Most of us remember the experience of being screened for scoliosis in elementary school. The school nurse checked the curvature of our and our classmates’ backbones, looking for signs of this condition. This was (and remains) an early detection tool that can help us recognize a spinal disorder in children so that they get the care they need.
For adults, recognizing the symptoms of spinal disorders is a little more nuanced. According to Dr. Brandon Claflin of Oklahoma Interventional Spine and Pain, back pain isn’t always the key indicator that there is a spinal problem.
Here, he shares his expertise on spinal disorders and gives tips on recognizing the early warning signs so you can get treatment quickly.
What Are Spinal Disorders?
Spinal disorders, also called spinal cord disorders, are problems that affect your spine and spinal cord. They can range in severity from fractures and herniated discs to degenerative disc disease.
Some spinal disorders include:
- Herniated discs
- Bulging discs
- Tumors
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Radiculopathy
- Scoliosis
- Spondylosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Kyphosis
These disorders can cause pain in the spine, but not always. In fact, some of them may present with symptoms seemingly unrelated to the back and might not present with back pain.
5 Symptoms of Spinal Disorders: What To Know
In the early stages of some spinal disorders, you may not experience symptoms. This is why it is essential to have spinal health screenings periodically. Children, for instance, are routinely screened for scoliosis between ages 10 to 12, although this can vary. For instance, females are screened for scoliosis earlier than males in many cases.
So, what about screenings for adults? If you have a high-risk job that demands a lot of physical activity (like construction or heavy lifting), schedule routine spine screenings frequently. Note that office workers often experience back pain; seeking preventative care for them is wise as well.
It’s also important to remember to have a spinal screening after an accident or injury, even if you don’t think you are injured. A thorough physical examination and diagnostic testing is the best way to help ensure the spine is safe.
Early symptoms of spinal disorders may include the following.
1. Numbness in the Extremities
Feelings of numbness, tingling sensations, and/or pain in the legs and arms may indicate an issue with the spine. The nerves that connect from the lower back to the legs may be compressed, causing pain in the legs. Likewise, compromised nerves at the top and middle of the spine may result in numbness and/or tingling in the arms.
If you experience changes like tingling, numbness, or pain in your arms and/or legs, see your doctor for a spinal screening and check-up.
2. Weakness
Muscles that feel fatigued can be a sign of a spinal disorder. Obviously, if you’ve just completed a grueling workout or strained a muscle group, you may have muscle discomfort. However, muscle weakness that seems to originate out of the blue can be an indicating factor for a spinal issue.
You may also experience weakness in the extremities. Legs and arms may feel tired and/or heavy.
3. Loss of Bladder Control
If you have incontinence and never experienced it before, it could be a sign of a spinal issue. Alternatively, feeling the need to urinate when you don’t really have to go may also be a sign of a spinal cord issue.
The problem has to do with the nerves that regulate urgency. When nerves are damaged or compromised, it becomes difficult for them to effectively communicate your need to go to the restroom (or not) with the brain.
4. Back Pain
Practically everyone experiences back pain from time to time. Whether we lift something improperly from the floor and pull a muscle or are involved in a sports-related injury that causes us back pain, developing a back-related pain issue is fairly common.
However, chronic back pain (pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks) may be symptomatic of a spinal disorder. If you have sought treatment for back pain from your primary care physician and are still unable to get relief, it may be a wise idea to seek the help of a pain management specialist to help you get relief.
5. Loss of Sensation
Just like tingling in the arms and legs, complete loss of sensation can be an indication of a spinal injury. The inability to feel hot or cold or to feel sharp objects is not a symptom to ignore. This is particularly important if you have lost these senses without any related injury that could have caused the loss of sensation.
How Are Spinal Disorders Diagnosed?
If you suspect you might have a spinal disorder, schedule an appointment with a spinal care professional. If you need a referral, your primary care physician is the best place to start. Once referred to a specialist, you may undergo diagnostic testing (like an MRI) to determine the type of spinal disorder you may have — if there is one.
You may also undergo a nerve function test to better determine which nerves are affected. Your doctor might also take a medical history and talk to you about injuries or accidents you may have that could have led to the current symptoms. Once you have a diagnosis, treatment can begin to alleviate symptoms and manage discomfort.
You may also be given a verbal evaluation to rule out neurological disorders and ensure your spinal issue has not impacted your brain health.
Early Detection Is Key
Spinal disorders that are left untreated can lead to problems with ambulation and eventually hinder your quality of life. Getting regular spinal screenings can help diagnose problems early so you can get treatment quickly.
If you’re experiencing spinal pain or some of the symptoms above, consider making an appointment to have your spinal health evaluated by a spine care doctor to rule out spine disorders. With help, it is possible to get relief from discomfort.
Sources:
Spinal Cord Disorders – Symptoms and Causes | Penn Medicine
Screening for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Recommendation Statement | AAFP
Spinal Cord Injury-Neurogenic Bladder | Mount Sinai – New York
Spine Disorders | Condition | UT Southwestern Medical Center
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