The spine is a vital area of our body. It contains various nerves and blood vessels that are vital for life.
Although rarely noticed, the spine plays a vital role in our lives. Poor habits, such as not paying attention to proper posture, can affect and impair its function.
Anatomy
The spine appears very sturdy because it is a vital part needed to support the body. However, on the other hand, the spinal area contains crucial components, such as nerves and large blood vessels.
Spine
The spine, or vertebrae, consists of 33 bones arranged vertically along the back of the body. Each bone is connected by ligaments, providing stability. Between the bones are cushions called intervertebral discs.
spinal cord
Inside the spinal cavity there is a hole where the spinal cord is located, which is the central nervous system connected to the brain.
Blood vessel
In the spinal area, near the nerve area and its branches, there are so many veins and arteries.
Muscles and tendons
In the spinal area there are also many muscles and tendons that help support and assist the movement of the spine.
Spinal disease
The spine is composed of many important components. Therefore, a wide range of conditions can be related to the spine, from simple cases requiring posture correction and physiotherapy to more complex cases requiring surgery. Examples of conditions related to the spine include:
Herniated disc
This condition can cause severe pressure on the nerves, requiring surgery.
Scoliosis
Abnormalities in the shape of the spine are usually caused by poor sitting or standing positions, causing the spine to curve to the side, forming an S shape.
Vertebral fracture
This condition can be caused by many things, but it's often found in cases of trauma or injury to the area. In severe cases, fractures can put pressure on surrounding nerves and blood vessels, leading to paralysis.
Spinal tumor
In cases of small tumors, periodic evaluations may be warranted. However, if the tumor is large enough to cause nerve compression, further intervention, such as surgery, is usually necessary to prevent permanent neurological impairment.
Spinal stenosis
There is narrowing of the spinal canal, which causes pressure on the spinal cord, the nerve center. If the stenosis is severe enough, surgery may be considered.
Specialist doctor who handles
The spine contains various components, including nerves and bones. In cases where the primary cause is a disorder of the bone structure, an orthopedic specialist will handle it. Meanwhile, cases related to the nervous system can be handled by a neurosurgeon.
However, there are some cases that can be handled by both an orthopedic specialist and a neurosurgeon, as both have expertise in these areas. Furthermore, surgery can be performed side by side, with both a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic specialist performing the procedure simultaneously.
Further management is greatly influenced by the patient's condition, the underlying cause, the patient's needs, and various other factors that will be taken into consideration by the surgeon performing the surgery.
Written by Dr. Valda Garcia. Reviewed by Dr. Ernest Eugene
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