The Spine

The Spine

  • Arthritis of the Spine (Spondylosis)

    Technically, spondylosis is a form of arthritis—spinal osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis) to be exact.

  • Cancer and Spinal Fracture Topic Center

    Spinal compression fractures can be caused by many things. While osteoporosis is the most common cause, certain types of cancer that either originate in the spine or spread from another part of your body (e.g., lung, breast) can cause a spinal bone to break or fracture.

  • Compression and Wedge Spinal Fractures

    A compression fracture, or vertebral compression fracture (VCF), is a common fracture of the spine.

  • Fractures of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

    Spinal fractures can vary widely in severity. Some fractures are very serious injuries that result from high-energy trauma and require emergency treatment.

  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

    Spinal stenosis is like the lime build-up on the inside of a garden hose. Over time, it narrows the diameter of the hose, just as spinal stenosis narrows the spinal canal.

  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Information

    A common cause of low back and leg pain is lumbar spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis most often occurs in adults over 60 years old. Pressure on the nerve roots is equally common in men and women.

  • Osteoarthritis of the Spine

    Technically, spondylosis is a form of arthritis—spinal osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis) to be exact.

  • Osteomyelitis (Spinal Bone Infection)

    Vertebral osteomyelitis is a bone infection usually caused by bacteria.

  • Spinal Cancer Center

    Early diagnosis and treatment of spinal cancer is essential to care.

  • Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Topic Center

    A spinal cord injury disrupts messages between the brain and the body by severing.

  • Spinal Deformity in Children With Myelomeningocele

    Myelomeningocele, or spina bifida cystica, is a birth defect that occurs in the early weeks of fetal development.

  • Spinal Fractures Topic Center

    A spinal fracture is when you break a bone in your spine—that's the basic definition.

  • Spinal Infections

    The vertebral column (bones), the intervertebral discs, the dural sac (the covering around the spinal cord) or the space around the spinal cord may become infected in a number of circumstances.

  • Spinal Osteoarthritis

    Technically, spondylosis is a form of arthritis—spinal osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis) to be exact.

  • Spinal Stenosis Animation

    This animation describes spinal stenosis, a condition in which degenerative changes in the spine lead to pain and weakness in the back and legs.

  • Spinal Stenosis Topic Center

    Spinal refers to the spine. Stenosis is a medical term used to describe a condition where a normal-size opening has become narrow.

  • Spinal Synovial Cyst

    For patients with degenerative spinal conditions, one cause of their back pain may be synovial cysts.

  • Spinal Tumor Topic Center

    A spinal tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue. The tumor’s cells may multiply slowly or very quickly.

  • Spinal Tumors

    Spine tumors may arise from any of the structures of the spine or the spinal column. They may arise in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) or lumbosacral (low back) regions.