Spinal disorders can cause a range of symptoms and/or findings on a physical exam. A patient's signs and symptoms depend on the type of disorder, its severity, and its location within the spine. Symptoms may include:
- Sharp and/or dull pain of short- or long-term duration
- Activity-related neck or back pain
- Pain radiating into the arms and/or legs
- Limited motion and poor posture
- Pain during standing or walking
- Abnormal sensations of the arms and/or legs, such as tingling or burning
- Sensory loss or numbness in the arms and/or legs
- Weakness in arms and/or legs
- Unsteadiness, with poor balance
- Lost hand dexterity or difficulty with fine-motor tasks, such as handwriting, buttoning shirts, etc.
- Loss of bladder or bowel function
- Impaired sexual function
People who experience any of these symptoms should seek a healthcare professional to determine their cause and discuss treatment options.
Diagnosis
Spinal disorders may be diagnosed using a number of non-invasive techniques, including:
- An interview with the patient to understand the history of the condition
- Physical and neurological examinations
- Imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging
For more complex conditions, advanced diagnostic tools can be used, including:
- Electrophysiological studies, such as electromyography, to determine how well the nerves function
- Nuclear bone scans to diagnose spinal compression fractures
- Myelography, which uses a dye injected into the spinal canal to better define on imaging studies the channel through which nerves pass through the spine
- CT discography to help pinpoint the site of low back pain