Common Spine Disorders: What Patients Need to Know

Common Questions and Expert Answers

What are the most common spine disorders?

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Scoliosis
• Sciatica

What causes back pain?

Back pain can result from:

• Age-related degeneration
• Injury or trauma
• Poor posture
• Occupational stress
• Genetic factors

When should I see a doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Pain lasting >6 weeks
• Radiating pain into arms/legs
• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of bladder/bowel control
• Unexplained weight loss

What treatments are available?

1. Conservative Treatment

   • Physical therapy
   • Medication management
   • Exercise programs
   • Pain management

2. Interventional Procedures

   • Epidural injections
   • Nerve blocks
   • Radiofrequency ablation

3. Surgical Options

   • Microdiscectomy
   • Spinal fusion
   • Artificial disc replacement

How can I prevent spine problems?

• Maintain good posture
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain healthy weight
• Use proper lifting techniques
• Take regular breaks from sitting

Recovery and Rehabilitation

What to expect after treatment:

• Progressive improvement
• Guided return to activities
• Ongoing maintenance exercises
• Regular follow-up care