Spinal Disorders Services at UPMC in Central Pa.

The neurosurgeons at UPMC Neurosurgery in Central Pa. perform advanced procedures to treat spinal disorders.

Why choose UPMC Neurosurgery in Central Pa.for treatment of spinal disorders?

Our experts use leading-edge technology and techniques to treat spinal disorders, including:

• State-of-the-art navigation system and microscope. Using an advanced navigation system and microscope, our surgeons can perform spinal surgery with pinpoint accuracy. These tools provide a detailed, real-time view of the surgical area and help our surgeons identify specific parts of the spine during surgery.
• Three-dimensional (3D) C-arm for intraoperative imaging. A 3D C-arm is a medical imaging device that uses x-ray technology to provide your surgeon with 3D images during surgery. This advanced imaging system helps to increase surgical precision, safety, and accuracy.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery. which is a noninvasive procedure that delivers precise doses of radiation directly to the spine without damaging the surrounding, healthy tissue.

What are spinal disorders?

Spinal disorders cause pain and other problems in your spine. In some cases, spinal disorders also affect your spinal nerves or your spinal cord and can cause problems in other parts of your body. Our specialists diagnose and treat all types of spinal disorders, including:

• Compression fractures. A compression fracture is another name for a broken bone (vertebra) in your spine. Compression fractures are sometimes caused by osteoporosis, which makes your bones weak and brittle.
• Degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease results in pain that is caused by wear-and-tear on your spinal discs, which act as shock absorbers between the bones in your spine.
• Herniated disc. Your spinal discs contain a gel-like substance inside a tough outer ring. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like substance leaks out through a tear in the outer ring of the disc.
• Radiculopathy/myelopathy. Radiculopathy occurs when your nerve roots become pinched when they exit your spinal cord. Myelopathy occurs when your spinal cord is severely compressed.
• Spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces in your spine become narrow, which can put pressure on your spinal cord or nerves and cause pain, tingling, muscle weakness, and numbness.
• Spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis occurs when a bone in your spine becomes unstable and slips out of place. Spondylolisthesis can sometimes occur as a result of a defect or stress fracture in your spine, called spondylolysis.

What are the symptoms of spinal disorders?

Symptoms of spinal disorders vary depending on your specific condition and the location of the problem. The most common symptom of a spinal disorders is usually back pain that doesn’t go away after a few days. Other symptoms may include:

• Muscle tightness and stiffness
• Pain radiating down your legs or arms
• Pain that gets worse with movement or certain body positions
• Numbness or tingling in your hand, arm, foot, or leg
• Weakness in your hand, arm, foot, or leg
• Neck pain
• Bowel or bladder problems

Who is at risk for spinal disorders?

Some spinal disorders are present at birth or caused by wear-and-tear on the spine that is related to aging. Other spinal disorders are caused by degenerative conditions that get worse over time.

If you have osteoporosis, which causes weakened bones, you may be at an increased risk of developing a compression fracture. A history of spinal injury, as well as performing repetitive motions in a physically demanding job or sport, may put you at increased risk of developing a spinal disorder.

How can I prevent spinal disorders?

You may not be able to prevent some spinal disorders. However, you can take good care of your spine by maintaining proper posture and a healthy weight. Eating a diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D, as well as getting plenty of weight-bearing exercise, may lower your risk of developing osteoporosis. You should also use proper body mechanics when lifting or moving heavy objects and do regular exercises to keep your abdominal and lower back muscles strong.

Take the Next Step

Schedule an Appointment (Physician Referral Required)
Phone: 717-988-9370
Request Information

Providers

• Chikezie Ikechukwu Eseonu, MD
• Michelle Ann Pomidor, CRNP

Locations

UPMC Neurological Institute
11 Sprint Drive, Suite B
Carlisle, PA 17015
Phone: 717-988-9370
Fax: 717-703-0154