Orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, and muscles. Orthopedic spine surgeons specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating spinal conditions. These professionals attend to patients of all ages. Since the spine involves various issues, your Pittsburgh board certified orthopedic spine surgeon can exclusively attend to certain spinal problems or a particular region of your spine. Orthopedic spine surgeons follow the progress from prevention, treatment, and physical therapy until you become fully rehabilitated. Orthopedic spine surgeons treat many spinal conditions, including:
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Your spine has a series of bones. Between them are round discs that cushion the bones, enabling you to move and bend easily. If any of these discs tears or slips, it is known as a herniated disc. Your discs can herniate or slip if you lift heavy objects, sit poorly like working on your computer, bend repetitively, or twist during work or sports. There are various treatments for herniated discs, including medications, physical therapy, and spinal injections. If these options do not relieve your symptoms, your orthopedic surgeon can recommend surgery.
Spinal stenosis causes the narrowing of spaces in the spine cavity. When narrowing occurs, your spinal cord and nerves exiting each vertebra can be compressed, causing back or neck pain. You may also experience numbness, tingling, and weakness in your arms and legs. Anyone can develop spinal stenosis, but it is more common in adults over fifty years. You have a higher risk of developing spinal stenosis if you have scoliosis. Your orthopedic spine surgeon can perform surgery in severe cases of spinal stenosis.
Spondylosis is a condition where your spine wears and tears. It occurs when spinal discs degenerate, or bone spurs develop on the vertebrae. Aging, repetitive movements that involve your spine, being obese or spinal injuries can lead to spondylosis. Spondylosis symptoms include spine stiffness and pain, weakness in your hands and legs, loss of balance, and difficulty walking. Most people with age-related spondylosis do not have symptoms.
Spinal tumors or growths are abnormal cells that develop along your spine. They can form inside your spinal cord, in the tissue covering your spinal cord, between the meninges and spinal bones, or in the bony vertebrae of your spine. Spinal tumors can cause various symptoms, including back pain, numbness in your legs, arms, or chest, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Your orthopedic spine surgeon can perform spinal surgery to remove the tumors to help relieve your symptoms and stop the multiplication of cells.
Scoliosis is an abnormal spine curvature where your spine rotates and develops a side-to-side curve. In most patients, scoliosis is diagnosed in the childhood or adolescence phase. In adolescents, scoliosis mostly affects the thoracic or ribcage region of the spine, and in adults, it usually occurs in the lower or lower spine regions. Your surgeon can do surgery to alleviate pain and improve function.
Orthopedic spine surgeons prevent, diagnose, and treat spinal conditions. These specialists treat many spinal problems, including disc herniation, spinal tumors, spondylosis, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis. Schedule an appointment at Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center to treat your spinal condition with skilled and experienced orthopedic spine surgeons.
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