The lower back, or lumbar region, is the area that sits just below the ribcage. Nearly everyone experiences low back pain at some point in their life, and neck pain is also a frequent concern. Strains in the muscles of the lower back and neck can result from poor posture or lack of physical conditioning. Additionally, osteoarthritis or the natural wear and tear of the spine can contribute to discomfort in these areas.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist, can lead to numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand. This condition may be triggered by factors such as underlying health issues and repetitive hand movements. Treatment options often include rest, ice, wrist splints, and, if needed, surgery.

Stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve pathways, which can put pressure on the spinal cord (myelopathy) or nerves (radiculopathy). This condition is commonly caused by age-related changes such as ligament thickening and the formation of bone spurs. Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the stenosis and may include pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs. Treatment may involve surgery to relieve pressure by decompressing the bony passages through which the spinal cord or nerves pass.

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that is often associated with low back pain and leg pain. It occurs when one of your vertebrae slips forward, relative to the vertebra below it. Surgery may involve stabilizing the spine, so that the slip does not become worse.

Tumors are abnormal masses of cells that grow uncontrollably. It’s crucial to differentiate between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors. While benign tumors don't invade nearby tissues, their size and location can still cause problems. Surgery can often be curative for benign tumors, and it also plays a key role in treating malignant tumors. In the case of malignant tumors, surgery helps provide a tissue diagnosis, which guides further treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.

The spine, which includes the neck, mid-back, and lower back, is made up of bones called vertebrae, separated by discs that allow for movement. These spinal discs consist of a soft inner core (nucleus pulposus) and a tough outer wall (annulus fibrosus).

Degenerated Disc – As we age, the discs in the spine lose water content and can become thinner. This results in less cushioning between the vertebrae, meaning flatter discs aren’t as effective at absorbing shock. This can lead to conditions like discogenic axial low back pain. Surgery may involve removing the degenerated disc and stabilizing the spine, effectively eliminating the need for the disc’s shock-absorbing function.

Herniated Disc – Over time, everyday movements and minor injuries can cause tears in the outer wall of the disc (annular tears), leading to disc bulges. While these tears might not always cause problems, if a significant portion of the soft inner core pushes through the tear (herniated nucleus pulposus), it may put pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to symptoms like pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs. Surgery may be needed to remove the herniated portion of the disc, relieving pressure on the nerve.