Spine Pain Symptoms
Spine conditions can affect the neck, upper back, lower back, nerves, and surrounding muscles and soft tissues. Because the spine supports movement, posture, and protection of the spinal cord, even mild symptoms can begin to interfere with daily life.
Common spine symptoms include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Mid-back or low back pain
- Pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, hips, buttocks, or legs
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the upper or lower extremities
- Muscle spasms
- Limited motion or stiffness
- Pain with standing, walking, bending, lifting, or twisting
- Changes in balance or coordination
- Difficulty with posture or spinal alignment
If your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or beginning to affect your quality of life, it may be time to see a spine specialist.
Spine Anatomy
The spine, also called the backbone, plays a vital role in stability, movement, and protection of the spinal cord. It is made up of vertebrae, with cushioning discs between them that help absorb shock and allow flexibility. Together, these structures form the spinal column from the base of the skull to the pelvis.
Because the spine has several important functions, it is divided into three main regions: the cervical spine in the neck, the thoracic spine in the mid-back, and the lumbar spine in the lower back. Each region supports the body in a different way and can be affected by different types of conditions and symptoms.
Regions of the Spine
Cervical Spine Anatomy
The cervical spine is the uppermost portion of the spine and forms the neck. It includes seven vertebrae, labeled C1 through C7, that support the head, allow for a wide range of motion, and protect the upper part of the spinal cord.
Thoracic Spine Anatomy
The thoracic spine is the middle portion of the spine and extends from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage. It is made up of 12 vertebrae, labeled T1 through T12, and provides stability, supports upright posture, and helps protect the organs within the chest.
Lumbar Spine Anatomy
The lumbar spine is the lower portion of the spine, commonly referred to as the lower back. It consists of five vertebrae, labeled L1 through L5, and supports much of the body’s weight while allowing for movement and flexibility.
Common Spine Conditions That Cause Spine, Back and Neck Pain
Our spine program is led by experienced neurosurgeons who specialize in evaluating and treating conditions affecting the spine, spinal nerves, and spinal cord. These spinal conditions range from common degenerative problems to more complex deformities and tumors.
Degenerative Spine Disease
Degenerative spine disease refers to age-related changes in the discs, joints, vertebrae, and surrounding tissues. These changes can lead to pain, stiffness, inflammation, arthritis, and loss of normal spinal function.
Disc Herniation
A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, creating a bulge that may compress nearby nerves. This can cause neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that develop in or around the spinal cord or spinal column. They may be benign or malignant and can affect spinal stability, nerve function, and pain levels.
Spinal Deformities
Spinal deformities occur when the spine develops abnormal curvature or alignment. These conditions may affect posture, balance, breathing, comfort, and overall mobility.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that may appear as a “C” or “S” shape. It can affect the mid-back or lower back and may occur in children, adolescents, or adults.
How We Diagnose Spine Conditions
A precise diagnosis is the first step toward building the right treatment plan. Your spine evaluation may include:
- Review of symptoms and medical history
- Physical examination of the neck, back, posture, and spinal alignment
- Strength, flexibility, sensation, and reflex testing
- Evaluation of nerve involvement and range of motion
- X-rays to assess spinal structure and alignment
- MRI or advanced imaging to evaluate discs, nerves, tumors, and soft tissue structures
We explain your diagnosis clearly and help you understand the full range of treatment options available.
Nonsurgical Spine Treatment Options
Many spine conditions improve with conservative treatment. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your care plan may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Targeted strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Fluoroscopically-guided spinal injections
- Posture and ergonomic recommendations
- Pain management strategies
Whenever possible, we begin with effective nonsurgical care to relieve pain and restore function.
Minimally Invasive and Advanced Spine Procedures at JYI
If conservative treatments are not enough, our spine surgeons offer advanced spine procedures to address persistent pain, nerve compression, spinal instability, deformity, and tumors.
Fluoroscopically-Guided Spinal Injections
Fluoroscopically-guided spinal injections are a nonsurgical treatment option used to relieve pain caused by inflammation or nerve compression.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Minimally invasive spinal surgery uses specialized instruments and advanced imaging to perform procedures through smaller incisions, helping reduce disruption to surrounding tissues.
Spine Deformity Surgery
Spine deformity surgery may be recommended when abnormal spinal curvature or alignment is causing pain, fatigue, breathing issues, or reduced function.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or pinched nerves caused by spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or other degenerative conditions.
Spine Tumor Surgery
Spine tumor surgery may be necessary when a tumor is affecting spinal stability, causing nerve compression, or leading to pain and neurologic symptoms.
When to See a Spine Specialist
It may be time to schedule an evaluation if spine symptoms are not improving, are becoming more frequent, or are starting to affect your daily routine. While some neck and back pain improves with rest and activity modification, persistent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.
You should see a spine specialist if you:
- Have pain that lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back
- Do not improve with rest, home care, or over-the-counter medication
- Have pain that interferes with sleep, work, exercise, or daily activities
- Notice pain that is getting worse instead of better
- Develop numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg
- Have trouble walking comfortably or feel less steady on your feet
- Notice a change in posture, spinal alignment, or overall function
- Have a known spine condition, such as scoliosis or deformity, that seems to be worsening
Schedule your spine evaluation at Jordan-Young Institute today. Call or request an appointment online.
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Why Patients Choose Jordan-Young Institute for Spine Care
Patients across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads trust Jordan-Young Institute for expert spine care because our team combines advanced neurosurgical training, patient-focused treatment, and a full range of nonsurgical and surgical options. Our spine specialists provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for conditions affecting the neck, back, spinal nerves, and spinal cord, with treatment plans tailored to each patient’s symptoms, condition, and goals.
What sets our spine care apart:
- Experienced spine specialists and neurosurgeons
- Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
- Advanced nonsurgical treatment options
- Minimally invasive spine surgery when appropriate
- Personalized care plans based on your condition and goals
- Trusted spine care in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads
If neck or back pain is affecting your quality of life, our team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spine Care
What causes back and neck pain?
Back and neck pain can be caused by degenerative spine disease, herniated discs, arthritis, nerve compression, muscle strain, spinal deformity, or tumors.
When should I see a spine specialist?
You should schedule an evaluation if pain lasts more than a few days, worsens over time, radiates into the arms or legs, or interferes with movement, sleep, or daily activities.
What is the difference between a spine specialist and a neurosurgeon?
A spine specialist is a general term for a doctor who focuses on conditions affecting the spine. A neurosurgeon is a physician with specialized training in treating disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, and nerves. At Jordan-Young Institute, our spine care team includes neurosurgeons with expertise in both nonsurgical and surgical treatment of spine conditions.
Can spine conditions be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many spine conditions improve with physical therapy, medication, spinal injections, activity modification, and other nonsurgical treatments.
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer and may press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression is a treatment used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or pinched nerves caused by conditions such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis.
Do you treat scoliosis and spinal deformities?
Yes. Jordan-Young Institute evaluates and treats scoliosis and other spinal deformities in patients whose posture, alignment, or symptoms are affecting comfort and function.