptable quality of life.
• Weakness or numbness in the legs.
• Difficulty walking or standing.
• Medication and physical therapy are ineffective.

Any further questions you may have regarding Spinal Surgery are answered in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

More Information:

American Association of Neurological Surgeons
5550 Meadowbrook Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL  60008

Phone: 847-378-0500 | 1-888-566-AANS (2267)
Fax: 847-378-0600
Website: www.neurosurgery.org

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
6300 North River Road
Rosemont, IL  60018

Phone: 847-823-7186 | 1-800-346-AAOS
Fax: 847-823-8125
Website: www.aaos.org