If you have low back pain, you may be concerned that surgery is the only option. Many times, problems with the low back — or lumbar spine — can be treated using nonsurgical options. This blog describes common problems of the lower back and typical courses of care. If you have any questions about what you are experiencing and how it can best be treated, talk to an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible.

In this post, we'll cover the basics of lumbar spine anatomy. The lumbar spine is in the lower back (whereas the cervical spine anatomy refers to the neck region).

This curved part of the spine helps support and move the body, and is made up of interlocking bones called vertebrae, ligaments and nerves. 

Determining which of the neck pain causes is involved is the first step to establishing an effective treatment plan.

Treatment for problems affecting the neck – or cervical spine – range from rest and over-the-counter medication to spinal surgery. It’s best to work closely with an experienced orthopedic specialist to build a customized course of treatment.

This blog describes three neck pain causes – herniated disc, spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy – as well as treatment options. You can learn more about 

Neck pain can sometimes be treated using non-surgical methods, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections. But some problems are serious enough to require surgery for neck pain. Herniated discs and cervical spondylotic myelopathy are two conditions that often result in the need for cervical spine / neck surgery.

Many different conditions can affect the cervical spine, or the neck. Some factors that may cause neck problems are age, lifestyle, work, diet and your genetics. Different conditions may require different treatments — from rest to physical therapy to spinal surgery. This blog covers the differences between two of the common problems orthopedic specialists find in the cervical spine: spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Many different problems can affect the neck — or cervical spine — especially with age. Treatment for neck conditions can range from a conservative approach that involves rest and over-the-counter medication to spinal surgery. Neck conditions may occur with age, trauma or disease, or a combination of factors. This blog describes common cervical spine conditions and how they are treated. 

In this blog, we'll describe the components of cervical spine anatomy, including the vertebrae, ligaments, nerves, veins, and arteries that make up the neck.

The primary function of the cervical spine is the mobility, support and protection of spinal canal and neural structures. The cervical spine is made up of:

• 7 vertebrae
• 6 intervertebral discs
• 8 pairs of exiting nerve roots

The vertebrae are C1-C7. The primary motion at the C1-C2 joint is rotation.