Patient Education
Spinal Conditions
Understanding the conditions that cause back and neck pain is the first step toward finding effective treatment.
Back Pain Affects Most Americans
Back and neck pain are among the most common reasons people seek medical care, affecting approximately 80% of adults at some point in their lives. Spinal conditions range from minor muscle strains that resolve on their own to serious structural problems that may require surgical intervention.
Understanding your specific condition is essential for determining the right treatment approach. Spinal conditions can be broadly categorized by their underlying cause — whether degenerative (from aging and wear), traumatic (from injury), structural (from abnormal anatomy), or pathological (from disease). Each category requires a different diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Axial Pain
Pain confined to the back or neck itself, often described as sharp, dull, or throbbing. Usually related to muscles, ligaments, facet joints, or discs.
Radicular Pain
Pain that radiates along a nerve pathway into the arms or legs. Often described as electric, burning, or shooting. Indicates nerve root compression.
Myelopathic Symptoms
Symptoms from spinal cord compression including difficulty with balance, hand coordination, or walking. Requires prompt evaluation.
Common Spinal Conditions
Degenerative Conditions
Conditions caused by gradual wear and tear on spinal structures over time.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spinal Stenosis (Cervical & Lumbar)
Spondylosis (Spinal Arthritis)
Facet Joint Arthritis
The Degenerative Cascade
Disc Disorders
Problems involving the intervertebral discs that cushion the vertebrae.
Herniated Disc (Cervical & Lumbar)
Bulging Disc
Discitis (Disc Infection)
Foraminal Stenosis
Nerve Compression
Conditions where spinal nerves or the spinal cord are compressed or irritated.
Sciatica
Radiculopathy (Cervical & Lumbar)
Cervical Myelopathy
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Spinal Deformity
Abnormal curvature or alignment of the spinal column.
Scoliosis (Adult & Adolescent)
Kyphosis
Lordosis
Spondylolisthesis
Trauma & Fractures
Injuries to the spine resulting from accidents, falls, or other impacts.
Vertebral Compression Fractures
Cervical Fractures
Spinal Cord Injury
Whiplash
Sprains and Strains
Other Conditions
Additional spinal conditions that may require neurosurgical evaluation.
Spinal Tumors
Osteoporosis-Related Fractures
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Seek Immediate Care If You Experience
Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
Progressive weakness in arms or legs
Numbness in the groin or saddle area
Severe pain after a fall or accident
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Fever with increasing back pain
Ready to Find Relief?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Burton to discuss your condition and explore your treatment options.