Spinal Instability

Causes / Diagnosis / Symptoms / Treatment

What is Spinal Instability?

Typically range-of-motion is a good thing, but that’s not always the case with the spine. Spinal instability, also known as lumbar instability, occurs when two vertebrae move more than normal. The two vertebrae involved are in the latter segment of the spine, called the lumbar spine (or low back). These types of movements lead the intervertebral disc (gelatinous nerve tissue found in between each bone in the spinal column) to deteriorate and weaken significantly.

When this damage becomes severe, that part of the spine will be unable to support a person’s weight. Spinal or Lumbar instability is not only harmful on its own, but it also increases someone’s risk of experiencing other issues like spinal arthritis and disc disease.

The bones in the spine are intended to protect important nerves and connections that lie underneath, which make up the spinal cord. Any issues with the outer structures surrounding the spinal cord can lead to severe pain as well as nerve problems that have their own set of complications. As a result, there are many cases when spinal instability causes misalignment in other parts of the spine.

Causes Of Lumbar Instability

Spinal instability can be brought on by a range of issues. Some of these causes of lumber instability are preventable, while others are more difficult to remediate:

- - Spinal fracture(s) or spine surgery
  - Injury involving the spine, particularly those that damage the joints between two spinal vertebrae, called facet joints
  - Birth defects (also known as congenital defects) related to the spinal cord
  - Conditions that cause one spinal vertebrae to slip onto the bone below it
  - Unsafe body mechanics, including poor bending or lifting techniques and bad working position
  - Weak abdominal or back muscles that struggle to properly support the spine
  - Scoliosis, a condition that causes poor alignment of the spinal column
  - Cancerous tumors in the spine or in surrounding areas
  - Spinal arthritis and degenerative disc disease

Diagnosis Of Spinal Instability

The first step to getting diagnosed with spinal instability is getting evaluated by a doctor who will do some basic tests and then review your medical history. Doctors will also complete an imaging test such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans to view any changes or abnormalities of internal structures such as bone or tissue in the spine. Your doctor may do two separate sets of these imaging procedures: one where your back is bent and one where it is straight. This will allow them to see how your spine responds to certain types of movements.

An additional test that may be uncomfortable but can provide valuable diagnostic information is a spinal probe. This involves recreating environmental conditions that cause pain so they can be assessed by your doctor. Each test helps your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms of spinal instability so they can inform you of the best treatment options.

Symptoms Of Lumbar Instability

Each person will demonstrate slightly different symptoms based on the severity of their condition. However, most people will experience most of the following issues as a result of spinal instability:

- - Severe low back pain when they bend or straighten the spine and lift heavy items
  - Pain that shoots down the legs and into the buttocks
  - Muscle spasms, specifically in the muscles of the low back but they can occur elsewhere in the spine
  - Stiffness in the back muscles
  - Pain worsens with activity and gets better or goes away entirely when you rest or sit down
  - Numbness, or lack of feeling, in the arms and/or legs
  - Tingling, or a feeling of pins and needles, in the arms and/or legs
  - A feeling of your back giving out, especially when you are walking or moving

Surgical Treatments For Spinal Instability

Thankfully, spinal instability condition responds very well to treatment and there are several treatment options that can help remedy symptoms. Depending on how severe and complex your spinal instability is, your doctor may recommend prescriptions that reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Another potential option is a surgical treatment called a microdiscectomy that removes the protruding disc or discs to relieve the pain you are experiencing. Some doctors also encourage individuals with severe spinal instability to get a spinal fusion, another surgery that fuses two vertebrae together to prevent excessive movement and, therefore, relieve pain.

While there is evidence behind surgery, they are often costly and invasive, so they come with their fair share of risks and potential complications.

Minimally Invasive Treatments For Spinal Instability

While these are good options for some people, conservative options (those that are minimally invasive) are usually considered the first line of treatment for spinal instability.

One such option is chiropractic or physical therapy care that focuses on strengthening the muscles of the spine (and abdomen) to provide increased stability to the entire spinal column.

Additionally, your chiropractor can advise you on modifying certain activities that may cause pain and discomfort. This includes proper bending and lifting techniques, avoiding twisting or any rotational movement, the correction of abnormal posture or body position,

If you want to save yourself the pain and high cost of surgery, it’s wise to consider these minimally invasive options as a way to treat your spinal instability. If you think you may be living with spinal instability, reach out to schedule an appointment with your doctor or chiropractor today.