Western Orthopaedics - Spine

The neck and spine are a column of complex, box-like bones (vertebrae) that provide a framework for motion of the entire human torso. The spine forms a protective bony tunnel for the spinal cord, which carries signals from the brain to the body and vice versa. The most common causes for problems with the spine are arthritis (degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae) and disc herniations, which are protrusions of the discs that can pinch the nerves to the body, causing numbness, weakness, and pain. Muscles in the back and neck can be tight and painful, even without specific problems with the vertebrae or discs themselves. In the elderly, compression fractures of the spine can cause significant pain and disability if not treated appropriately.

To learn more about the neck and spine, please visit the links below.

Common Conditions of the Spine:

Doctors that specialize in this area:

• Lumbar Disc Herniation

  One type of weight-bearing joint in the human spine is the intervertebral disc.

• Spinal Stenosis

  Spinal Stenosis is a condition caused by narrowing of the spinal canal which causes pressure on the spinal cord.

• Compression Fractures

  The building blocks of the spinal column are cylindrically-shaped bones called vertebrae. Each vertebra has an arch attached behind it, and taken together, these arches form the spinal canal.

• Cervical Disc Herniation

  One type of weight-bearing joint in the human spine is the intervertebral disc. They are located between the vertebrae and consist of soft cartilage surrounded by a fibrous sheath called the annulus.

• Scoliosis

  Scoliosis is defined as a persistent lateral curvature of the spine of more than 10 degrees in the standing position, also associated with rotation of the spine.