Most Common

Neck and Back Complaints

Lumbar Disc Disease:

Definition: The lumbar disc can protrude in the back of the spine causing impingement or pressure of the nerves as they exit the spine (radiculopathy). When this occurs patients often present with complaints of pain in the lower back with radiation down into the leg. It may travel all the way into the heel. Pain is worsened by flexion of the hip with the knees straight.

Symptoms: Patients may complain of difficulties with weakness of the extremity, numbness of the extremity, and in severe cases difficulty with bladder or bowel control.

Exam: The physician may perform various maneuvers including holding one's breath, sneezing, coughing and other provocative maneuvers in order to see if this makes the pain traveling down the leg worse. Reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation are often assessed.

Treatment: Treatment is often aimed at strengthening the muscles around the spine, thereby reducing the stress on the disc space itself and subsequently, reducing irritation of the nerve. Surgery is indicated in one of three cases: 1) A progressive weakness of the legs, 2) Loss of bladder or bowel control, and 3) Failure of physical therapy and other conservative treatment.

Persons having complaints of lumbar disc diseas or other back probems should seek medical attention from their family physician with possible referral to an orthopedic surgeon. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can cause gastric, kidney, or liver problems. They should only be taken at the recommendation of your physician so that they can be properly monitored. Repeated cortical steroid injections also may lead to rupture of tendons or long term complications and should only be done under the supervision of your treating physician.

Cervical Disc Disease:

Lumbar Myositis

Spinal Instability: