Horizon Hospital - Thane

Spinal Diseases Rising Alarmingly
Save And Support Your Spine, Untreated Spinal Problems Can Steal Away Your Life

The spine, the backbone is most significant in our overall well-being. It supports our body structure and protects our spinal cord, essential for transferring signals from the brain to the rest of our body. Spine disorders can be life-threatening if not treated on time. Experiencing pain in your back, shoulder, and neck can be common among people of all age groups. Commonly, this is due to long working hours, a sedentary lifestyle, and nutritional deficiencies. Chronic lower back pain, is a condition that affected 87.3 million people globally in 2023 alone. According to the World Health Organisation, back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting around 619 million people globally which is expected to touch 843 million people by 2050, because of the growing population and ageing. Globally, the prevalence of spinal disorders has become alarmingly high.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “The latest rise in spinal disorders in youth is a cause of concern. These problems are becoming bigger than just issues of fatigue and bad posture especially the problems of abnormal spine curvatures, spondylitis, and slip discs. There is an urgent need to tackle these problems at an early stage to prevent life-changing damage to the spine.”

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya further said “Approximately, 19% of the Indian adult population is suffering from chronic pain of some kind. Minimal invasive surgery,  is considered to be one of the best options to deal with spinal injuries. Minimal Invasive Surgery is safe unlike other open surgery and allows the patient to recover and heal faster”.

Dr Vishwanathan Iyer, Leading Brain and Spine Surgeon and Consultant, Horizon Prime Hospitals said “Did you know that our spinal cord or spinal column is shaped like a tube consisting of a bundle of nerves extending from the base of the brain to the tail end of the back? These nerves carry messages from the brain to different parts of the body. The backbone or vertebrae protects the spinal cord from jerks and injuries. However, any disorder in the spinal cord can lead to neurological disability which can cause permanent damage. However, some nerve and spinal disorders can be cured or minimised if the treatment is quick and effective”.

Dr Vishwanathan Iyer further said “Besides, at times certain improper medicinal treatments may aggravate the problem by creating drug-resistant bacteria which becomes worse and are extremely difficult to treat. This is where minimally invasive surgery emerges as proven therapy to help patients to deal with their spine-related problems”.

Dr Jayesh Bhanushali, Leading Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon and Consultant Horizon Prime Hospital said “The main reason behind rise in spine disorders, is unhealthy lifestyle, bad posture, sedentary job and stressful workflow. The delays in treatment can only worsen the condition. The human spine, comprising 33 vertebrae, intricate muscles, and resilient ligaments, serves as the central support for the body and facilitates a wide range of movements. Like other parts of our body, the bones in our spine can wear down over time from stress. Because, the spine has delicate nerve tissue, any changes in its structure can affect these nerves, leading to degenerative severe spine-related diseases that are common”.

Causes

Spine diseases can be caused by various factors, including:

• Aging: Natural wear and tear on the spine can lead to degenerative changes.
• Injury: Trauma from accidents or falls can damage the spine.
• Genetics: Some spine conditions, like scoliosis, can run in families.
• Lifestyle Factors: Poor posture, obesity, and lack of exercise can contribute to spine problems.
• Infections: In rare cases, infections can affect the spine.
• Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can develop in the spine.
• Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities involving repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting can strain the spine and lead to disorders.
• Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to spinal tissues, impeding healing and increasing the risk of degenerative diseases.

Symptoms of Spine Diseases

The symptoms of spine diseases vary depending on the specific condition but commonly include:

• Pain: Localized or radiating pain in the back, neck, arms, or legs.
• Numbness: Loss of sensation, often in the extremities.
• Weakness: Muscle weakness affecting mobility and dexterity.
• Stiffness: Reduced flexibility and difficulty in movement.
• Deformity: Visible curvature or abnormal posture of the spine.
• Neurological Issues: Problems with balance, coordination, and bladder or bowel control.

Types of Common & Degenerative Spine Disorders

Degenerative spine disorders are conditions that result from the wear and tear of the spine over time, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Common types include;

• Spinal Osteoarthritis : In arthritis, one or more of your joints are inflamed and tender, causing stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most commonly found kinds. In rheumatoid arthritis, the bones and joints are attacked by the immune system, while in osteoarthritis, the cartilage that protects the bones gets worn out. To explain further, this spinal disorder occurs when the cartilage in the spinal joints degenerates, rubbing the bones together. This friction leads to inflammation, nerve irritation, and the formation of bony lumps.
• Spinal Cord Injuries : While some people are born with spine disorders, some suffer from sudden falls, accidents, inflammation, cognitive disorders, injuries, infections, and degenerative wear & tear.
• Degenerative Disc Disease : It is caused when the jelly-like material that acts as a cushion between the spinal vertebrae deteriorates. This causes the disc to bulge or protrude, leading to pain. To explain further, this spinal disorder is caused by the degeneration of intervertebral discs, leading to disc dehydration and loss of regenerative proteins due to old age or trauma. It results in nerve irritation and inflammation.
• Spondylolisthesis : In a person with this condition, the spinal vertebra is seen to shift from its original position. This condition involves the misalignment of vertebral bodies, where one slides out of its normal position in the natural “S” curve of the spine, causing uneven weight distribution. It can be caused by stress fractures or arthritis, or it could also be an inherited condition.
• Degenerative Scoliosis : In this spine-related disease, the backbone curves to either side instead of running straight down the middle. It is seen as a sideways spinal curvature and could be caused by cerebral palsy or degenerative arthritis. It can develop at any age and is marked by a curvature greater than 10 degrees. Symptoms could be muscle spasms, weakness, or back pain.
• Bone Spurs : Commonly associated with osteoarthritis, bone spurs are bony knobs that form on the spine, often causing intense pain or complications when they press on nearby nerves.
• Foraminal Stenosis: This spinal disorder occurs when the nerve passages in the spine narrow, leading to nerve irritation that can cause discomfort in seemingly unrelated areas of the body.
• Pinched Nerves : A consequence of pressure on spinal nerves by surrounding tissues, muscles, or tendons, often due to a herniated disc. Symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
• Sciatica : This condition results from inflammation or irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain in one leg. It worsens with sitting but rarely leads to permanent nerve damage.
• Spinal Tumors: Spinal tumors can be benign or malignant and can develop within the spinal cord, the surrounding tissues, or the vertebrae. Symptoms include pain, neurological deficits, and, in severe cases, paralysis.

Other common spinal conditions

• Neck pain: The pain could be intermittent or chronic, causing disruptions to normal activities. The causes could be an injury, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve.
• Back pain: They can be caused by a variety of reasons, including herniated discs, injuries, or spinal fractures, Back pain be a shooting or stabbing pain, which can sometimes radiate down the leg, or it can be a simple muscle pain.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing spine diseases typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Common diagnostic tools include:

• X-rays: To identify bone abnormalities and fractures.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including discs, nerves, and spinal cord.
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: Offers detailed cross-sectional images of the spine.
• Electromyography (EMG): Measures the electrical activity of muscles to detect nerve damage.
• Bone Density Tests: Used to diagnose osteoporosis.

Treatment Options

The treatment for spine diseases varies based on the condition’s severity and the patient’s overall health. Options include:

Conservative Treatments

• Medication: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can help manage symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, ergonomic adjustments, and quitting smoking.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation and pain in specific areas.
• Nerve Blocks: Temporary relief by blocking pain signals.

Surgical Interventions

• Discectomy: Removal of herniated disc material.
• Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
• Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
• Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty: Injection of bone cement to stabilize fractures.

Conclusion

Any spinal condition can bring a lot of discomfort and pain, completely disrupting your routine activities. Spine diseases encompass a range of conditions that can affect the structure and function of the spine, leading to pain, disability, and decreased quality of life. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing these conditions effectively. If you experience persistent back or neck pain, numbness, or weakness, consult a healthcare professional immediately to determine the cause and explore the best treatment options. With proper care, many individuals with spine diseases can lead active and healthy lives.

Horizon Prime Hospital experienced team of Neuro and Spine Surgeons, can help you to get back to normal and lead a healthy lifestyle. The world-class advanced technologies with experienced doctors and nurses team will help you get back to a state of perfect health.