​Spinal Disorders 

Types of Spine Disorders
​Numerous conditions can affect the spine anywhere from the neck to the lower back. Some of the many spine disorders are: 

Degenerative spine and disc conditions:
  • Arthritis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated disc
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Spondylosis

Other spine conditions and disorders:
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Back pain
  • Basilar invagination, basilar impression, and cranial settling
  • Chronic spine and back pain
  • Kyphosis
  • Neck pain
  • Osteoporosis and vertebral fractures
  • Scheuermann's kyphosis
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal cord cancer
  • Spinal deformities
  • Spinal fracture
  • Spinal tumors
  • Spondylolisthesis

Causes of Spine Disorders

Spine disorders have a wide variety of causes depending on the particular condition. For some conditions, the causes are unknown. Common causes include:
​
  • Accidents or falls
  • Congenital disorders (present since birth)
  • Inflammation
  • Infection
  • Inherited disorders
  • Injuries ranging from minor to traumatic
  • Degenerative wear and tear that comes with aging

Risk Factors for Spine Disorders

Factors that can increase the risk of developing a spine disorder include:
​
  • Excess weight or obesity
  • Improper lifting techniques
  • Nutrition and lifestyle habits such as sedentary lifestyle, low calcium intake, or smoking
  • Other conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disease
  • Overuse from exercise or occupational movement
  • Poor posture
  • Repetitive strenuous activities

Symptoms of Spine Disorders

Signs and symptoms depend on the specific spine disorder and often affect other parts of the body, depending on the area of the spine or spinal cord that is affected. Common symptoms include:

  • Abnormally rounded shoulders or back
  • Back or neck pain that can be sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, or burning
  • Bladder or bowel dysfunction
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Pain radiating in the arms or legs
  • Stiffness or tightness
  • Uneven appearance, such as one shoulder or hip being higher than the other
  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs

Treatment for Spine Disorders

Depending on the specific condition or injury. Treatments may include:
​
  • Back bracing
  • Cancer treatment such as surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy
  • Ice or heat therapy for injuries
  • Injections, such as corticosteroids or nerve blocks, for pain
  • Medications such as anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, or muscle relaxers
  • Rehabilitation using physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the back and abdominal muscles
  • Surgery to replace discs, fuse (connect) vertebrae, open up the spinal canal, or repair nerves

Support for people with Spinal Disorders

  • Your local general practitioner (GP)
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): The NDIS is a way of providing funding to individuals with a disability. The goal of the NDIS is to provide you with the resources you need now, so you can build your capacity and independence for the future.
  • Services and support through organisations such as Spinal Life Australia.
  • Physio Labs - Give us a call on 07 5610 1933 to see how we can support you

References