Nerve-Related Spine Conditions

Nerve-related spine conditions can significantly affect your quality of life, causing pain, numbness, weakness, or limited mobility. At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, our board-certified spine specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of nerve-related spinal disorders with precision and compassion.

What Are Nerve-Related Spine Conditions?

Nerve-related spine conditions—also called neurological spine disorders—occur when spinal nerves are compressed, irritated, or damaged. This may happen due to disc degeneration, trauma, bone spurs, or spinal misalignment. These conditions can impact both the central nervous system and peripheral nerves that travel into your arms, legs, and other parts of your body.

Common Nerve-Related Spine Conditions

Some of the most frequently diagnosed nerve-related spine conditions include:

• Herniated Disc
  When the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, it can press on spinal nerves, causing localized or radiating pain.

• Spinal Stenosis
  This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves—most common in the lumbar or cervical spine.

• Sciatica
  Sciatica is a symptom of nerve compression in the lower back, resulting in radiating pain down the buttocks, leg, or foot.

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
  As discs age and wear down, nearby nerves may become pinched or inflamed, leading to chronic pain or neurological symptoms.

• Spondylolisthesis
  When one vertebra slips over another, it can irritate or compress nerves exiting the spine.

• Foraminal Stenosis
  Narrowing of the spaces where nerves exit the spine, which can cause arm or leg pain depending on the location.

• Cauda Equina Syndrome
  A rare but urgent condition involving compression of the nerve roots at the base of the spine—requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Nerve-Related Spine Issues

Nerve compression or irritation can result in a variety of symptoms depending on the affected area. These may include:

• Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

• Muscle weakness or coordination problems

• Radiating pain (e.g., sciatica)

• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)

Diagnosis and Imaging

Our spine specialists use advanced imaging techniques—including MRI, CT scans, and EMG nerve studies—to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the problem. A thorough physical exam and medical history help tailor treatment to your specific condition.

Treatment Options

We offer a wide spectrum of treatments for nerve-related spine conditions, from conservative therapies to minimally invasive and surgical interventions:

• Physical Therapy
  Strengthening and stretching exercises to reduce pressure on spinal nerves.

• Pain Management
  Includes anti-inflammatory medications, epidural steroid injections, and nerve blocks.

• Orthotic Bracing
  Useful for mild cases to realign the spine and reduce nerve tension.

• Surgical Treatment
  For more severe cases, procedures such as laminectomy, discectomy, or spinal fusion may be necessary to relieve nerve pressure.

Why Choose OAW for Nerve-Related Spine Conditions?

Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin offers:

• Fellowship-trained spine surgeons and neurology experts

• On-site MRI, Physical Therapy, and Pain Clinic

• Collaborative care in a streamlined, patient-centered setting

• Proven outcomes and a commitment to helping you move without limits