Spine Conditions & Treatments

Your spine supports your body, protects your spinal cord, and allows you to move comfortably. When the bones, discs, joints, or nerves of the spine become damaged or irritated, they can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or difficulty with everyday activities.

At Washington Health, our spine specialists evaluate a range of spinal conditions and recommend treatment options based on each patient's symptoms, diagnosis, and individual needs.

Conditions We Treat

Degenerative Disc Disease and Spondylosis

As we age, the discs and joints of the spine naturally change. In some people, these changes can contribute to pain, stiffness, or nerve compression. Degenerative disc disease refers to changes in the spinal discs, while spondylosis describes age-related wear affecting the spine, including its discs and joints.

Herniated Discs

The discs between your vertebrae act as cushions that help absorb shock and allow your spine to move. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a disc pushes through its outer layer. If the disc irritates or compresses a nearby nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, back, arms, or legs.

Pinched Nerves (Radiculopathy)

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes compressed or irritated.

Cervical radiculopathy affects nerves in the neck and may cause pain, numbness, or weakness that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Lumbar radiculopathy affects nerves in the lower back and may cause symptoms that travel through the buttock and leg. This type of radiating pain is often called sciatica.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joints connect the lower spine to the pelvis. Pain originating from these joints may be felt in the lower back, buttocks, or legs.

Learn more about Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction.

Spinal Cord Compression (Myelopathy)

Myelopathy occurs when pressure on the spinal cord interferes with its normal function. It most commonly affects the cervical spine (neck). Symptoms may include difficulty with balance, hand coordination, walking, or muscle strength. Because spinal cord compression can lead to lasting neurological problems, prompt medical evaluation is important.

Spinal Fractures

A spinal fracture is a break in one or more vertebrae. Fractures may result from injuries, osteoporosis, or other conditions that weaken the bones. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture, spinal stability, and whether nerves or the spinal cord are affected.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces within the spine narrow, potentially putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Depending on where the narrowing occurs, symptoms may include back or neck pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking. Some patients experience leg pain that worsens when standing or walking and improves when sitting or bending forward.

Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that develop in or around the spine or spinal cord. Some are benign, while others are cancerous. Depending on their location and size, tumors may cause pain, weakness, numbness, or neurological symptoms. Evaluation and treatment are tailored to the type of tumor and its effects on surrounding structures.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward in relation to the vertebra below it. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience back pain, stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms in the legs.

Diagnosing Spine Conditions

An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward developing an effective treatment plan.

Your specialist will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. Depending on your condition, additional testing may include:

• X-rays: To evaluate spinal alignment, fractures, and certain bone changes.
• MRI: To examine discs, nerves, the spinal cord, and surrounding soft tissues.
• CT scans: To provide detailed images of the bones and other spinal structures.
• Electrodiagnostic testing: To help evaluate nerve or muscle function when appropriate.

Not every patient needs imaging. Your specialist will recommend tests based on your symptoms and examination findings.