Spinal Instability: Treatments and Preventions
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What is Spinal Instability?
A healthy spine provides structural protection and support for our body’s internal organs. Spinal instability can occur at any region of the spine. When it occurs in the lumbar region then it is known as lumbar instability. It is an example of an unhealthy spine. This leads to abnormal movement between two or more vertebrae in the spine.
Spinal instability can be categorised as either micro-instability or macro-instability. The former does not cause any structural changes as the movements between vertebrae are minor. However, it can still lead to inflammation in the discs or the joints between the vertebrae, resulting in back pain.
 In contrast, the latter causes the spine to lose its normal alignment. This type is usually linked to conditions such as spondylolisthesis and scoliosis. Macro-instability can result in more severe symptoms including damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots, and painful spinal deformity.
The signs of spinal instability can vary depending on the affected area and severity of the condition. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of spinal instability, including how the condition may be diagnosed.
What Are The Treatments Available For Spinal Instability?
Patients with spinal instability may be assessed by a spine and back pain specialist to determine whether non-surgical management or surgical treatment may be appropriate.
What Are the Non-Surgical Treatments Available?
Physiotherapy involves the use of techniques such as exercise, and manual therapy to improve the strength, flexibility, and overall function of the spine. Your physiotherapist may also provide suggestions on the usage of ergonomic furniture and lifestyle modifications to improve posture and reduce strain on the spine.
A brace is worn around the torso to provide support and stability to the spine. It is often used to reduce pain and promote healing in cases of spinal instability. Braces are also often used alongside other treatments such as physiotherapy to help improve spinal alignment and function. However, long term use of bracing is usually discouraged as the patient needs to have strong and activated core muscles to suppor the spine better. Prolonged use of bracing can make the muscles weaker in the long term.
Painkillers and NSAIDs may be used alongside other treatments to help alleviate symptoms. While taking them, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions on dosage and duration of use. Even if they may be available over the counter, we advise against self-medication to avoid the risk of further complications.
What are the Surgical Treatments Available?
Spinal fusion is a surgery that involves creating stability by linking two bones together in the spine. During the procedure, the surgeon replaces damaged or degenerated discs between the vertebrae with bone grafts or implants. They will fuse together as time passes and create a solid, stable spinal structure.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat compression fractures in the spine. Rather than being used with the aim of treating spinal instability, it seeks to stabilise and relieve pain associated with vertebral compression fractures.
The procedure begins with a small incision being made in the back. Next, a narrow tube is inserted into the fractured vertebra under fluoroscopic guidance. Then, a balloon is inflated inside the vertebra to create a cavity and restore its height. Once this is achieved, the balloon is deflated and removed. Finally, bone cement is injected into the cavity to stabilise the vertebra.
Are You or Your Loved Ones Suffering from Spinal Instability?
Without medical intervention, spinal instability can cause your quality of life to take a hit. It can cause basic tasks such as standing or lifting objects to be challenging. If you suspect that you or your loved one is suffering from spinal instability, contact us at Avant Orthopaedics for a consultation and personalised treatment recommendations.
Our Orthopaedic Doctor and Surgeon for Spinal Instability
Dr. Razmi
FAMS (Ortho) | M Med (Gen Surg) (SG) | FRCSEd (Gen Surg) | MBBS (SG)
Dr. Razmi, a practicing orthopaedic and spine consultant at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.
Dr Razmi routinely performs discectomy (minimally invasive surgery), decompression surgery, spinal fusion, motion preservation surgery including dynamic stabilization and dynamic fusion technologies and lumbar and cervical disc replacements. He is the first surgeon in Singapore to perform stand-alone anterior approached spine fusion using the Synfix implant.
Related Treatments
Lumbar fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the lower spine using bone grafts or implants. By fusing the vertebrae into a single solid bone, the procedure stabilises the spine, reduces painful movement, and helps treat conditions such as arthritis, spondylolisthesis, fractures, or scoliosis.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis or bone cancer. Vertebroplasty involves injecting surgical cement directly into the fractured vertebra, while kyphoplasty uses a balloon to restore vertebral height before cement injection. Both procedures stabilize the spine, relieve pain, and support recovery, with most patients able to resume daily activities soon after surgery.
