Dr. Kunal Patel

The spine is one of the most delicate bones of the body. It literally supports the entire body and helps us walk upright. Any damage or degeneration of the same can lead to dire consequences ranging from pain to paralysis. Spine degeneration is something that progresses over time and does not happen overnight. The normal structure of the disc will be gradually lost in such cases, and there may even be changes in the vertebrae.

The discs may start thinning slowly, which will lead to posture and other issues like pain and weakness. These problems may happen due to old age, arthritis, accidents which may have rendered some damage to the spine, as well as neurological problems where the nerves may get pressed due to an outgrowth or a bulging disc.

Here are the facts that you need to know about spine degeneration related to neurosurgery-

Spinal Stenosis: This is a condition where the spinal canal becomes progressively narrow which may further lead to many problems. In such cases, the spinal cord and the nerves around it tend to get pressed and pinched, which causes significant pain. This may happen due to several reasons including old age which changes the structure of the spinal cord, and other issues such as spinal herniation which causes the growth from the spine. It can also happen due to problems like osteoporosis or the existence of a tumor.

Symptoms: This congenital condition can affect the entire lunar area as well as the shoulders and the neck. It can also lead to painful sensations in the legs and lower regions. Many patients also complain of the loss of bowel control in extreme conditions.

Causes: The stiffening of the invertebral joint leads to the growth of a bony structure. This is known as an osteophyte formation which can lead to spondylitis. There are chances of people as young as 35 years of age, experiencing such a problem. These kinds of issues directly affect the nerves and cause pain in various areas of the body.

Treatment: In such cases, a laminectomy procedure or a de-roofing surgery will be required so that the bony outgrowth may be sliced off, for better recovery of the patient. This will also prevent the nerves from getting affected or pressed, which in turn helps in leading a more normal existence. The success rate is quite high for this kind of surgery, as per myriad medical reports and studies. Yet, it is not entirely suitable for older patients who have other complications.

Other Methods of Treatment: In many cases, the patient may be required to go through other forms of physiotherapy so as to deal with the issue. The patients may also be given epidural injections that have steroids so as to deal with the pain. This is also one of the most preferred methods of managing chronic lumbar area pain which is caused due to herniation and nerve pressing. Electronic stimulation methods such as a neuro modulation with the help of decompression and fusion may also be followed in such cases.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

There are 27 bones in the human hand. An injury to any one of them or a disease that affects the bones, tendons, muscles or blood vessels in the hand, are the most likely causes for pain in the hand and tenderness.

Some of the most common conditions that cause hand pain are:

1. De Quervain's Tendinitis: Pain on and around the thumb is the characteristic sign of this condition. This pain may develop gradually or come on suddenly and can travel the length of the thumb and forearm. De Quervain's tendinitis is caused by the swelling of wrist tendons at the base of the thumb. Repetitive actions and overuse are the most common triggers for this condition.

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are felt mainly in the thumb, index finger and middle finger. This pain is often worse at night and is caused by the swelling of inflamed tendons at the base of the hand that puts pressure on the median nerve. This syndrome can make it very difficult for a person to grip objects.

3. Fractures: The fracture can cause extreme pain along with stiffness, swelling and loss of movement. A fracture refers to the breaking of a bone and can be of many types including simple fractures, complex fractures, comminuted fractures and compound fractures. The type of fracture dictates the type of treatment required. Spraining a muscle in the hand is another leading cause of pain in the hands.

4. Arthritis: This is one of the most common causes of pain in the hand that is related to ageing. Arthritis causes loss of cartilage that makes the movement of one bone against the other extremely painful. It may or may not also be accompanied by swelling. When it comes to the hand, arthritis affects the base of the thumb and middle or top joints of the fingers. Osteoarthritis may also cause bony nodules to be formed on the fingers.

5. Trigger Finger: This condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. This condition locks the fingers or thumb in a bent position. This condition is triggered by the flexor tendons getting irritated. These tendons control the movements of the thumb and fingers. As the tendon is inflamed, the sheath that surrounds the tendons may also thicken and nodules may form of the affected tendons. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, gout and diabetes are at a high risk of suffering from this condition. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an orthopedist.