JOHN PELOZA, M.D.

HOW WE CAN HELP

COMMON SPINE ISSUES

The spine is one of the most important structures in the human body. Not only does it allow us to move in countless ways by connecting numerous bones, muscles, and ligaments, it also houses the central nerve system. Over time, certain issues can develop in or along the spine, which can cause pain, discomfort, or other potential health problems. Below are some of the most common spine issues and how they can affect your spine as well as your whole body.

SLIPPED/HERNIATED DISCS

Your spine has thin layers of cushioning between each vertebrae of your spine known as discs. These cushions act as shock absorbers and prevent the bones along your spine from scraping together and deteriorating. As humans begin to age, these discs can begin to dry out. Putting too much stress on your back can cause these discs to tear or break, which can cause short term and long term problems.

SYMPTOMS:

• Back and/or neck pain
• Pain in your arms and/or legs
• Numbness in your arms and/or legs

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Every vertebrae in your spine is coated in a slippery tissue that allows your back and neck to flex without friction causing problems. As we age though, that tissue can become rough or wear down completely, which causes the vertebrae to rub together. This can cause back pain or make your body feel stiff. Women are more likely to get osteoarthritis than men, and while symptoms can be treated with medication and therapy, this spine condition is non-reversible. Over time, osteoarthritis tends to become worse and worse, so seeing a specialist early on can help you deal with present and future issues.

SYMPTOMS:

• Slight to severe back pain
• Stiffness in the back and neck
• Pain gets worse over time

SPINAL STENOSIS

While you may not have known it, your spine actually has spaces in it to give your spinal cord and the many nerves that branch off from it room. Those spaces can close or shrink, causing bones to press against nerves, pinching them and causing you pain. Pain from Spinal Stenosis might not always be as noticeable as other spine conditions, but depending on how much your spinal cord is being pinched, other health issues can occur from this spine issue. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spinal stenosis.

SYMPTOMS:

• Slight to severe pain in the back and/or neck
• Tingling or numbness in limbs
• Inexplicable muscle fatigue

SCIATICA

Your sciatic nerves are located in your lower back and extend all the way down into your legs. Things like herniated discs, bone spurs, and other spine problems can put pressure on your sciatic nerve. This usually only affects one side of your body, but can happen to both sides in rarer cases. Pain can resonate from your lower back into your legs in some cases of sciatica, and while things like hot/cold therapy, stretching, and painkillers can help reduce symptoms, you may need a doctor in order to completely fix the cause of the problem.

SYMPTOMS:

• Pain in your lower back and/or legs
• Burning or tingling feeling down one of the legs
• Difficulty moving the leg and/or foot

Dr. Peloza can help relieve and treat all kinds of back and neck pain. Using non-invasive spine procedures, physical therapy, or spine surgery, we can have you feeling like yourself again in no time at all. Contact us to set up your appointment with Dr. Peloza today.