Slipped Discs
A disc is a cartilaginous joint between two vertebrae. The outer part consists of a circular layer of connective tissue fibers that surround the inner soft cartilage core. By means of a cartilage layer, the intervertebral disc is firmly connected with the adjacent vertebrae thus forming an intervertebral disc system as a functional unit.

When a slipped disc occurs, the gelatinous cartilage core which acts as a shock absorber between the vertebrae is partly or entirely forced into the spinal canal. In many cases, the disc tissue presses on the nerves located near the disc, which may be painful. A bulging disc is something different: Here the disc tissue begins to extrude without tearing the circular layer of connective tissue fibers.

The consequences are different. Some slipped discs remain completely unnoticed as they do not cause pain. Others may cause significant pain or even paralyses.

Spinal Stenosis
The marked process of spinal degeneration also affecting several spinal motion segments may result in an exuberant bone formation on vertebrae and facet joints,caused by the need for additional support. This may cause the spinal canal to narrow, and is known as spinal stenosis. The consequences are reduced mobility and pain, which may spread or even lead to paralysis.

Decompression (Relief of the Spinal Canal)
In the case of neurological deficits, such as paralysis, pain or disfunctioning sensations (tingling), the spinal canal must be relieved immediately.

Spondylolisthesis (Vertebral BodySlipping)
When two spinal vertebrae move against each other, this is known as spondylolisthesis. Most often the upper (headwards) of the two vertebrae moves forwards  towards the abdominal cavity, while the lower of the two vertebrae remains in place. This medical condition is often foundin competitive athletes of certain disciplines, but may also be hereditaryor acquired over time.

Spinal vertebrae slip, they change their position in relationship to each other. This excessive movement may cause considerable pain. On the one hand, bones may degenerate through strong frictionon the other hand, nerve tissue in thespinal canal is exposed to pressure and tension; this can damage the spinal cord as well as the spinal cordnerves, and may cause not only pain but can also weaken the muscle.

Fractures (Vertebral Fractures)
Vertebral fractures may occur as are sult of violence, but may also be caused by a porous bone structure (osteoporosis) or rheumatic diseases. They most commonly occur in the thoracic or lumbar spine; here, fractures of the vertebral cover or base plates, crush fractures or avulsion fractures of edges and processes must be differentiated.

Vertebral fractures, where the spinal cord is injured, lead to a disfunction of the senses, paralyses as well as vesicorectal disorders and have to be operated as soon as possible.

Fractures (Vertebral Fractures) caused by Tumours and Metastatic Growth

Pathologically fractured vertebrae caused by spinal diseases, in particular by metastases which form at the spine in the case of certain primary tumours, occupy a special position.

 
The spine may equally be infected by tumours, where by primary tumours at the spine are very rare, however. More often a metastasis (dissemination) of another tumour is found at the spine.

Spondylodiscitis (Inflammatory Spinal Disease)

An inflammation near the spine is known as spondylolysis or spondylodiscitis. In many cases it can be healed without undergoing surgery,simply by administering antibiotics or by immobilization. If this does not help, surgery becomes necessary to prevent the infection from spreading. In order to reach the focus of inflammation, a small titanium basket filled with antibiotic-soaked cement will be applied near the focus of inflammation, where the antibiotics can work and the inflammation be remedied.

Cervical Spine Diseases

Most diseases of the cervical spine are caused by accidents, in particular automobile accidents, e.g. whiplash injuries and vertebral fractures. However, changes affecting the spine can also be hereditary or acquired, e.g. Scheuermann’s Disease (flat or round back) or skoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine). Chronic diseases as well as slipped discs are, however, fairly rare.

On each side of the spinal cord in the cervical portion of the spine, eight nerve cords rise. These are the spinal nerves. The upper four form the cervical plexus, innervating neck and neck muscles as well as the diaphragm. In conjunction with the nerves of the first vertebra, the lower four form the brachial plexus and dorsal as well as the brachial muscles including skin. It thus becomes clear that injuries to the cervical spine can lead to considerable pain, which may spread to arms, legs and thoracic spine.