Spine conditions Dr. Langhorst treats
Dr. Langhorst uses non-operative treatment options to treat injuries and conditions of the neck and back. If you have any of the following injuries or conditions, please request an appointment with Dr. Langhorst.
Neck Pain
The neck is exposed to injury and disorders that cause significant pain because it supports the weight of the head while also having a significant amount of motion. Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues, such as the muscles, ligaments and nerves; however, the bones and discs of the spine can also cause pain. Most commonly, it is caused by soft-tissue abnormalities due to injury such as a neck sprain or from prolonged wear and tear. In rare cases, infection or tumors may cause neck pain.
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Low Back Pain
Low back pain is a common condition that most people experience at some point in their lives. There are many reasons why someone may have lower back pain, but the treatment depends on the underlying cause.
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Cervical Disc Herniations
A cervical disc herniation is when the soft material of the disc is pushed out onto a nerve in the neck. The discs are the cushions between the bone of the spine that allow for motion between the bones. They are actually very strong early in life; however, at about age 30, they start to become brittle and the strong outer layer may develop cracks that allow the soft inner material to leak out. The pain from a disc herniation comes from the pressure and inflammation that is being contacted by the herniated disc material.
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Lumbar Disc Herniations
A herniated disc in the back is when the soft material of a disc in the spine is pushed out onto a nerve. A herniated lumbar disc is when this occurs in the lower back also referred to as lumbar radiculopathy. The discs are the cushions between the bone of the spine that allow for motion between the bones. They are strong early in life; however, at about age 30, they start to become brittle and the strong outer layer may develop cracks that allow the soft inner material to leak out. The pain from a disc herniation comes from the pressure and inflammation of being contacted by the herniated disc material.
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Spondylolysis
Spondylolysis is a common cause of lower back pain and occurs when there is a crack or stress fracture in one of the vertebrae in the spinal column. It can occur in people of all ages but most often occurs in children and adolescents who participate in sports that involve repeated stress on the lower back such as football, weightlifting and gymnastics.
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Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a condition where the small joints between two bones of the low back have developed arthritis. In other words, they have worn out over time. This causes one bone to slide forward compared to the bone below. It most commonly occurs with the fourth lumbar vertebrae sliding forward on the fifth lumbar vertebrae and is more common in women than in men. It is a result of wear and tear over time and typically shows up when people are in their 50’s or older.
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