Spinal Instability

APEX Spine and Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery & Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery located in Bethlehem, Columbus, and Suwanee, GA.

Spinal instability can affect any part of your spine, leading to pain and loss of mobility that you can’t ignore. Seeking treatment is important, not just to get relief from your pain, but also because early treatment prevents the underlying condition from getting progressively worse. The board-certified team at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery in Alpharetta, Bethlehem, Columbus, and Suwanee, Georgia, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating the many possible causes of spinal instability. To schedule an appointment, call one of the offices, or book an appointment online.

Spinal Instability Q & A

What causes spinal instability?

Your vertebrae and discs work together to protect the spinal nerves, allow movement, and provide structural support and balance. Spinal instability occurs when a problem with these structures interferes with normal spinal functioning.

You may develop spinal instability due to problems such as:

Herniated discs
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal fractures
Compression fractures
Arthritis
Scoliosis
Osteoporosis
Spinal tumors
Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae)

When spinal instability goes untreated, it can get progressively worse.

What are craniocervical and atlantoaxial instability?

The craniocervical junction includes two sets of joints, the atlanto-occipital joint between your skull and the first cervical vertebra and the atlantoaxial joint between your first and second vertebrae.

These joints are different from the other spinal joints because they have highly specialized roles. The atlanto-occipital joint allows your head to move up and down, while the atlantoaxial joint lets your head rotate.

The ligaments supporting these joints are quite strong, but if they become weak or damaged, you develop instability.

You can develop craniocervical instability due to conditions such as:

Type I Chiari malformation
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Tethered cord syndrome
Atlantoaxial instability
Rheumatoid arthritis
Neurofibromatosis
Down syndrome

You may also develop craniocervical instability following a traumatic injury to your neck or head.

What symptoms develop due to spinal instability?

You may experience a range of symptoms that can affect your head, arms, hands, legs, and feet, depending on which part of your spine is unstable.

The symptoms may include:

Neck pain
Neck or back stiffness
Headaches
Dizziness
Poor coordination
Gait problems
Muscle spasms
Balance problems
Pain, tingling, and numbness in your arms
Weak muscles in your arms or legs
Poor hand movement and strength

Craniocervical instability may give you the sensation that your head is bobbing or moving uncontrollably.

How is spinal instability treated?

The team at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery may recommend one of many possible treatments based on the underlying cause of your spinal instability and the severity of your symptoms.

The first line of treatment typically includes conservative therapies, such as rest, activity modification, bracing to support your spine, and physical therapy or exercises to improve spinal strength.

Severe spinal instability, however, may require a minimally invasive procedure or surgery to repair the underlying problem and restore stability.

For example, treatments to repair the underlying problems include a discectomy or microdiscectomy to repair a damaged disc, or a spinal decompression procedure to treat pinched nerves. To stabilize your spine, you may need a spinal fusion or an artificial disc replacement.

If you develop ongoing or worsening neck or back pain, or suddenly find that your movement is limited, call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery, or book an appointment online.

What we offer