Common Back and Spine Problems You Should Know About

Can you sit upright without thinking about it? Your spine makes that possible. It supports the weight of your upper body, keeps you balanced as you move, and protects the nerves that carry signals throughout the body. Most of its work happens quietly in the background, which is why even small changes in comfort or movement can feel noticeable when something is not quite right.

Back and spine problems often develop gradually, shaped by posture, daily habits, and the way the body adapts to strain over time. A tight spot that lingers, a movement that feels restricted, or a discomfort that repeats can all be early signs that the spine is working harder than usual. Paying attention to these shifts can help you understand what your body is trying to tell you and guide you toward the support it may need.

A Closer Look at Back & Spine Conditions

Many spine problems share similar symptoms, but they tend to arise from a few distinct patterns in how the spine changes or becomes stressed. Understanding these patterns can make it easier to recognise what might be happening in your own body.

1. Age-Related Narrowing & Joint Changes

As the spine ages, natural structural changes can affect how much space the nerves have and how smoothly the joints move. In lumbar spinal stenosis, the canal that houses the nerves gradually becomes narrower, often due to thickened ligaments or bony overgrowth. This can lead to heaviness, weakness or discomfort that appears during walking and settles when you rest. Spinal osteoarthritis affects the small facet joints that guide movement in the spine; when the cartilage in these joints wears down, everyday motions may feel stiff, achy or less fluid than before. These changes tend to develop slowly and can subtly influence how comfortable it feels to stand, walk or move throughout the day.

2. Disc Problems

Disc problems occur when the soft, cushioning discs between the vertebrae weaken, bulge or tear. In a herniated or slipped disc, the inner material pushes through the tougher outer layer, sometimes pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause localised back pain or symptoms that radiate into the arms or legs, such as tingling, numbness or sharp, shooting discomfort. The pattern of symptoms depends on where the affected disc is located and how much pressure it places on the nerve. While some disc issues create sudden, intense sensations, others develop gradually and produce milder but persistent irritation.

3. Nerve-Related Problems

When a spinal nerve becomes compressed or inflamed, the symptoms often follow a distinct pathway because each nerve supplies specific areas of the body. Sciatica is one familiar example, beginning in the lower back and extending through the buttocks and down the leg. The discomfort may feel sharp, electric, warm or radiating, depending on how the nerve is affected. Other forms of nerve involvement can lead to weakness, altered sensation or difficulty with certain movements. Even small differences in where the nerve is irritated can create very different experiences, which is why nerve-related symptoms vary so widely from person to person.

4. Other Spine Conditions

Some spine conditions require prompt medical attention because they can affect nerve function, mobility or overall health. Spinal infections may cause severe back pain, fever or neurological symptoms that worsen quickly. Spinal tumours, whether benign or malignant, can produce steady or escalating pain, sometimes combined with weakness, numbness or other changes in function. Spinal cord injuries, often linked to trauma or significant compression, can lead to sudden loss of movement or sensation below the affected area. Although these conditions are far less common than age-related or disc-related issues, early diagnosis is important because timely treatment can protect long-term mobility and nerve health.

Signs Your Back and Spine Problems Require Medical Attention

While some back and spine symptoms settle with rest, others benefit from timely assessment. You should seek medical attention if back or spine symptoms stop improving or begin to limit daily comfort.

A review is especially important when you notice:

• Pain that lasts several weeks or keeps returning
• Pain that spreads into the arms or legs
• Symptoms that steadily worsen or interfere with walking, standing or working
• Sudden weakness or numbness, especially if it affects movement
• Changes in bladder or bowel control
• Pain with fever or unexplained weight loss

These signs can indicate nerve involvement or other underlying issues, and early evaluation can help determine the most appropriate next steps.

Treatment Options for Back and Spine Conditions

Treatment for back and spine problems is rarely one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on what is causing the symptoms and how much they affect daily life. Many people improve with non-surgical care that focuses on easing pain, restoring movement and reducing strain on the spine. When symptoms persist or nerve compression is more pronounced, surgical options may be considered to create space for the nerves or stabilise the spine. Not every condition requires an operation, but understanding the full range of treatments can help you feel more informed about the steps ahead.

Non-Surgical Approaches

Most people begin with non-surgical treatments, which aim to relieve pain, improve mobility and reduce strain on the spine without an operation. A structured physiotherapy programme is often the foundation, helping to restore flexibility, strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture. Lifestyle adjustments, such as better workplace ergonomics, regular movement breaks and weight management, can reduce unnecessary pressure on the spine throughout the day. Medications like analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help control pain and inflammation. For more persistent symptoms, image-guided injections can target inflammation around irritated nerve roots, offering relief that supports continued rehabilitation.

Surgical Options

Spine surgery may be considered when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief or when significant nerve compression, spinal instability or structural changes limit movement and quality of life.

Lumbar Decompression Procedures

Lumbar decompression refers to procedures that relieve pressure on spinal nerves by creating more space within the spinal canal or around individual nerve roots. This may involve removing the portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve, known as a microdiscectomy, or removing part of the vertebral bone, called a laminectomy, to widen the canal and reduce nerve crowding. The goal across all approaches is to ease nerve irritation, improve mobility and reduce symptoms such as leg pain, heaviness or tingling.

Disc Replacement Surgery

Disc replacement surgery removes a damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial implant designed to preserve motion at that segment. It is typically considered for individuals with disc-related pain that has not improved with conservative care and whose imaging findings match their symptoms. By maintaining movement at the affected level, disc replacement may reduce pain while avoiding the stiffness that can occur with fusion.

Stabilisation Procedures

Stabilisation procedures are recommended when the spine is unstable, significantly misaligned or affected across multiple levels. These surgeries often involve spinal fusion or instrumentation to provide support, reduce painful movement and restore proper alignment. Because instability varies widely from person to person, stabilisation techniques are tailored to the individual’s anatomy and the specific structural problem, with the aim of improving long-term comfort and function.

Get Expert Care for Spine Health at Atlas Orthopaedic Group

Back and spine issues can arise from age-related changes, disc problems, nerve irritation or less common structural conditions. Recognising these patterns and knowing when symptoms deserve medical attention can make it easier to understand what your body is signalling. While many people improve with non-surgical care, others benefit from decompression, disc replacement or stabilisation procedures when symptoms persist. The right approach depends on your diagnosis and how the condition affects your daily life.

At Atlas Orthopaedic Group, assessments are tailored to each individual’s situation. Our spine specialist, Dr Chua Soo Yong, takes the time to explain the findings, outline treatment options and guide you through each step of your care. If you’re uncertain about the nature of your spine problems and the treatment options available, book a consultation with us to explore the best path forward.