Back pain is an all-too-common ailment that affects most individuals at some point. If you’re among those seeking back pain treatment in NYC, Dr. Jonathan Stieber, a trusted spine surgeon, is here to help you better understand the root causes. This understanding can empower you to navigate your pain management journey more effectively.
Vertebral Compression Fractures
A compression fracture happens when the vertebral body, the round and cylindrical part of the spine, either cracks or collapses. This can be caused by:
- Excessive force on the spine
- Weakening due to conditions like osteoporosis and cancer
- Weakening due to long-term use of certain medications
These factors can reduce bone mass and raise the likelihood of fractures. Multiple compression fractures can lead to height loss or spinal deformities such as a dowager’s hump.
Spinal Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis)
Spondylosis, a condition similar to arthritis, involves the degeneration of the entire spine due to age, including the intervertebral discs and ligaments. This degeneration can lead to erosion or collapse of the discs, resulting in bone-on-bone contact and the development of bony spurs called osteophytes. These spurs may cause pain and nerve compression by:
- Pressing against the spinal cord
- Compressing spinal nerves
- Limiting joint movement
The condition typically affects the neck or lower back but can occur in any spine area. Additionally, the term is often used interchangeably with osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
Slipping of the Spine (Spondylolisthesis)
While people often use the term, “Slipped Disc”, a Spondylolisthesis is actually a slipped spine. This can occur for a variety of reasons, however the most common are from a stress fracture or from arthritis of the facet joints (also called zygapophyseal joints) that are located in pairs on the back (dorsum) of the spine. Spondylolisthesis is common cause of severe and debilitating back pain, and can often result in or contribute to nerve pinching and stenosis.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal or nerve branch openings narrow, often due to the gradual degeneration of spinal structures like discs, joints, and ligaments. Sometimes, a sudden herniated disc can also cause this narrowing, requiring urgent surgery.
Several factors contribute to spinal stenosis, including:
- The formation of bone spurs
- Arthritic joint enlargement
- Thickening of spinal ligaments with age
Intervertebral discs may also bulge or herniate, further narrowing the spinal canal and increasing pressure on nerve roots and the spinal cord, leading to symptoms of spinal stenosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease refers to changes in spinal discs due to wear and tear, aging, or trauma, although it’s not an actual “disease.” It commonly affects the lower back, leading to diminished cushioning and shock absorption as discs deteriorate. Because spinal discs can’t self-repair, they lose height, fluid, and flexibility and may bulge or herniate.
This can result in the following:
- Nerve impingement
- Inflammation
- Varying degrees of pain
Furthermore, damaged discs can leak material onto nearby nerves, causing pain and inflammation, and tiny tears in the disc can irritate the surrounding nerves.
Herniated Disc
The spine comprises a series of bones separated by spongy intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow movement. Each disc has a solid outer ring of fibers called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. Herniated discs happen when the annulus fibers tear, causing the gel-like center to protrude from its normal position into the limited space of the spinal canal. This can pressure the spinal cord or nearby spinal nerves, leading to inflammation and pain. While herniated discs are more common in the neck or lower back, they can occur in any part of the spine.
Scoliosis, Kyphosis, or Flat Back
Scoliosis in adults is an abnormal spine curvature in individuals over eighteen, often caused by untreated childhood curvature or adult degenerative scoliosis. Underlying causes may include osteoporosis or degenerative disease. Unlike adolescent scoliosis, adult scoliosis is frequently associated with back pain as the primary complaint, with the curvature typically more severe and progressive, making treatment more challenging.
Abnormal kyphosis, or the forward curve of the upper back, can result from conditions such as:
- Scoliosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Prior surgery or trauma
This leads to back or neck pain and other spinal issues, potentially causing humpback deformity or discomfort when walking or standing.
Choosing Dr. Stieber for Back Pain Relief
Understanding the multifaceted causes of back pain is the first step toward effective pain management. By recognizing the distinction between chronic and acute pain and being aware of common culprits, individuals in NYC can take proactive steps toward seeking timely medical attention and personalized treatment plans.
Dr. Jonathan Stieber, recognized as one of the top spine surgeons in New York, brings 15 years of experience and excellence to back pain treatment. As an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU School of Medicine and the Director of the Spine Center at OrthoManhattan, Dr. Stieber’s reputation as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2022 and a New York Magazine Best Doctor for 2021 underscores his commitment to patient care.
Dr. Stieber’s expertise and commitment to patient well-being make him a trusted partner in the journey toward back pain relief. If you’re grappling with back pain, contact Stieber MD today to begin your journey toward lasting relief and improved spinal health.
