Vertebral Pathology
Less pain, shorter recovery times, and improved quality of life with innovative therapeutic approaches.
Herniated Discs
Modern and safe treatments that relieve intense pain caused by herniated discs, without the need for conventional surgery.
Lumbar/Cervical stenosis
Innovative technique that reduces disc herniation without the need to remove the disc or cut muscles.
Spondylolisthesis
A minimally invasive procedure that uses ozone to reduce disc volume and relieve pressure on the nerves.
Osteoarthritis in the joints
Understanding what osteoarthritis is and how it manifests is the first step in preventing complications and improving quality of life.
On this page we present some of the most common problems and diseases that affect the spine.
On this page we present some of the most common problems and diseases that affect the spine.
Herniated Discs
Back pain, or spinal pain, is a common symptom, affecting approximately 80% of the world's population throughout their lives. It can be intense and debilitating, with a significant impact on quality of life and work performance.
The main cause of back pain is intervertebral disc disease, which can include "protrusions," "prolapses," or "hernias" of the discs, especially in the lumbar and cervical regions. Intervertebral discs are structures that cushion impacts and allow spinal movement; they can herniate and compress nerves, causing pain, numbness, or muscle weakness in the limbs (such as sciatica). In severe cases, it can affect the nerves that control the bladder and bowel, causing incontinence.
Symptoms
- Lower back or neck pain;
- Back pain;
- Numbness, cramps, or tingling in the arms or legs;
- Pain radiating to the upper or lower limbs;
- Burning sensation;
- Numbness in the fingers.
Causes
Although the exact causes are not fully understood, it is believed that factors such as disc aging, genetics, poor posture, obesity, overexertion, and physical trauma may contribute to the development of herniated discs.
Prevention
Although it's not possible to completely avoid it, prevention can include maintaining good posture, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and excessive exertion, as well as practicing regular physical exercise such as walking and swimming.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves clinical analysis, physical examination and, if necessary, complementary tests such as X-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. In specific cases, electromyography may be indicated.
Treatment
Most cases of herniated discs improve with conservative treatments, such as medication and general care. If these methods are not effective, more aggressive approaches may be necessary, including minimally invasive interventions or conventional surgery.
Other Causes of Back Pain
Besides herniated discs, other conditions such as muscle strain, bone fractures, or diseases in other parts of the body (such as kidney infection or kidney stones) can also cause back pain.
Lumbar/Cervical Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the vertebral canal or intervertebral foramina, through which the spinal cord and nerve roots pass. It occurs most frequently in the cervical and lumbar regions, due to the greater mobility of these spinal segments.
Symptoms
- Lower back pain when walking, without radiating to the lower limbs;
- Decreased spinal mobility;
- Sensory changes, motor weakness, and altered reflexes.
- Herniated discs;
- Hypertrophy of the interapophyseal joints;
- Thickening of ligaments (yellow and posterior longitudinal);
- Vertebral slippage or fractures;
- Osteophytes, tumors, cysts, or foreign bodies that reduce the space of the spinal canal.
Causes
- Based on the patient's medical history and physical examination;
- Additional tests: X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or electromyography.
Diagnosis
- Conservative treatment: analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and corticosteroid injections;
- Minimally invasive treatments for herniated discs: nucleoplasty or ozone therapy;
- Conventional surgery, if conservative treatments are ineffective and in selected cases.
- If there are no serious neurological changes, conservative treatment is usually effective.
Treatment
- Conservative treatment: analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and corticosteroid injections;
- Minimally invasive treatments for herniated discs: nucleoplasty or ozone therapy;
- Conventional surgery, if conservative treatments are ineffective and in selected cases.
- If there are no serious neurological changes, conservative treatment is usually effective.
Treatment
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is the slippage or displacement of one vertebra relative to another, causing misalignment of the spine. It occurs mainly in the lumbar spine.
Symptoms
- Lower back pain;
- Depressions in the skin in the lumbar region;
- Muscle contractures, mainly in the back of the thigh;
- Pain radiating to the lower limbs, tingling, muscle tension, stiffness, and tenderness in the affected area;
- More serious symptoms include night pain and loss of strength or sensation in the lower limbs.
- Dysplastic: Developmental defect;
- Isthmic: Vertebral defect due to mechanical stress, common in children and adolescents;
- Degenerative: Related to aging and adaptive changes in the spine;
- Traumatic: Resulting from falls or accidents;
- Post-surgery: Complications following surgical procedures;
- Pathological: Associated with tumors.
Causes
Diagnosis is made by X-ray, supplemented by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Diagnosis
- Initially, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and physiotherapy are used;
- For some patients, minimally invasive treatments such as fiber optic nucleoplasty or ozone therapy may be recommended;
- In more severe cases, conventional surgery may be necessary to correct the vertebral slippage.
Treatment
Osteoarthritis in the joints
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is a condition that affects the joints, causing wear and tear of the cartilage that covers the bone ends, as well as damaging other joint components such as ligaments, synovial membrane, and synovial fluid. The most commonly affected joints are the spine, hands, knees, and hips.
Symptoms
- Joint pain, which tends to worsen with exertion;
- Swelling, heat, creaking, and limited movement;
- Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity;
- In severe cases, it can cause back pain, with tingling or numbness in the limbs due to the contact of "parrot beak" stings with the nerves.
- Primary: Due to overuse and natural aging, with progressive cartilage damage;
- Secondary: Resulting from conditions such as obesity, repeated trauma, diseases (gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes) or hormonal disorders.
Causes
Osteoarthritis is diagnosed using X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans.
Diagnosis
There is no cure, but treatment aims to relieve pain and improve joint function. This may include the use of analgesics, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, and regular physical exercise. When the pain is intense, minimally invasive treatments such as fiber optic nucleoplasty or ozone therapy may be recommended.