Spine Conditions

A disc between the lumbar vertebrae pushes out and presses on nearby nerves, producing pain. Which level is involved decides where you hurt and where you feel numbness.

The spinal canal that carries the nerves narrows and irritates them, producing pain and numbness. Unlike a lumbar disc, it hurts more when you straighten your back.

Seen from the front the spine curves into a C or an S, with rotation happening at the same time. There are often no symptoms beyond the change in appearance, so finding it early matters.

Spondylolysis is a defect in the pars of a vertebra; spondylolisthesis is the vertebra above slipping forward. It most often occurs at the fifth lumbar vertebra.

A disc between the neck vertebrae pushes out and presses on the nerves running behind the neck. People often notice numbness in the arm and hand before neck pain.

Seen from the side, neck vertebrae that should form a C-curve straighten out or carry the head forward. Left alone it can lead to a cervical disc problem.

The thoracic spine and upper lumbar spine curve excessively and posture collapses. Beyond appearance, it raises the risk of several secondary conditions.