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Disc Herniation
Discs are the cushion-like shock absorbers located between the bones (vertebrae). A disc
herniation is when a disc bulges (herniated disc), slips out of place (slipped disc) or ruptures
its outer band (ruptured disc) and the gel-like interior leaks into the spinal canal, oftentimes
placing pressure on the nerves.
Degenerative Spine
Degenerative spine disorders, also called degenerative disc disorder (DDD), occur as the
interverterbral disc (the cushion-like pad between the vertebrae) deteriorates. This is
commonly a result of aging. Over time, minor injuries, biochemical changes and repeated
daily stresses can add up and begin to affect the discs in your spine. The disc eventually
begins to suffer from the wear and tear and begins to degenerate. Examples of degenerative
spine disorders are osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis.
Sprains/Fractures
A sprain (or strain) is caused by an injury to the soft tissues surrounding the spine: muscles,
ligaments and/or tendons. A fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a vertebra (bone)
and is usually due to conditions such as osteoporosis (a condition which weakens the
bones), excessive pressure, a very hard fall, or some kind of physical injury.
Spine Deformities
Spine deformities are malalignments in the curvatures of the spine. All spines have curves,
but occasionally the spine twists and develops curves in the wrong direction, affecting a
person's posture. Common examples of spinal deformities are scoliosis, spondylolisthesis
and kyphosis.
Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors, also called neoplasms, are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the
spinal column. Tumors that originate in the spine are called primary tumors and are very
rare. Primary tumors are either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign
tumors can cause pain and damage bone tissue, but are not as serious as malignant tumors,
which can spread cancer to other parts of the body.