The spine is made up of a column of small bones called vertebrae that surround and protect the spinal cord and nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. Each bone or vertebra is separated from the other by a spongy tissue called an intervertebral disc, which acts as a cushion and prevents the bones from rubbing against each other during movement. Based on their position, the vertebral column is categorized into 7 cervical vertebrae in the neck, 12 thoracic vertebrae in the chest region, 5 lumbar vertebrae in the lower back, and 5 fused bones of the sacrum and 3 fused bones that form the coccyx in the pelvic region. Some of the spine conditions treated by our spinal disorders specialist Dallas include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and nerve compression. These spinal conditions often require a diagnosis and personalized care plan that may involve non-operative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or minimally invasive spine surgery.
Expert care from an experienced spinal disorders doctor Dallas, at a specialized spine center, ensures comprehensive care for spinal health and aims to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
Common Spinal Disorders Treated by Our Spinal Disorders Specialist Dallas
Common spinal disorders that our spinal disorders doctor Dallas treats include:
Degenerative disc disease (DDD): Degenerative disc disease refers to the gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs that cushion the vertebrae. DDD affects the strength, resiliency, and structural integrity of the intervertebral discs due to advancing age, trauma, injury, repetitive lifting of heavy objects, smoking, and obesity.
Herniated disc: A herniated disc is a condition in which the outer fibrous annulus of the intervertebral disc is damaged, causing the nucleus to protrude through the ruptured annulus and compress the adjacent nerve root and/or spinal canal. A herniated disc is also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc.
Patient reviews often highlight the effectiveness of treatments for herniated discs. Our spinal disorders specialist Dallas frequently evaluates non-surgical options before recommending spinal surgeries for herniated discs. The patient experience during diagnosis and treatment is crucial for successful outcomes, and a custom treatment plan is created to address individual needs and minimize complications.
Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a condition caused when the vertebral column constricts and exerts pressure on the spinal cord or neural foramen (a bony tunnel through which a nerve exits the spinal cord). It usually affects the cervical and lumbar spine. If the spinal canal is narrowed, the disorder is called cervical/lumbar central stenosis. If the foramen is narrowed, it is referred to as cervical/lumbar foraminal stenosis. Many Dallas spine centers, including multidisciplinary university programs, manage this condition with a conservative care model, often exhausting non-surgical options before surgery. Minimally invasive spine surgery, including disc replacement and decompression procedures, may be recommended by spinal disorders specialists Dallas for severe cases.
Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which the breakdown of the cartilage between the vertebrae of the spine causes one vertebra to slip out of place on top of the one below it. This causes misalignment and narrowing of the spinal column, a condition called spinal stenosis, which can put pressure on the nerves, resulting in pain in the buttocks or legs with walking or standing.
Our spinal disorders surgeon Dallas treats spondylolisthesis using a variety of approaches. Our specialist often works within prominent academic medical centers and multidisciplinary university programs in Dallas, providing comprehensive care that may include conservative treatments like physical therapy and medications before considering minimally invasive or traditional surgical options.
Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a condition where the spine or backbone is curved sideways instead of appearing in a straight line. It can occur in all ages but commonly occurs in children before puberty, during their growth spurt. Spinal disorders specialists Dallas often evaluate scoliosis to determine the best treatment approach, which may include conservative care or surgery.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density resulting in brittle, fragile bones that are more susceptible to fractures. The condition most commonly affects elderly women. Osteoporosis-related fractures are more common at the vertebral bodies of the spine. Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease,” as a majority of the patients may be unaware of their condition until they develop a bone fracture.
Fractures: Vertebral compression fractures occur when the normal vertebral body of the spine collapses when too much pressure is placed on the vertebrae, resulting in pain, limited mobility, loss of height, and spinal deformities. Fragile and weak bones in the elderly, and those suffering from osteoporosis and cancer can develop compression fractures with little or no force.
Tumors: Spinal tumors are an abnormal growth of tissues or cells in and around the spinal cord or vertebral bones. Tumors can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Tumors from other parts of the body can also spread and affect the spinal column. Our spinal disorders specialist Dallas, evaluates these tumors and offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures when appropriate. Minimally invasive techniques reduce recovery time compared to traditional surgery and use incisions less than one inch long.
Infections: The spinal cord and its surrounding structures can become infected by bacteria or fungal organisms. Certain risk factors that can make you more susceptible to these infections include obesity, malnutrition, a weakened immune system, infection with HIV virus, diabetes, and cancer. Our spinal disorders doctor Dallas diagnoses and manages these infections using comprehensive care options such as antibiotics, pain management, and rehabilitation treatments to ensure optimal recovery.
Expert Care Available in Dallas, TX: Schedule Your First Appointment At Our Spine Center with a Spinal Disorders Surgeon Dallas Today!
If you are experiencing symptoms like back pain, weakness, or muscle strain, don’t wait to seek specialized care. Dr. Andrew Simpson, a board-certified spine surgeon at UT Southwestern and a leader in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery, offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. With expertise in the latest techniques and procedures, including spinal fusion and revision surgery, Dr. Simpson provides exceptional care focused on spine health and recovery. Dr. Andrew K. Simpson trained at Harvard and Yale.
Visit our office in Dallas, Texas, to explore surgical options and comprehensive spine care designed to treat conditions affecting your spine effectively. Schedule your consultation now to experience life-changing care from one of the best surgeons recognized by the North American Spine Society.
