5 Common Causes of Spinal Cord Pain
Dr. Ashish Dagar
4 Min Read
Sep 02, 2024
Spine surgery can repair damage to the spine or relieve pain caused by spinal problems. This surgery removes damaged tissue and allows the healing of damaged areas. Degenerative disc disease is a common reason for the surgery. This age-related condition causes spinal discs to become weaker and more brittle over time, leading to spine instability and pinching nerves within the vertebrae, causing pain and discomfort. Spinal stenosis is another common reason someone may need this type of surgery. It occurs when the opening through which nerves pass becomes narrowed due to wear and tear on the spine, leading to nerve roots or even compression of blood vessels within the spinal canal. In rare cases, this can lead to paralysis if left untreated. Manipal Hospitals is the best spine surgery hospital in Delhi NCR, Gurgaon, with experience in diagnosing and treating spine disorders. Our distinguished specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, orthopaedic surgery, and other specialities design the most effective treatment plans for every patient.
Manipal Hospitals offers minimally invasive, pain-reducing, recovery-accelerating procedures for various orthopaedic and neurological conditions that affect the spine and spinal cord. We have state-of-the-art technology and scientifically-backed treatments for successful and complex spine surgeries. Manipal Hospitals has served thousands of patients to get fit after a spinal condition. We believe in providing our patients with the best care they deserve, making us the best spine hospital in Gurgaon.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are procedures used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures in the spinal column, which are a common result of osteoporosis. Our neurosurgeons use imaging guidance to inject a cement mixture into the fractured bone (vertebroplasty) or insert a balloon into the fractured bone to create a space and then fill it…
Spinal reconstruction surgery may be necessary for patients who have a deformity or misalignment that affects a major portion of the spine.
As the name suggests, Spine Stabilization surgery can now be performed using minimally invasive stabilization procedures that offer patients a safe and effective alternative to back fusion with a faster recovery. It is done through a tiny incision without cutting or damaging the surrounding muscles.
A discectomy is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure proven to reduce pain caused by disc herniations (sciatica). Also called microlumbar discectomy (MLD), this is an advanced procedure where the herniated or protruding portion of an intervertebral disc that is compressing the spinal cord and affecting the nerve root is removed, shrinking an…
Spinal conditions such as scoliosis (curving of the spine), kyphosis (increasing roundback of the spine), spondylolysis (stress fracture of the spine), and spondylolisthesis (movement of one part of the spine on another part) may affect children during their early or late childhood years.
Dynamic lumbar spine stabilization is a surgical technique that stabilizes the spine with flexible materials to allow for more mobility in the spine than traditional spinal fusion surgery.
The goals of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) are to address the cause of your back pain and to keep your spine stable by fusing two or more of your vertebrae together.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.
A vertebral column resection is a procedure reserved for the most severe spinal deformities and involves removing segments of the spine including the body of the vertebra and the posterior elements, which include the lamina, transverse process, and ribs.
Posterolateral lumbar fusion is spine surgery that involves placing bone graft between elements in the back, or posterior, of the spine, leaving the disc space intact. The procedure may be performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Cervical laminoplasty is a surgical technique that removes pressure from the spinal cord in the neck. Pressure on the spinal cord can be due to various causes including degenerative changes, arthritis, bone spurs, disc herniations, tumors, or fractures.
This refers to removing one or more discs to treat herniated discs and degenerative disc disease or it is also used in combination with various spinal fusion procedures.
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a spine surgery that involves approaching the spine from the front of the body to remove disc or bone material from in between two adjacent lumbar vertebrae. The procedure may be performed either as an open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques.
A spinal osteotomy is a surgical procedure used to correct certain deformities of the adult or pediatric spine. These include the posterior column osteotomy (PCO), the pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) and vertebral column resection (VCR).
The disc is the soft cushioning structure located between the individual bones of the spine, called vertebra. It is made of cartilage-like tissue. In most cases, the disc is flexible enough to allow the spine to bend. An artificial disc (also called a disc replacement, disc prosthesis or spine arthroplasty device) is a device that is implanted into…
A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord and/or spinal column. These cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, seemingly unchecked by the mechanisms that control normal cells. Spinal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Primary tumors originate in the spine or spinal cord, and metastatic…
This is a minimally invasive procedure and is done to treat compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
This procedure consists of removing the lamina (bony arch) from the posterior portion of the vertebral bone.
This procedure is performed to release pressure from the spinal cord, that is mainly caused by spinal stenosis.
This minimally invasive procedure removes a small part of disc material and a portion of bone to relieve the compression of nerve roots.
This procedure corrects misalignments of pinched nerves or the spinal column. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion and anterior lumbar interbody fusion are the two types of spinal fusion procedures performed.
What are Common Spine Conditions?
Common spine conditions can be debilitating. They can result from various factors, including trauma, genetics, disease, or infection. Spinal conditions can cause pain, numbness, and other symptoms that affect the ability to perform daily activities. The most common spinal conditions include:
Tumours of the spine can cause pain, deformity and loss of function. They can be benign or malignant, commonly found in the vertebral column. The spine comprises 33 vertebrae, separated by discs that act as cushions between each vertebra. The most common tumour affecting the spine is a meningioma, typically benign and slow growing. However, it may press on nearby structures, causing symptoms such as headaches or numbness.
Spinal stenosis narrows the spinal canal, putting pressure on the delicate nerves, muscles and ligaments that run through it. Degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis in older people is its leading cause. Spinal stenosis can lead to pain, numbness and weakness in the legs.
Herniated discs are a common cause of chronic low back pain. Discs are the shock-absorbing cushions between the spine's bones, which can become damaged over time. This damage can cause the gel-like centre of the disc to leak out, which puts pressure on surrounding nerves. Herniated discs can cause mild to severe pain that can radiate down into the legs and stiffness with a limited range of motion.
An Abscess results from an infection and occurs as a pus-filled cavity in the spine. The most common cause of a spinal abscess is infection from a disc herniation or fractured vertebrae.
A Hematoma is a blood collection that occurs outside a blood vessel. It can occur in the spine, a long column of bones supporting and protecting the spinal cord. Trauma or an accident is the leading cause of Haematoma.
Vertebral fractures are common among older people. The spine has many bones called vertebrae. When one or more of these bones breaks, it causes pain, numbness, and decreased mobility.
Degenerative disc disease is a result of ageing or injury. The condition causes the intervertebral discs in the spine to lose their ability to absorb shock and support the body, causing back pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.
Diagnostic Facilities
Imaging is a critical tool for diagnosing spinal conditions. X-Rays, MRIs, and CT scans determine the location of a spinal condition and its severity. In addition to providing an image of the spine and spinal canal, X-rays can detect any bone fractures that may have occurred due to an injury or accident. MRI and CT scans provide detailed images of soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles, and nerves within the spine.
Myelography uses radiopaque dye to outline the spinal canal and surrounding tissues. The procedure diagnoses several spinal conditions, including spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, and spondylolisthesis.
An electromyogram (EMG) test uses electrical stimulation to measure the muscles and nerves' electrical activity. The test can diagnose spinal conditions, including spinal cord injury, spinal stenosis, and other conditions.
Treatments
Cervical laminoplasty uses metal, plastic, or bone to restructure the cervical spine. It can help relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further damage to the neck's bones.
Cervical laminoplasty treats stenosis, which is a condition that causes pressure on the spinal cord. The procedure helps relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further damage to the neck's bones.
Artificial disc replacement replaces the natural disc in the spine with an artificial one. An artificial disc can be either metal or plastic, designed to promote bone growth.
A neurosurgeon usually performs the procedure. They will make an incision in the back where they will remove the damaged disc and then place an artificial one in its place. The surgeon will then attach the new disc to the spine before closing the incision with stitches or staples.
Surgery for spinal tumours removes all or part of the tumour and preserves as much function as possible. Open surgery involves large incisions in the back to gain access to the spine. In contrast, endoscopic surgery uses an endoscope to view the inside of the body and operate through tiny incisions.
Spinal osteotomies treat vertebral compression fractures. This procedure involves the removal of a small portion of the vertebrae, which can help alleviate back pain and restore normal movement.
Spinal osteotomies mainly help older adults who have sustained a fracture in their spine. The procedure also treats other conditions, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, but it is most often used to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
The procedure involves making an incision along the back and removing a portion of the affected vertebrae until it creates enough space for the patient's spine to move without causing pain or discomfort.
Anterior interbody fusion relieves pain in the lower back by realigning bones and tissues. In this procedure, surgeons remove damaged cartilage from the vertebrae and replace it with a bone or other tissue graft.
The surgeon makes an incision from the front of the body along the spine and inserts instruments into the disc space to remove damaged cartilage and place the graft between the vertebrae.
Spinal column reconstruction involves using hardware, implants, and grafts to correct spinal deformities after trauma or surgery. It also treats spinal defects that are congenital or degenerative.
Either anterior or posterior approaches can do spinal column reconstruction. An incision at the front of the patient's body in anterior approaches allows access to the spine. In posterior approaches, surgeons will make an incision on the back of the patient's body.
A discectomy removes part of a disc that has slipped out of place. The disc is a soft cushion between the bones in the spine that helps protect the nerves and keep them healthy. Discectomy can help relieve pain caused by a herniated disc.
Postero lumbar fusion involves fusing the vertebrae in the lower back by placing an implant between the vertebrae, preventing movement between them. It treats spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease, which are conditions that cause pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The procedure can also treat other conditions, such as scoliosis.
Vertebral body resection removes a portion of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Surgeons perform vertebral body resection on the spinal cord or nerves in cases of spinal stenosis, which happens due to the narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing can result from a herniation, which occurs as a part of the disc pushes out from a tear in the annulus fibrosus or degenerative changes within the spine.
Spinal stenosis affects the spine and results in a spinal canal narrowing, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms, legs and back. Minimally internal decompression (MID) involves removing bone from the spine and replacing it. The surgeon does this by removing a portion of the vertebrae that has been narrowed, along with any ligaments or soft tissue that has also become constricted as a result of spinal stenosis.
The goal of MID is to give enough space for nerves to pass through without being damaged or compressed.
Vertebroplasty improves the quality of life for patients with chronic back pain caused by vertebral fractures. The procedure involves injecting an inert cement into the fractured vertebrae to stabilise the spine so it can heal properly. Vertebroplasty reduces pain, improves mobility and range of motion, and reduces the risk of further injury.
Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive surgery, treats patients with vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
It involves inserting a balloon into the fractured vertebra and inflating it to expand the damaged bone. The aim is to restore lost height and strength.
Posterior and Transforaminal Lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) fuses the lumbar spine to treat lumbar degenerative disc disease and other conditions that may affect the spine.
The surgeon makes an incision behind the lumbar spine, between the shoulder blades.
After removing all the disc fragments and debris, the surgeon will use a bone graft or synthetic bone graft material to fill any spaces. The surgeon will then inject cement into any leftover gaps to harden them.
Spinal stabilisation strengthens the spine using an external support system. The spine is composed of vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs. These discs provide cushioning between each vertebra and help absorb shock when moving. When the disc is injured, it can cause the vertebrae to become unstable. Spinal stabilisation aims to restore normal alignment and prevent further damage by reducing movement at the injury site.
Paediatric spinal surgery removes or treats diseased or damaged vertebrae in children's spine to treat conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis, which are abnormal curvatures of the spine. In addition, it treats fractures, infections and tumours in the spinal column.
Microdiscectomy and Endoscopic Discectomy are procedures to treat spinal disc herniation, in which a portion of the nucleus pulposus (the inner part) of a spinal disc pushes through an outer layer (annulus fibrosus).
In Microdiscectomy, surgeons make an incision in the back and remove part of the offending disc. In Endoscopic Discectomy, surgeons access the back with a camera that lets them see inside the spine more precisely than traditional methods.
A laminectomy removes the lamina of the vertebrae. The lamina is the spinal cord covering. This surgery relieves pressure on nerves, removes bone or tumour growths, or performs spinal fusion.
A laminectomy can happen on just one or both sides of the spine.
Laminoplasty involves the removal of a section of the inner layer of the spinal canal called the lamina to create more space in the spinal canal, which can help relieve pressure on nerves, muscles, and tissues.
Laminoplasty treats conditions such as stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal, which can cause pain and numbness in areas below the affected area.
Microdiscectomy removes part of the herniated lumbar disc that is pressing on the nerve root. The disc can press on a nearby nerve when it bulges or ruptures, causing pain and other problems.
Doctors recommend Microdiscectomy if the patient has nerve pain caused by a herniated disc. It is a minimally invasive surgery that can happen with other treatments for back pain.
Spinal fusion joins the vertebrae together to stabilise the spine. It treats conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis, which can cause abnormal curvature of the spine. It can also treat spinal stenosis, an abnormal spinal canal narrowing.
Spinal fusion surgery helps patients with severe degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures, or other conditions that cause pain or loss of mobility in the spine.
Visit the spine hospital in Gurgaon to get the finest treatment with the help of a team of top spine surgeons in Gurgaon.
Facilities available at Manipal Hospitals, Gurugram
Manipal Hospitals is the best spine hospital in Gurgaon. We help thousands of patients with back and neck conditions. Our world-class facilities include:
Non-Operative Treatment of Neck and Back Pain
Spinal Injections of all types, including RFA
Microdiscectomy
Spinal Decompressions
Endoscopic Surgeries
Minimal Invasive Surgeries
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion
Artificial Disc Replacements
24X7 Treatment of Spinal Fractures and Trauma
Procedures for Osteoporotic Fractures
Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty
Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury
Scoliosis and Kyphosis Treatment
Bracing for Major Corrective Surgeries
Treatment of Congenital Disabilities and Deformities of the Spine
Management of Spinal Infections
Treatment of Spinal and Spinal Cord Tumours
You may be in the hospital for 1 to 3 days; longer if you have spinal fusion. Rest is important. But doctors want you out of bed as soon as possible. Most people start physical therapy within 24 hours. Visit our best spine care hospital in Gurugram to have the best treatment.
Spine disorders are a significant cause of pain and immobility.
Practice good posture. Sit up straight and straight posture during all activities.
Exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling will help strengthen muscles and improve circulation throughout the body.
Avoid sitting for long periods.
Get enough sleep every night to recover from the day's activity.
Consult the best spine hospital in Gurgaon for the proper guidance for any spine condition or symptoms.
Spondylitis affects the spine and causes inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to neck, back, and shoulder pain and stiffness. Spondylitis can be caused by an infection, like Lyme disease or tuberculosis; an autoimmune disease can also cause it. The symptoms are often similar to other conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
It is essential to see the best spine surgeon in Gurgaon for any spondylitis symptoms.
Surgery is not the only treatment for a slipped disc. Physical therapy can help to relieve pain and muscle weakness. Surgery removes herniated discs from the spine. Visit the best spine surgery hospitals in Delhi NCR, Gurgaon, to consult treatment options.
Discs can last for decades, but they need replacement when worn out. The life of artificial discs depends on several factors, including the material used, usage and maintenance.
Conditions affecting the spine are complex, Manipal Hospitals help manage your pain and restore function. Our experts are the leaders in spine surgery, interventional spine therapies, and spine wellness. Together they ensure patient's recovery and improved quality of life with the least invasive, most appropriate, and most advanced treatment available. Contact us to know more about Spine care and book an appointment with one of our Spine care specialists today.