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The spine consists of a complex column of vertebrae that extends downward from the cervical spine (neck), through the thoracic spine (middle back) and to the lumber spine (lower back). Because the back is instrumental in many body movements, spinal injuries, degenerative discs, bone spurs and disc herniations are common.

According to Michael Freed, M.D., neurosurgeon at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, these common spinal conditions are often treated by neurosurgeons. Other common reasons for spine surgery include broken bones, spinal stenosis, tumors, infections and osteoporosis of the spine.

“Some conditions such as herniated discs can compress the nerves of the spine and spinal cord and cause neurological deficits,” says Dr. Freed. Discs are the soft tissue located between each vertebra. A disc herniation occurs when the disc pushes through its tough outer tissue and puts pressure on surrounding tissues, nerves or the spinal cord.

Although it is possible to have a herniated disc in the middle back, this type of injury is most common in the neck and lower back. When a disc herniation occurs in the lower back, the pressure can cause pain, numbness, weakness or paralysis in one or both legs. When the herniation is in the neck, similar symptoms occur in the arms. In some cases, a disc herniation may also cause bladder or bowel incontinence.

To pinpoint the cause of spinal pain and other symptoms, a patient undergoes a thorough screening. “There are certain disease and condition patterns that tell us where the problem should be, based on the physical examination,” says Dr. Freed. “Then we follow it up with imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans or x-rays.”

Typically, disc herniations and other spinal conditions are first treated through conservative (non-surgical) methods such as physical therapy, stretching and exercise. Anti-inflammatory medication or epidural steroid injections may be used to help alleviate pain. If surgery becomes necessary, neurosurgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. “With new technology, we can perform the same procedures far less invasively than we could in the past,” says Dr. Freed.

In addition to technological advancements, neurosurgeons have improved upon some traditional procedures such as discectomy, or disc removal. “Routine neurosurgical procedures have become less invasive and more complex surgery is easier to perform and allows for a shorter recovery time,” says Dr. Freed.

For decades, spinal fusions have been used to treat degenerative discs, tumors, fractures and other conditions that cause instability in the spine. Today, the development of titanium plates, rods and screws allow neurosurgeons to lock bones in place during spinal fusion to promote quicker healing.

“Neurosurgery is changing all the time,” says Dr. Freed. The neurosurgeons at Mount Auburn Hospital adapt quickly to new technology, procedures and materials. They attend continuing education courses on a regular basis and bring new information back to their practices so patients can receive the most advanced care possible.

For a free Mount Auburn Hospital physician directory, please call us at 617-499-5094.