Your spinal discs are made up of several layers, which includes an outer layer (the fibrous ring) and a jelly-like internal core (the central pulp).

If one of your discs is damaged, the soft inside layer can break open and start to bulge out of the outer layer of the disc. This is what is referred to as a bulging or herniated disc, and are common in the lower vertebrae.

If you think you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms as a result of bulging discs, make an appointment with us at Southern Laser Spine to determine the best way to treat your condition.

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Cervical myelopathy refers to a condition where the spinal cord is damaged, specifically in the cervical, or neck, portion of the spine.

Symptoms of this condition can vary from patient to patient, so consider talking with a specialist if you think you might be suffering from cervical myelopathy.

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Degenerative disc disease affects millions of people in the US per year and is one of the most common causes of chronic back and neck pain in spinal patients.

Discs are the structures found between each of your spinal vertebrae and are made up of two layers; a harder outer layer (fibrous ring) and a gel-filled core (central pulp).

When your spinal discs start to wear down, they cannot properly absorb shock to your spine, which can cause pain over time.

This condition is most common among people under the age of 60, and occurs when spinal discs naturally lose their density through aging.

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A disc tear is a condition that typically occurs when a vertebral disc suffers significant trauma. The harder outer layer of the disc tears and the gel-like core of the disc bulges out, which can cause disc herniation. Disc tears are often the result of injury and stress, and are most common in the lower back or neck.

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Your facet joints are located between the bones of your spine, called vertebrae. Facet joints allow your spine to move and provide balance. The joints are lined with cartilage, to prevent friction. Facet joint disease occurs when your cartilage breaks down, either from aging, injury, arthritis or stress, and this can damage the facet joint structure.

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Failed spinal surgery has become a more commonly occurring syndrome among patients who have previously undergone surgery for their spinal condition.

Issues with failed surgeries usually arise when traditional, more invasive surgical approaches were used previously.

If a prior surgery fails to alleviate the patient’s pain and other symptoms, or the patient’s condition deteriorates after a previous surgery, it is possible that the condition could have been inaccurately treated.

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Foraminal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the vertebral foramen, which contains the spinal cord, is compressed and becomes more narrow. This condition can occur over time, or as a result of some other spinal condition. When the foramen narrows, the spinal cord is pinched, and this can lead to a number of painful symptoms.

Foraminal stenosis can occur along any part of the spine, but is most often found in the neck or lower back.

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A vertebral disc is made up of two layers: a hard outer layer called the fibrous ring, and a soft, jelly-like core called the central pulp.

When your disc is damaged, the soft core can break open and may bulge out of the outer layer of the disc. This is called a herniated disc, and can result in a moderate to severe amount of pain and discomfort. Herniated discs are most often found in the lower vertebrae.

If you think you’re experiencing symptoms from a herniated disc, you may want to consult with your doctor, or make an appointment with us at Southern Laser Spine to determine the best course of treatment.

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Lower back pain is known as the number one cause of disability worldwide, with millions of working Americans reporting the condition each year. Your back pain may be acute or chronic, but depending on the factors surrounding your condition, you could experience a variety of lower back pain symptoms.

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Pinched nerves are an extremely common condition that most of us will experience at some point. When the surrounding bones, discs, or other tissues put pressure on one of your nerves, this can cause a pinched nerve.

The result is nerve root inflammation, or radiculitis, which can result in sharp pain, “pins and needles,” numbness or other problems, depending on the condition and location of your pinched nerve.

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Radiculopathy is a painful condition that occurs when the nerves in your spine are pinched or compressed.

You may experience pain and other symptoms that radiate out into the arms or the legs. The impingement on your nerve root may be the result of an injury or degenerative condition. You should consult with a specialist if you are experiencing symptoms to determine if treatment is necessary.

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Your sacroiliac joint is located in your pelvic region and is often a source of lower back pain.

Sacroiliitis is a condition referring to the inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, and can involve symptoms like pain, lack of mobility and joint dysfunction.

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Sciatica refers to a painful condition that radiates from your sciatic nerve down to your legs.

Sciatica pain is the result of a pinched nerve, usually caused by a herniated disc or bone spur applying pressure to your spinal nerves.

Sciatica usually only affects one side of your body.

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Spinal bone spurs, or osteophytes, are tiny fragments of bone that protrude from the bones in your spine.

Bone spurs occur in areas of inflammation, where friction causes the bony fragments to develop. Spinal bone spurs typically occur near the edges of the facet joints in the spine.

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Spinal stenosis is a condition that refers to the narrowing of the spaces within your spinal column.

This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves within and around the spinal column and is most commonly caused by wear-and-tear in the spine. Symptoms can include spinal pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and problems with bladder or bowel function.

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Spondylolisthesis is a disorder caused by a spinal vertebra slipping forward onto the bone below it.

This condition is most common in the lumbar region of the spine, but can occur anywhere along the spine. The two most common types of spondylolisthesis are degenerative and spondylolytic.

If you are experiencing spondylolisthesis or want to determine the source of your symptoms, you can make an appointment with Southern Laser Spine to discuss your best course of treatment.

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