Aging Spine:
Description: As we age the cushioning between the bones of the spine start to dry out and no longer cushion the bones. Without the cushioning, the nerves start to get pinched, which causes pain.

Treatment: Over-the-counter pain relievers, back braces or surgery

Ankylosing Spondylitis:
Description: A condition in which the joints and ligaments of the back become inflamed causing stiffness.

Treatment: Physical therapy or drug therapy.

Chronic Back Pain:
Description: Most back pain is caused by muscle strain or injury, but about 10 percent of the time it is caused by an illness.

Treatment: Pain relievers, injections, therapy, surgery.

Degenerative Disc Disease:
Description: A condition in which pain is caused from a damaged disc.

Treatment: Pain relievers and surgery.

Facet Joint Syndrome:
Description: The facet joints are between the bones of the spine and allow the spine to bend and twist. They also allow nerves to pass from the spinal cord to other parts of the body. When these joints become swollen, it can cause pain and stiffness.

Treatment: Injection of steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, use of braces, surgery.

Failed Back / Failed Fusion Syndrome:
Description: A condition where pain doesn’t go away after back surgery. This occurs in approximately 10% to 40% of those who have back surgery to correct a pinched nerve, stabilize a vertebrae, or repair a damaged disc.

Treatment: Varies on an individual bases depending on the nature of the condition and prior surgeries.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome:
Description: A disorder of the muscles and bones that does not involve the joints, but causes pain and fatigue.

Treatment: Medications, lifestyle changes, exercise.

Flatback Syndrome:
Description: Occurs when there is a loss of curvature in the spine making the spine unnaturally straight.

Treatment: Varies on an individual bases depending on the causes and degree of the syndrome.

Foramen/Spinal Stenosis:
Description: When the passageways for the spinal cord or other nerve branches become clogged thus resulting in pressure on the nerves and pain. The clog can be caused by bone spurs, arthritis or other age related diseases.

Treatment: Pain-relieving medications, injections, restricted activity, therapy, braces, and surgery.

Osteoarthritis:
Description: A degenerative joint disease, where the cartilage (joint lining) breaks down and causes pain, stiffness and swelling.

Treatment: Anti-inflammatory drugs, topical pain relievers, pain medications, antidepressants, injections, joint replacements, surgery.

Osteoporosis:
Description: A condition where bones become fragile, filled with holes, caused by the decreased absorption of calcium and essential nutrients.

Treatment: Hormone replacement therapy and medications.

Pinched Nerve:
Description: A condition where a nerve becomes pinched by a herniated disc, bone spurs, or swollen tissue and ligaments and tendons.

Treatment: Varies depending on the cause and location of the pinched nerve. Options include: medications, therapy, injections, and surgery.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Description: An ongoing condition in which the tissue that lines and lubricates the joints becomes inflamed. Over time, this may result in pain and joints becoming deformed.

Treatment: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, injections, therapy, lefestyle changes, and surgery.

Spina Bifida:
Description: A spine deformity in which the bones of the spine do not fuse as a fetus develops.

Treatment: Limited treatment options and based on each individual case.

Swayback:
Description: A condition where the spine curves to far inward.

Treatment: Medications, therapy, braces, weight reduction, and surgery.


For more details on the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Spine and Pain Management Center or to schedule an appointment please call 440-285-7757.