Spine

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the open spaces in your spine become too narrow, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through your neck or lower back. It most often develops gradually from “wear-and-tear” changes like arthritis, thickened ligaments, or bulging discs, but it can also be related to injury or other spine problems. Some people have no symptoms, while others may notice back or neck pain, numbness or tingling, weakness, or cramping that radiates into the arms or legs—often worse with standing or walking and relieved by sitting or leaning forward. The good news is that many patients improve with conservative care such as activity changes, physical therapy, and targeted medications or injections, and for those who need it, advanced procedures can relieve pressure on the nerves and help restore function.

Sciatica is a set of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve—the large nerve that runs from your lower back through your buttock and down the back of your leg. It commonly happens when a bulging or herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or arthritis-related changes in the spine put pressure on a nerve root. Sciatica often feels like sharp, burning, or electric pain that travels down one leg, and it may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may worsen with sitting, bending, coughing, or lifting. The good news is that most patients improve with conservative treatment such as guided physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modifications—and if symptoms persist, targeted injections or advanced minimally invasive options may help relieve pressure on the nerve.

Degenerative disc disease is a common, age-related condition where the spinal discs—the soft “cushions” between the bones of your spine—gradually lose hydration and flexibility over time. As discs wear down, they may flatten or develop small tears, which can lead to back or neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates into the arms or legs if nearby nerves become irritated. Symptoms often flare with sitting, bending, lifting, or prolonged activity and may improve with rest or position changes. While the name can sound alarming, it isn’t a “disease” in the traditional sense—it’s a natural part of spinal aging for many people. Most patients feel better with conservative care like targeted physical therapy, core strengthening, posture and activity modifications, and medications or injections when needed; surgery is reserved for specific cases where nerve compression or spinal instability is causing significant, persistent symptoms.

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves—most often caused by conditions like spinal stenosis, arthritis-related bone spurs, or a bulging disc. During the procedure, the surgeon removes a small portion of bone called the lamina (part of the back of the spinal canal) to create more space for the nerves. By “decompressing” the area, a laminectomy can help reduce leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness (and sometimes back pain) that occurs when nerves are pinched. It may be performed as a traditional open surgery or, in many cases, using minimally invasive techniques depending on your anatomy and condition. 

Arthritis of the neck or back—often called spinal arthritis or degenerative (osteo)arthritis—is a common “wear-and-tear” condition where the joints of the spine gradually become inflamed and stiff over time. As the protective cartilage in these joints thins, the body may form bone spurs, and the discs can also lose height, which may contribute to aching pain, tightness, and reduced range of motion. Some people feel pain mostly in the neck or low back, while others may develop radiating symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness if nearby nerves become irritated or compressed. Symptoms often worsen with prolonged sitting or standing, bending, or certain activities and can improve with rest or gentle movement. The good news is that many patients find relief with conservative care such as targeted physical therapy, posture and activity modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections when appropriate—while advanced procedures are available if nerve pressure becomes significant.