Degenerative Spinal Conditions
Wear-related changes to the spine that can cause pain, stiffness, or nerve compression.
Overview
Degenerative spinal conditions are wear-related changes to the spine that develop with age and use. They include disc degeneration and herniation (a ‘slipped disc’), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), arthritis of the small joints of the spine and spondylolisthesis (one vertebra slipping forward on another). These changes can press on the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain and other symptoms. Many people improve without surgery, and Dr. Hina recommends an operation only when it is likely to help.
Symptoms
- Neck or back pain
- Pain, numbness or tingling spreading into the arms or legs, such as sciatica
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Pain or heaviness in the legs when walking, eased by sitting or bending forward
- Clumsy hands or problems with balance
Treatment options
Most people start with non-surgical treatment: physiotherapy, medication and, in some cases, injections. Surgery is considered when symptoms don’t improve, are severe, or when nerves or the spinal cord are under pressure. Procedures range from minimally invasive decompression, which removes what is pressing on the nerves, to fusion, which stabilises the spine. Dr. Hina explains the expected benefit and recovery of each option before you decide.