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There are many spinal conditions that are treated at Laser Spine Institute. All procedures are uniquely designed and developed to provide patients with the best possible medical care.Endoscopic Procedure Overview
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Our physicians here at Laser Spine Institute care about you and your condition.
Vertebra – Definition and the Spinal Conditions That Can Affect This Bony Structure
A vertebra is one of the bony structures that comprise the spine. Most people have 33 vertebrae, including the top 24 that are articulating (separate and movable), as well as the five fused vertebrae at the end of the spine (composing the sacrum), and the four fused vertebrae that form the tailbone.
The 24 articulating vertebrae in the neck, middle back, and lower back are separated by soft intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers. Each vertebra is responsible for protecting the portion of the spinal cord that it surrounds. The vertebrae are also connected by a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and joints that allow the back and neck to support the body and move in a variety of ways.
Conditions
A number of spinal conditions can occur if a vertebra is damaged due to traumatic injury or if it has begun to deteriorate because of the natural aging process. Among the most common spinal conditions affecting the vertebrae are:
- Arthritis of the spine – Arthritis of the spine occurs when the facet joints of a vertebra lose their cartilage coating and become inflamed. The facet joints serve to connect the vertebrae top-and-bottom, and allow the spine to move freely.
- Bone spurs – Also called osteophytes, bone spurs are enlargements of the natural bone structure. The human body typically creates bone spurs to provide added stability when a ligament or tendon fails to provide proper support. Bone spurs also may form in cases of spinal arthritis when cartilage wears away, leaving exposed bone to rub against bone. A bone spur can occur on any bone in the body, including on the vertebrae.
- Spondylolisthesis – This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one that is positioned beneath it. Spondylolisthesis typically occurs in the lower back and is often the result of an athletic injury.
Treatments
Most of the conditions that affect the vertebrae can be treated through conservative means, such as pain medication and physical therapy. Those who find little relief from the non-invasive treatments prescribed by their doctor may want to consider the endoscopic procedures performed at Laser Spine Institute. Contact us to learn about our safe and effective procedures and how they can be used to treat spinal conditions that can affect a vertebra, disc, or ligament in the neck or back.
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What is Laser Spine Surgery? Can Laser Spine Institute Help You?
You can get these answers by attending a free educational seminar.
