The main diseases and pathologies of the spine

The spine diseases They are common in the population and can significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them. Many of them cause persistent pain, limited movement and even neurological complications if not treated in time. When symptoms appear such as recurrent back pain, loss of strength or tingling in the extremities, it is essential to go to a specialized traumatologist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive the most appropriate treatment.

In this article, we will discuss the most common spinal pathologies, their symptoms, and preventive measures to identify them in time and seek appropriate medical attention.

Spine diseases

We speak of spinal column disease to refer to the pathologies located along the spine, between the cervical area and the lumbar area. In most cases, these conditions are related to injuries to the vertebrae or intervertebral discs, which can lead to acute pain, radiation to other parts of the body and even loss of mobility.

Causes of spinal diseases

The causes of diseases located in the spine can be diverse, although in many cases they are related to traumatic injuries, such as vertebral fractures or bone displacements, which can alter the structure of the spine and generate chronic pain.

In other cases, the appearance of bone tumors can be the trigger for spinal pathology, as they can put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord, causing neurological symptoms as well as intense discomfort.

Lastly, there are many spinal diseases whose cause is related to degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. These types of pathologies cause wear and tear on bones, ligaments and joints, which considerably increases the risk of bone fractures. Factors such as age, a sedentary lifestyle and prolonged physical overload can accelerate these processes, causing symptoms to appear progressively.

Symptoms of spinal diseases

As explained, the symptoms of spinal diseases can be very limiting for the patient and directly affect the quality of life, as they can interfere with the performance of normal activities. In many cases, these pathologies reduce mobility and generate intense pain, especially in the lumbar area, which can sometimes radiate to the arms or legs.

In addition to pain, inflammation may occur in the affected area. When nerves are affected, the patient may experience sensations of numbness, tingling, or loss of sensitivity in certain areas of the body.

Most common spinal diseases

Spinal diseases can manifest in different ways depending on the specific pathology of the affected area. Identifying the warning signs in time is key to avoiding complications and receiving the appropriate treatment. Below, we will discuss the most common pathologies that affect the spine.

Lumbago

Lumbago is one of the most common spinal pathologies that affect a large percentage of the population. It is characterized by pain in the lumbar region, which can radiate to the legs and limit mobility. It is generally related to muscle fiber tears, overload or contractures, although it can also be due to problems in the intervertebral discs or facet joints. In some cases, the pain can become chronic, affecting the patient's quality of life.

Vertebral fracture

Vertebral fractures are a common pathology and are related to breaks or fissures in the vertebrae. The main causes of vertebral fractures There are two main causes: trauma, which causes fractures, or degenerative diseases, which cause bone wear, increasing fragility and the risk of fracture. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment can range from immobilization to surgical procedures to stabilize the spine.

herniated disc

Herniated discs are one of the most common pathologies and a very common reason for trauma consultations. They are due to a intervertebral disc displacement, caused by wear and tear on the ring surrounding it. The displacement of the intervertebral disc often puts pressure on nearby nerves, causing tingling and pain in the patient.

In herniated discs, adequate treatment is especially important to help reduce the consequences of the injury on the patient's quality of life. When a herniated disc is diagnosed, an examination is often required. non-invasive spinal microsurgery or microdiscetomy, which is carried out after having applied conventional treatments.

canal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is one of the most severe spinal pathologies, as it is due to a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can cause pressure on the spinal cord or rootIn many cases, the patient cannot walk more than fifty metres without feeling pain, so appropriate treatment is important, which in most cases involves surgical intervention, such as spinal decompression or laminectomy.

Cervicalgia

The cervicalgia or neck pain, is a common injury that can be related to various causes, such as muscle overload, poor posture or accumulated tension. Factors such as stress and anxiety can aggravate the symptoms, causing stiffness, pain radiating to the shoulders and, in some cases, tension headaches. In most cases, treatment is based on strengthening exercises, postural correction and manual therapy to relieve muscle overload.

spinal infection

There are different types of infection in the spine depending on the affected area. The infectious spondylodiscitis It affects only the intervertebral disc, while the spondylodiscitis It affects both the disc and the vertebra itself. The vertebral osteomyelitis It originates in the bones and joints of the spine, causing arthritis. In the most serious cases, the meningitis, where the infection can reach the membranes, reaching the spinal cord.

Prevention of spinal diseases

While some spinal diseases, especially those of degenerative origin, cannot be completely prevented, adopting certain habits can help reduce the chances of developing spinal pathology.

One of the key factors is controlling body weight, as a high body mass index increases pressure on the spine and promotes the appearance of disorders such as herniated discs. Likewise, avoiding tobacco consumption is essential, as smoking reduces blood flow in the intervertebral discs, hindering their regeneration and increasing the risk of injury.

Strengthening the muscles is also extremely important for the prevention of spinal pathologies. Strength exercises, especially those that strengthen the lumbar and abdominal muscles, help to stabilize the spine and reduce the overload on the vertebrae. In addition, maintaining good posture during daily activities, such as sitting, helps to avoid forced postures and sudden movements that can lead to injuries..

Incorporating these measures into your daily routine can make a difference in your spinal health, reducing the risk of developing chronic pathologies that can affect your quality of life.

Clinic for the treatment of spinal pathologies in Madrid

If you have any symptoms or concerns about your spine health, it is essential to visit a specialist clinic that offers an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Prof. Dr. Elgeadi's team has extensive experience in addressing spinal pathologies, applying advanced techniques to treat these conditions effectively and promote the recovery of quality of life as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing back pain, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team to receive a detailed diagnosis and the highest quality care.