Condition Lookup

Herniated disc

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Sub-category: Degenerative Conditions

Symptoms:
lower back pain; sciatica (radiating leg pain); numbness or tingling in limbs; weakness in muscles; loss of reflexes

Root Cause:
The soft inner gel-like core of a spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) protrudes through a tear in the outer layer (annulus fibrosus), often putting pressure on nearby nerves.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation with physical examination, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), or CT (Computed Tomography) scan to confirm the presence of disc herniation.

Treatment:
Conservative treatments include rest, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and epidural steroid injections. Surgical intervention may be necessary if conservative measures fail.

Medications:
Medications for pain management include NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ), oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ), and muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ). For severe pain, opioids may be prescribed temporarily, though these are used with caution. Epidural steroid injections (e.g., methylprednisolone ) may be used to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
It is common, affecting about 2-3% of the adult population, with higher rates in individuals between 30 and 50 years old.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, smoking, obesity, heavy lifting, sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of disc problems.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many cases improve with non-surgical treatment, but the condition can recur. Surgery can be effective in relieving symptoms when required.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Nerve damage leading to permanent weakness, bowel or bladder dysfunction, chronic pain, and reduced mobility.

Degenerative disc disease

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Spinal Disorders

Sub-category: Degenerative Conditions

Symptoms:
chronic lower back pain; pain that worsens with movement or after long periods of sitting; numbness or tingling in the legs; muscle weakness

Root Cause:
The intervertebral discs lose hydration, elasticity, and height over time, leading to disc degeneration and reduced cushioning between vertebrae, often causing spinal instability.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI or X-rays are used to evaluate the condition of the discs, while a physical examination helps to assess the severity of symptoms.

Treatment:
Physical therapy, lifestyle changes (weight loss, avoiding heavy lifting), NSAIDs, and sometimes epidural steroid injections. In more severe cases, spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement surgery may be considered.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen , acetaminophen for pain relief, and oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed for inflammation. Opioids can be prescribed on a short-term basis in severe cases. Muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ) are sometimes used for muscle spasms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects a large proportion of older adults, with studies suggesting that about 30-40% of individuals over 40 may have some degree of disc degeneration, though it does not always cause symptoms.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, genetics, previous back injury, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms can often be managed with conservative treatment, though some individuals experience chronic pain or recurrent flare-ups. Surgical options may provide relief for more severe cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, reduced mobility, nerve damage, and the need for spinal fusion surgery in advanced cases.

Spinal stenosis

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Spinal Disorders

Sub-category: Degenerative Conditions

Symptoms:
lower back pain; leg pain or cramping; numbness or tingling in the legs; weakness in the legs; difficulty walking; balance problems

Root Cause:
The spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This is usually caused by age-related changes such as thickening of ligaments and disc degeneration.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, MRI, and CT scans are used to identify the narrowing of the spinal canal and evaluate its impact on the nerves.

Treatment:
Treatment options include physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and, in severe cases, surgery such as laminectomy or spinal fusion to relieve pressure on the nerves.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen , corticosteroid injections (e.g., methylprednisolone ) to reduce inflammation, and opioids for short-term pain relief in severe cases. Antidepressants or anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin ) may be used for nerve pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
It is common in older adults, with prevalence rates increasing with age. Around 8-10% of individuals over 60 experience symptomatic spinal stenosis.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, genetics, prior spinal injuries, arthritis, obesity, and certain genetic conditions like achondroplasia.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
While spinal stenosis is a progressive condition, it can often be managed with conservative treatment, though some individuals may eventually require surgery to maintain mobility and quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent nerve damage, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, paralysis.