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Spondylolisthesis In this condition, damage to bones or joints causes vertebrae to slip forward and distort the spinal cord. This animation will show two types of spondylolisthesis, degenerative and isthmic.

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Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica) This condition is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the lumbar spine. Because these nerves travel to the hips, buttocks, legs and feet, an injury in the lumbar spine can cause symptoms in these areas. Sciatica may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the lumbar spinal column.

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Myelopathy Myelopathy is spinal cord dysfunction related to abnormal pressure placed on the spinal cord. Unlike conditions that cause pressure on individual nerve roots, this type of damage can result in loss of nerve function anywhere along the spinal cord below the damaged area. The effects of myelopathy can range from mild to severe, and can worsen over time.

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Spinal Stenosis Spinal stenosis results from new bone and soft tissue growth on the vertebrae, which reduces the space in the spinal canal. When the nerve roots are pinched, a painful burning, tingling and/or numbing sensation is felt from the lower back down to the legs and sometimes all the way to the feet.

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Scoliosis About two percent of people are affected by this deformation of the spine, which causes the normally straight spine to curve.

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Metastatic Cancer In most cases, spinal metastatic cancer is caused by cancer transferring to the vertebrae from somewhere else in the body. Over time, the spinal column collapses, causing deformity and constant pain.

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Compression Fractures of the Spine This type of fracture is a collapse of the vertebral bone that can affect one or more vertebra. It can result in a severe deformity of the spinal column. Compression fractures may affect any of the vertebrae, but most commonly occur in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar regions.

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Cervical Radiculopathy This condition is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the cervical spine. Because these nerves travel to the shoulders, arms and hands, an injury in the cervical spine can cause symptoms in these areas. Cervical radiculopathy may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the cervical spinal column.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) This noninvasive medical imaging technique uses a powerful magnetic field to create a detailed three-dimensional view of the inside of the body. The images it produces are similar to those generated by a Computed Tomography CT scan, but MRI images provide a much clearer view of soft tissues. This makes MRI a valuable diagnostic tool for the visualization of cancer, infection, internal bleeding and soft tissue trauma.