Symptoms & Conditions
Neck pain, shoulder pain, hand numbness, back pain, buttock pain, sciatica and leg weakness can be linked to problems affecting the spine, nerves or spinal cord. This section helps you understand common symptoms, possible causes and when it may be helpful to see a spine specialist for further assessment.
Neck, Shoulder, Arms & Hands
Cervical nerve compression may cause neck pain, shoulder pain, pain travelling down the arm, tingling, numbness or weakness in the hand. Cervical spinal cord compression can also cause hand clumsiness, loss of fine motor control, poor balance or difficulty walking.
These symptom patterns help guide the examination and determine whether the problem is more likely to involve a nerve root, the spinal cord, the shoulder, a peripheral nerve or another condition.
Lower Back, Buttocks, Legs & Feet
Lumbar spine problems may cause lower back pain, buttock pain or pain that travels into the leg. Sciatica may be accompanied by tingling, numbness, weakness or foot drop when a lumbar nerve is compressed.
Lumbar spinal stenosis may present differently, with leg heaviness, pain or numbness after standing or walking and relief after sitting or bending forward.
From Symptoms to Treatment
Assessment combines the symptom history, neurological examination and relevant imaging. Once the likely diagnosis is identified, treatment may include observation, medication, rehabilitation, spinal injections, selected minimally invasive procedures such as RFA or PLDD, or surgery when clinically indicated.
The purpose of the symptom pages is to help patients understand the pathway from what they feel to what may be causing it, and then to the treatment options that may be appropriate.
When Symptoms Need Faster Assessment
Progressive weakness, foot drop, worsening hand function, repeated falls or rapidly worsening balance should be assessed promptly.
New bladder or bowel dysfunction, saddle numbness or sudden major neurological changes require urgent medical attention.