How are spine conditions treated

What are some of the common spine conditions?

Spine conditions include the following:

• Slipped disc (herniated disc) – Wear and tear of the spinal disc as a person age may lead to disc degeneration, in which the outer covering is weakened, and the disc protrudes.
• Ankylosing spondylitis – A type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spine and other parts of your body.
• Scoliosis – A condition where there is an abnormal curvature or twisting of the spine (backbone).
• Lumbar spinal stenosis – A condition where the vertebral canal, the open space inside the vertebrae, becomes narrowed, resulting in pressure in the spinal cord. This causes pain, weakness, or numbness in your back, legs, arms, and neck.
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis – A condition in which one of the lower spine vertebrae "slips" forward relative to another difficulty for the spine to be in correct position.

When do you need treatment for spine conditions?

Treatment options for spine conditions will depend on your symptoms as well as the extent and severity of your spine condition.

Treatment aims to relieve your symptoms, enable you to carry out your regular activities and prevent further complications.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for spine-related conditions?

The initial non-surgical treatment options are mainly aimed at pain relief for spine conditions.

1. Medications

   Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

   Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine to help relieve pain. As these may cause drowsiness, it is only advised to be taken before bedtime.

2. Steroids injection

   Your doctor may recommend steroid (corticosteroid) injection to relieve pain and inflammation.

3. Physiotherapy

   Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, some exercises can be done to strengthen the muscles in the back and legs to improve flexibility, which can help alleviate pain.

What are the surgical treatment options for spine-related conditions?

If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery. Spine surgery is often reserved for patients who have not had any significant improvement in their symptoms with non-surgical options.

Common surgeries include:

1. Spinal fusion

   Spinal fusion is a type of spine surgery commonly performed to treat various conditions that cause instability or deformity in the spine. It is done to join two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.

2. Decompression Laminectomy / Laminotomy

   A procedure that relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal resulting in pressure in the spinal cord. This causes pain, weakness, or numbness in your back, legs, arms, and neck.

   This surgical procedure removes tissue and bone, exerting pressure on the spine. It is also used to treat spinal injuries, herniated discs, and spinal tumours.

3. Discectomy

   A discectomy is performed to treat herniated or slipped discs in the spine. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the fragment of the disc, which exerts pressure on the nerve. This can be done as an open surgery or keyhole surgery.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Speak to your doctor to know more about treatment for spine conditions. A dedicated and expert team of Orthopaedic specialists at Pantai Hospital is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency or major trauma, head straight to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at your nearest Pantai Hospital for immediate medical attention. The team of skilled emergency physicians, nurses, and support staff is available 24/7 to provide immediate care and support.

Pantai Hospital has been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.

References

1. OrthoInfo: Spine Basics. Available at https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/spine-basics/ [Accessed 7 March 2022]
2. OrthoInfo: Spinal Fusion. Available at https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion/ [Accessed 7 March 2022]
3. OrthoInfo: Spine Rehabilitation Exercises. Available at https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/spine-conditioning-program/spine-conditioning-program-pdf/ [Accessed 7 March 2022]
4. John Hopkins Medicine: Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion. Available at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion [Accessed 7 March 2022]