Spine injuries

Explore common health problems that can cause a painful, stiff neck or back and learn how Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine urgent care in Monterey can help.

Bone spurs

A bone spur is a smooth growth that can form along the ends of bones in your spine. It may develop due to joint damage, arthritis, or an injury.

If you have bone spurs, you may feel pain or stiffness when they press against nerves. Other symptoms include muscle spasms and bumps under the skin.

Diagnosis and treatment

Your provider can diagnose bone spurs through a physical exam and imaging test.

To treat bone spurs, your provider may recommend:

• Rest
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Physical therapy
• Steroid shots

For severe bone spurs, you may need surgery.

Disc problems

Discs are sponge-like cushions that separate spine bones. An injury or the natural aging process can lead to:

• Bulging, herniated, or slipped disc
• Degenerative disc disease (wear and tear)

Your back or neck may hurt if you sit in one position for a long time or bend repeatedly. Other common symptoms are muscle weakness or spasms and difficulty moving. If a slipped disc presses on nearby nerves, you might experience numbness or tingling in your arms or legs.

Diagnosis and treatment

Your provider can diagnose bone spurs using a physical exam and imaging tests.

Treatments for disc problems include:

• Physical therapy
• Activity changes
• Heat therapy or cold packs
• Pain medications

Spinal stenosis

If your spinal canal narrows, you have spinal stenosis. This happens most often in people over 50, and it mainly affects the neck and lower back. The narrowing may put painful pressure on nerves, causing:

• Weakness in your hands, arms, feet, or legs
• Trouble walking and keeping your balance
• Leg pain or cramping after you sit or stand for a while

Diagnosis and treatment

Your provider can diagnose spinal stenosis through a physical exam and imaging tests.

To help you feel better, your provider may suggest:

• Anti-seizure drugs that help with nerve pain
• Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and posture
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation

You might also benefit from acupuncture, massage therapy, or chiropractic care. If your spinal stenosis is severe, you may need surgery.

Spondylosis

Your spine discs and joints wear out as you age, leading to spondylosis. Usually, it’s not very serious. But you may feel pain and stiffness, especially after doing certain movements or sitting for a long time.

Other symptoms include:

• Grinding sensation in the spine
• Muscle spasms
• Trouble walking and keeping your balance
• Weak hands or legs

Diagnosis and treatment

Your provider can make a diagnosis with a physical exam and imaging tests, which show changes in your spine.

Common treatments for mild spondylosis are:

• Low-impact activities like swimming or walking
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections if other approaches don’t help

Some people find pain relief with acupuncture, massage therapy, ultrasound, or chiropractic treatments. If your condition is more serious, you may need surgery.