Back, neck, and nerve pain are among the most common and complex issues patients face. From herniated discs to spinal cord compression, these problems can disrupt sleep, mobility, and activities of daily life.
Learn how a spinal neurosurgeon evaluates symptoms and determine when surgery is appropriate, and why conservative or minimally invasive treatments are often the best first step.
What are Common Spine Conditions?
Cervical disc disease
Often treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to relieve spinal cord or nerve compression. With cervical disc disease, a patient may feel symptoms like loss of strength, poor hand coordination, or, in severe cases, bladder and bowel incontinence.
Lumbar spine disease
Herniated discs and lumbar stenosis commonly cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, often worse with standing and relieved by leaning forward.
Peripheral nerve issues
Carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes typically cause hand pain, numbness at night, and grip weakness.
Red Flags
Seek immediate care if you notice:
- New weakness, loss of muscle, or inability to move against gravity
- Clumsiness with hand movements or difficulty walking
- Sudden bladder or bowel incontinence (possible surgical emergency)
Spine vs. Nerve Problems
Nerve issues often stem from compression (herniated discs, bone spurs) and are treated with decompression. Structural problems like spondylolisthesis, fractures, or deformity require stabilization, often with spinal fusion.
Treatment Approach
Pardee’s spinal neurosurgeons have a patient-first philosophy:
- History and physical exam guide diagnosis more than imaging alone.
- Conservative treatments (therapy, injections, medications) are usually tried first.
- When needed, minimally invasive surgery aims to correct the problem with the least disruption.
For more information about spinal neurosurgery, contact Pardee NeuroSpine Associates at 828-694-7674 or visit pardeehospital.org/spine.
