Orthopaedics
Spine Conditions and Disorders
At one of the nation’s top orthopaedic hospitals, pain specialists and rehabilitation therapists at the UC Davis Spine Center work together to provide the most comprehensive care.
Medically reviewed by Safdar Khan, M.D. on May 20, 2025.
Specialists Ready to Treat Your Spine Condition
UC Davis Spine Center specialists stay active in research and clinical trials so we can bring the latest medical advances to your care. We work with the only level 1 trauma center in inland Northern California, which allows us to handle complex spine injuries and conditions.
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Types of Spine Conditions
There are many different types of disorders and diseases that can affect your spine, such as:
- Compression conditions, where problems in your spine lead to pinched nerves and other health conditions
- Congenital (inherited) conditions, such as spina bifida
- Degenerative conditions, such as herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis
- Infections, which may affect your vertebrae (bones in your spine) and spinal fluid
- Malformations, such as kyphosis and scoliosis
- Tumors, including cancerous and noncancerous growths that form in your spine
Spine Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of spinal condition or disorder you have. Your symptoms may be mild or severe. Some people have no symptoms at all.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- Bladder and bowel control problems
- Fever
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain
- Visible problems with your spine
- Weakness or problems moving
Emergency Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms suddenly, call 911 or get medical attention right away:
- Numbness or weakness
- Paralysis
- Problems walking or unusual clumsiness
Causes and Risk Factors of Spine Conditions
Different spine conditions have different causes. Some are present before birth, and others develop later in life. As you get older, your risk of degenerative spine problems increases.
Aging
The process of aging can cause degenerative spine conditions, such as kyphosis, osteoarthritis, and some types of spinal stenosis.
Infections
An infection that starts elsewhere in your body can spread to your spine.
Inherited Conditions
Some spine problems are present at birth. Examples include scoliosis, spina bifida, and some types of spinal stenosis.
Trauma and Injuries
Accidents, overuse and injuries can cause spine conditions, such as herniated discs and pinched nerves.
Unsuccessful Surgery
Problems resulting from previous surgeries can cause or worsen spine conditions.
Diagnosing Spine Conditions
We use the most advanced equipment and methods to diagnose spine conditions. You may need one or more tests, such as:
- Bone density tests to check for osteoporosis and other bone problems in your spine.
- Exams to assess how you move and check for malformations, pain, sensitivity, weakness and other noticeable symptoms.
- Imaging tests to look at your spine and nearby nerves. These tests can include CT, MRI, ultrasound and X-ray.
- Lab tests to look for signs of infection or cancer.
- Nerve studies to help your provider understand how well signals move along your nerves.
Treatments for Spine Conditions at UC Davis Health
At the UC Davis Spine Center, we treat even the most complex spinal conditions with leading-edge therapies. Different spinal conditions require different treatments, and some require more than one type of treatment.
Antibiotics
If you have a bacterial infection in your spine, oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics can destroy the bacteria.
Braces
These devices help with posture and alignment of your spine. They also support your spine and surrounding muscles.
Pain Therapy
Medications and injections can relieve pain and inflammation. We offer the most advanced pain treatments.
Physical Therapy
Targeted exercises help improve flexibility, movement, pain, posture and strength.
Surgery
Our neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons perform the latest minimally invasive procedures for all types of spinal conditions.
Preventing Spine Conditions and Disorders
There is no clear way to prevent many spine conditions. But getting proper treatment for infections and back injuries may help prevent some complications that can lead to spinal disorders.
How many people have spinal stenosis?
5 in 1,000Americans over age 50 are likely to develop it.
Source: National Institutes of Health: StatPearls Spinal Stenosis
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Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in aortic valve surgery, back surgery (spinal fusion), COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart failure, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pacemaker implantation, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, cancer, orthopedics, gastroenterology & GI surgery, and urology.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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