Common Spinal Disorders

Our spine specialists, Robert Benz, MD, and William Biggs, MD, have specialized (fellowship) training, board certification, and years of experience helping people with back pain, neck pain, and back and neck disorders.

They have patient appointments in our Fort Collins and Loveland, CO offices.
 
Spondylolisthesis
A slippage of one vertebra over the one below it, most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) area. It may develop in a weakened area of the vertebra during childhood or adolescent years, or later in life as a result of degeneration. Other causes include heredity (genetics or family history) and stress fracture in a vertebra.

Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal, nerve root channel and/or intervertebral foramen. Spinal stenosis may be congenital, but most often is attributed to the normal aging process.

Sciatica
Pain radiating from the back and down the leg.

Ruptured Disc/Bulging Disc/"Slipped Disc"
Age or injury may cause discs to dry out or degenerate. As this happens, the jelly-like nucleus may bulge into the annulus, causing pain and pressure. If a sudden movement or injury causes a rupture of the annulus (torn annulus), the nucleus squeezes out and irritates the nearby nerves.

Radiculopathy
Most often referred to as a pinched nerve; may cause pain in the upper extremities, thorax, or legs.

Spinal Instability
As a disc degenerates and flattens, vertebrae may become unstable, slipping back and forth and irritating facet joints and nerves.

Degenerative Disc Disease
Over the human life span, the discs naturally wear out. Sports activities, injury and everyday activities contribute to degeneration of the discs.

Scoliosis
This sideways curvature of the spine causes it to resemble a letter "S" or "C" rather than a straight "I". Scoliosis can occur at any age in children or teen-agers. It can run in families, but in many cases its cause is not known.