Neurosurgery

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, which puts pressure on the nerves located within it. People with this condition are often unable to walk more than a few feet without significant leg pain. Spinal stenosis and nerve compression can occur anywhere along the spine – at the neck, upper back, or lower back. It is most common among men and women over the age of 50.

Tumors are simply a mass of abnormal cells in the body. There are two types of tumors: benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors usually remain confined to the area in which the tumor is discovered. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, tend to spread to other areas of the body.

An intracranial tumor or brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells located in the brain. In most cases (but not all), a brain tumor will cause pressure buildup in the skull. This can compress and damage brain cells, which could result in serious problems if left untreated. Symptoms associated with spinal tumors include headaches, nausea/vomiting, changes in vision such as blurred vision or blindness, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech patterns, and loss of coordination and balance.

Symptoms of spinal tumors include back pain that may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs. The pain may worsen when lying down. It may also include muscle weakness or a lack of sensation in the limbs.

Brain tumors and spinal tumors can develop at any age, but they are most common in adults over the age of 40. People who have a family history of brain or spinal tumors may be at a higher risk of developing this type of tumor.

Degenerative disc disease involves the gradual, persistent, wear-and-tear damage to the discs that cushion the vertebrae (bones) of the spine. It can occur anywhere along the spine: at the neck, upper back, or lower back.

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the area of the damaged disc. Symptoms can also radiate from the site of injury to the buttocks and legs, for example. In some cases, no symptoms may be noticeable. Still, it is important to see a doctor about a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease because it can lead to a herniated disc, loss of bowel or bladder control, and other problems.

A spinal injury can affect any part of the spine, including the neck (cervical spine), upper to middle back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine).

The main types of spine injuries are disc or vertebral injuries and spinal cord injuries. Discs act as cushions between the bones of the spine (vertebrae). The spine protects the spinal cord, a band of nerves that connect your body to your brain. Trauma to the head or spine can damage the discs, vertebrae, and may impact the spinal cord, which can compress nerves and can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain and numbness.

Trauma may be caused by car accidents, falls, acts of violence, and sports injuries. Degenerative conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can weaken bones and joints and may make traumatic injury to the head or spine more likely in the event of a forceful impact.