Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery

The spine is a complex structure that supports an upright posture and movement while protecting the spinal cord. Conditions affecting the spine and spinal cord may cause neck, back or lower-back pain as well as numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, walking difficulties and balance problems.

Not every spinal condition requires surgery. The decision is based on the patient’s symptoms, neurological examination, imaging findings and response to other treatments.

Cervical and Lumbar Disc Herniation

A disc that protrudes and compresses a nerve or the spinal cord is known as a cervical or lumbar disc herniation. A cervical disc herniation may cause pain radiating into the arm, numbness and weakness. A lumbar disc herniation may cause pain radiating from the buttock into the leg, numbness or weakness in the foot.

Most disc herniations improve with non-surgical treatment such as medication, exercise and physical therapy. Surgery may be considered when severe pain persists, progressive weakness develops or neural compression is significant.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the nerves or spinal cord. Lumbar stenosis may cause leg pain and numbness while walking and a need to rest. Cervical stenosis may cause loss of hand dexterity, balance problems, difficulty walking and weakness in the arms or legs.

In selected patients, decompression surgery can relieve pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. If abnormal movement or instability is present, screws and rods may be needed to support the spine.

Spinal Slippage and Spinal Deformity

Forward or backward displacement of one vertebra over another is known as spondylolisthesis. Spinal curvatures such as scoliosis and kyphosis may cause postural problems, pain and, in advanced cases, neural compression.

Treatment is planned according to age, the degree and progression of the deformity and neurological findings. Some patients can be monitored or treated with exercise, while surgery may be required when severe pain, imbalance or neural compression is present.

Spinal Cord and Spine Tumors

Spinal cord and spine tumors may arise from spinal cord tissue, nerves, the meninges or spinal bone. Cancer from another part of the body can also spread to the spine.

These tumors may cause pain, numbness, weakness, walking difficulties or changes in bladder and bowel control. Treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, radiosurgery, medication or a combination of these approaches.

The aims of surgery may include obtaining tissue for diagnosis, relieving pressure on neural tissue, removing the tumor as safely as possible and preserving spinal stability.

Other Surgical Conditions of the Spine

Other conditions within the field of spine and spinal cord surgery include:

• Spinal fractures and spinal cord injuries
• Spinal infections
• Syringomyelia, a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord
• Congenital spine and spinal cord abnormalities
• Spinal cord vascular conditions
• Problems related to previous surgery
• Age-related degenerative conditions of the spine

Depending on the condition, treatment may include observation, medication, physical therapy, injection procedures or surgery.