The spine experts at the Ayer Neuroscience Institute provide comprehensive care for the full spectrum of conditions and injuries to the spine.
As we age, the spine undergoes changes that can often result in pain in the neck, back and limbs. Whether your condition is chronic or the result of an injury, our experts use the most advanced technology to give you the best possible outcome to resume living your life pain-free. Our collaborative iInstitute approach to care means you’ll have access to experts across the state from diagnosis, to treatment and recovery.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. Symptoms of arthritis may include pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and limitation of movement.
Degenerative disc disease is caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. The condition can cause weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. Degenerative disc disease typically consists of low-level chronic pain with intermittent episodes of more severe pain. Painful disc degeneration is common in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back.
The bones that form the spine in your back are cushioned by round, flat discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. If they become damaged, they may bulge abnormally or break open (rupture), in what is called a herniated or slipped disc.
Although more commonly diagnosed in postmenopausal women, osteoporosis can also affect men. Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and fragility that results in decreased bone strength. This can lead to an increase in bone fractures.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint that can cause pain or stiffness in the lower back, hip or legs.
Sciatica is pain, tingling or numbness produced by an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. Symptoms of sciatica include pain that begins in your back or buttock and moves down your leg and may move into your foot. Weakness, tingling or numbness in the leg may also occur.
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one bone vertebra in the back slides forward over the bone below it, most commonly in the lower spine. In some cases, the condition may cause the spinal cord or nerve roots to be compressed causing back pain and numbness or weakness in one or both legs. In rare cases, it can also lead to losing control over your bladder or bowels.
Spinal Fractures
Fractures caused by osteoporosis can lead to discomfort and unwanted changes in posture.
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the bone channel occupied by the spinal nerves or the spinal cord. Some people are born with the disorder, but most develop spinal stenosis as a degenerative disorder over their lifetime. While some will not feel the effects of the narrowing, most people will eventually experience symptoms as they age which include radiating pain, weakness and/or numbness.
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine has a sideways curve. The curve is usually "S"- or "C"-shaped. In some, the degree of curve is stable, while in others it increases over time. Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, while severe cases can interfere with breathing.
Spondylosis is an age-related change of the bones (vertebrae) and discs of the spine. These changes are often called degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. When this condition is in the neck, it's called cervical spondylosis. These changes don't always cause symptoms, but they are a common cause of spine problems that can range from mild to severe.