A rupture in the outer layer of your disc causing pain in the arms and legs. Non-surgical spinal decompression can rehydrate and bring vital nutrients to the disc, helping to heal the tear, restore function, and get rid of your pain.

A calcium deposit in an area of the body that is under abnormal stress. It’s your body’s  attempt to fortify a weakened area. For example, if your intervertebral discs are breaking down, your body will try to stabilize this by adding calcium to the edge of the disc forming a bone spur called a disc osteophyte complex.

A pain that persists more than 3 months is considered chronic, as opposed to acute or subacute. Chronic back and neck pain can extend to other areas of the body, and can have many different causes. At LA Functional Neurology, we utilize the principles of functional rehabilitation and conduct a thorough evaluation resulting in an accurate diagnosis to determine the root cause of your pain.

A condition where your discs are drying out (desiccating) losing their elasticity, strength and flexibility

A breakdown and loss of the integrity of your disc that can produce a pinched nerve, spinal stenosis, and pain

A large type of disc herniation that moves up, down, or to the side of where it protruded

Also known as a herniated disc. It is one of the subtypes of a herniated disc. It is also called a protrusion, or a protruded disc by radiologists and clinicians.

A rare, but severe type of disc herniation in which a fragment of the disc separates from the main part of the disc.

A syndrome of pain generated by the facet joints at the back of your spine

A surgical outcome where your condition was not alleviated or worse, it was aggravated by spinal surgeries such as laminectomies, spinal fusion, or discectomies. Non-surgical options need to be exhausted before going under the knife, as many surgeries fail to eliminate pain caused by disc issues.

A narrowing of the opening where spinal nerves exit leading to pain, tingling and weakness

A condition typically caused by migraines, tension, or cluster, but it can also be a symptom of food sensitivities, allergies, or more seriously an aneurysm or stroke

A specific breakdown in the cushion between your vertebrae - when its gel-like substance has broken through the fibrous tissue designed to contain it. This can lead to a pinched nerve and pain, tingling, and weakness.

The jelly-like material at the center of your disc has just torn through the fibers designed to contain it, and you now have a herniated disc

A very severe condition that if acute likely needs surgical intervention to prevent permanent neurological damage

Neurological issues, like a pinched nerve, neurodegenerative disorders, vascular disorders, autoimmune conditions, and less commonly primary muscle dystrophies, can cause your muscles to be weak.

Also known as peripheral neuropathy. Its causes are myriad.

When a nerve exiting the spine is being squeezed, it can cause shooting or burning pain, numbness, or tingling.

A cause of pain in the buttocks and occasionally sciatica from an imbalance in a muscle called the piriformis. This must be distinguished from a herniated disc for proper treatment.

Another term for a herniated disc. A prolapsed disc can occur in the cervical spine, infrequently in the thoracic spine or most frequently in the lumbar spine.

A pain that is experienced down the course and length of a nerve that is caused by a pinched nerve typically in the spine. Sciatica can be a form of radiculopathy.

A backward slippage of one vertebra over another typically the result of degenerative disc disease. This can lead to back pain, and even pain radiating into your arms or legs.

This is simply a term for pain down the back of your leg. It is a description, not a diagnosis as many people believe it to be.

A narrowing of the spinal canal. While many are diagnosed with this, it is more of a description than a diagnosis. What we need to understand is what is causing the stenosis!

Simply put, a spondylolisthesis, or spondy as it’s called in medical circles, is a forward slippage of one vertebra on another. It’s mostly caused by a genetic defect in the pars (a small bone connecting the front of the spine to the back), and in the elderly degenerative disc disease often allows the vertebrae to slip forward.

A defect in the bone connecting vertebrae. Spondylolysis may be causing you no pain at all, but may instead leave you vulnerable to a spondylolisthesis.

Also called an annular tear, any tear in the disc can lead to pain in the upper back, arms, or legs. Surgery will not help with such an issue, but after a thorough neurological exam, we can determine the cause of the tear and alleviate the pain.