Did you know there are approximately 291,000 people living with spinal cord injuries in the United States?
These types of injuries are more common than you might think, and it’s important to know how they can affect you. Luckily, our guide is here to help you learn more.
Read on to learn about three common spinal conditions and how finding the best neurosurgeon can help solve them.
1. Herniated Disk
If you’re experiencing arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling, or even weakness, a herniated disk could be the cause. Symptoms will depend on where the herniated disk is situated and whether or not it’s pressing on a nerve, but looking out for these signs can be a safe bet.
If you start to experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or arms, you might need to find the best neck surgeon to help tend to the problem.
Common Causes
Herniated disks are one of the most common spinal problems. They’re typically due to disk degeneration. This is caused by aging, and it happens when disks become less flexible and therefore more prone to rupturing or tearing with even minor twists or strains.
The exact cause of individual cases can be difficult to pinpoint, but using your back to lift heavy objects is a common cause. Turning or twisting while you lift is another one. Less commonly, a traumatic event can cause this injury.
2. Sciatica
If you notice pain shooting from your lower back down into your leg, the culprit might be your sciatic nerve. Typically, something like a herniated disk can put pressure on this nerve, leading to a condition that doctors call sciatica.
Typically, you’ll feel symptoms on one side of your body. Applying heat and ice, taking painkillers, and stretching are all ways to relieve this pain. However, if the injury is serious enough, you might need to visit a spine surgery center to take care of it.
3. Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that can twist your spine out of shape. It’s most commonly seen in children during the growth spurt they experience right before puberty, and it bends the spine sideways.
A few common signs of scoliosis are uneven shoulders, or even one shoulder blade sticking out more than the other. The cause of scoliosis is unknown in 80 percent of cases, but they often require a visit to a back and spine doctor to receive proper treatment.
Don’t Neglect Your Spinal Conditions
Whether you’re diagnosed with these spinal conditions or something else, it’s important to take care of your body. Searching for “spinal surgeons near me” can help answer a lot of your questions. In fact, it could be the key to getting the treatment your body has needed for a very long time.
Luckily, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about neurosurgery in Nashville, TN, and how it can help your condition.
