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Spine Injuries and Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Bones Joints Muscles

Spine Injuries and Disorders

The spine, composed of 26 vertebrae, can be affected by infections, injuries, tumors, and age‑related changes, leading to pain and limited movement.

Overview

The spine is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. These vertebrae protect the spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can alter the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue.

Causes

  • Infections
  • Injuries
  • Tumors
  • Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and scoliosis
  • Bone changes that come with age, such as spinal stenosis and herniated disks

Symptoms

Spinal diseases often cause pain when bone changes put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. They can also limit movement.

Treatment & Management

Treatments differ by disease, but sometimes include back braces and surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spinal stenosis can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the legs, especially after walking or standing, and may worsen with bending forward. Non‑surgical options include physical therapy focused on core strengthening and flexibility, epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation, activity modification (avoiding prolonged standing or heavy lifting), and the use of a lumbar support brace to limit excessive flexion.
MRI with contrast is the gold standard for differentiating infection from tumor. Infections often show a rim‑enhancing lesion with surrounding edema and may involve the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, whereas tumors typically present as a mass with distinct margins and may involve the posterior elements. CT can be useful for bone detail, but MRI provides superior soft‑tissue contrast and is more sensitive for early infection.===
Sharp or shooting pain that radiates down the leg, numbness or tingling in the foot, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a sudden loss of strength in the lower extremities are red‑flag symptoms indicating possible cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention. Even mild leg pain that worsens with coughing or sneezing should be evaluated promptly.
back brace is typically advised if the patient has significant pain that limits activity, if there is a risk of worsening injury due to instability, or if the patient is unable to maintain proper posture during daily tasks. The brace should be used for short periods (e.g., 2–4 hours per day) to support the spine while the patient engages in prescribed exercises and gradually regains strength.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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