Spinal Conditions
The spine is a complex structure of bones, discs, ligaments, and nerves that supports your body and protects the spinal cord. When spinal problems occur, they can cause significant pain, weakness, numbness, and impact your quality of life.
Dr Joseph Garcia Redmond has specialised training in minimally invasive spine surgery, offering advanced treatment options for a wide range of spinal conditions. His approach emphasises conservative management whenever possible, reserving surgery for cases where it will provide meaningful improvement in function and quality of life.
With expertise developed through his neurosurgical training across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally, Dr Garcia Redmond combines technical precision with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Common Spinal Conditions
Degenerative Disc Disease
The discs between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers. Over time, these discs can wear down, lose height, and cause pain. This natural aging process can lead to back or neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While the name includes "disease," it's actually a normal part of aging, though some people experience more symptoms than others. Common symptoms include chronic back or neck pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or twisting; pain that improves with movement or lying down.
Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)
When the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, it can press on nearby nerves. This is commonly called a "slipped disc" though the disc doesn't actually slip out of place. Common symptoms include sharp pain radiating down the arm (cervical herniation) or leg (lumbar herniation), numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected limb. May also cause neck or lower back pain.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal or the spaces where nerves exit the spine, most commonly due to age-related changes such as bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or bulging discs. This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Common symptoms include leg pain, numbness, or weakness that worsens with walking and improves with rest (neurogenic claudication); neck pain with arm symptoms if in the cervical spine; balance problems in severe cases.
Sciatica
Irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. Most commonly caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis. Common symptoms include sharp, shooting pain from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg; numbness or tingling in the leg or foot; weakness in the affected leg.
Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck)
Compression or irritation of a nerve root in the cervical spine, usually caused by a herniated disc or bone spurs from arthritis. Common symptoms include pain radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand; numbness or tingling in specific fingers depending on which nerve is affected; weakness in arm or hand muscles.
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Lower Back)
Compression of a nerve root in the lumbar spine, causing symptoms that travel down the leg. Common symptoms include pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock and leg; numbness or tingling following the path of the affected nerve; muscle weakness in the leg or foot.
Spondylolisthesis
A condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, potentially compressing nerves. Can be caused by degenerative changes, stress fractures, or congenital factors. Common symptoms include lower back pain, leg pain similar to sciatica, tight hamstrings, changes in posture or gait. Some cases cause no symptoms at all.
Spinal Fractures
Breaks in the vertebrae, most commonly due to trauma (accidents, falls) or osteoporosis (fragility fractures). Can range from minor compression fractures to severe fractures affecting spinal stability. Common symptoms include sudden onset back pain, pain worsening with movement, tenderness over the fracture site. Severe fractures may cause neurological symptoms if the spinal cord or nerves are affected.
Spinal Cord Compression (Myelopathy)
Pressure on the spinal cord itself, which can result from disc herniations, spinal stenosis, tumours, or trauma. This is a serious condition that may require urgent treatment. Common symptoms include difficulty with fine motor skills (buttoning shirts, writing), balance problems, weakness in arms or legs, changes in bladder or bowel function, shooting pains down the spine with neck flexion (Lhermitte's sign).
Spinal Tumours
Abnormal growths within or adjacent to the spinal cord or spinal column. Can be primary (originating in the spine) or metastatic (spread from cancer elsewhere). May be benign or malignant. Common symptoms include progressive back or neck pain (often worse at night), neurological symptoms depending on location, weakness, numbness, or in severe cases, paralysis.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
A rare but serious condition where the bundle of nerve roots at the bottom of the spinal cord (cauda equina) becomes compressed. This is a surgical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Common symptoms include severe lower back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle area (between the legs), severe or progressive weakness in both legs, sexual dysfunction.
When to See a Neurosurgeon
Consider consulting Dr Garcia Redmond if you experience:
Persistent back or neck pain that doesn't improve with conservative treatment
Pain radiating into your arms or legs
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your limbs
Difficulty walking or balance problems
Pain that significantly impacts your daily activities or quality of life
Known spinal abnormality on imaging that requires specialist assessment
Seek immediate medical attention for:
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Progressive weakness in arms or legs
Severe trauma to the spine
Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
Treatment Approaches
Dr Garcia Redmond offers comprehensive treatment ranging from conservative management to advanced surgical techniques:
Conservative Treatment:
Activity modification and physiotherapy
Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications
Epidural steroid injections
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Dr Garcia Redmond specializes in minimally invasive techniques that offer smaller incisions, less tissue damage, reduced pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Surgical Options Include:
Microdiscectomy for herniated discs
Laminectomy/decompression for spinal stenosis
Spinal fusion for instability or spondylolisthesis
Tumour resection
Fracture stabilization
Surgery is recommended when conservative treatment hasn't provided adequate relief, when there's progressive neurological deterioration, or when spinal stability is compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Conditions
Do I need surgery for my back pain?
Most people with back pain do not need surgery. The majority of spinal conditions improve with conservative treatment including physiotherapy, pain management, and time. Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatment has failed to provide adequate relief, when there's progressive neurological decline, or when there's spinal instability. Dr Garcia Redmond will thoroughly assess your condition and recommend surgery only when it's likely to provide meaningful benefit.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized techniques to treat spinal conditions with less disruption to muscles and tissues. Benefits include less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery. Not all spinal conditions are suitable for minimally invasive approaches, but when appropriate, these techniques can provide excellent outcomes.
How long is recovery from spine surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the specific procedure. Minimally invasive procedures like microdiscectomy typically allow return to light activities within 2-3 weeks and full recovery within 6-12 weeks. More complex procedures like spinal fusion require longer recovery, often 3-6 months. Dr Garcia Redmond will provide specific guidance based on your procedure.
Will I need to wear a back brace after surgery?
This depends on the type of surgery. Many minimally invasive procedures don't require bracing. Spinal fusion surgery may require a brace for several weeks to support healing. Dr Garcia Redmond will advise you based on your specific procedure.
Can spinal problems come back after surgery?
Some conditions can recur, such as disc herniations (5-10% recurrence rate) or adjacent segment degeneration after fusion (develops over many years). However, most patients experience long-term relief from their symptoms. Following post-operative instructions and maintaining good spine health can help minimize recurrence risk.
Should I get an MRI before seeing a neurosurgeon?
Not necessarily. Dr Garcia Redmond can assess whether imaging is needed based on your symptoms and examination. If you already have recent MRI or CT scans, bring copies to your consultation. If you don't have imaging yet, he can order appropriate studies if needed.
This information is intended as a general guide and should not replace professional medical advice. Every patient's situation is unique. Please schedule a consultation with Dr Garcia Redmond for personalized assessment and recommendations.
Why Choose Rivercity Brain & Spine for Spinal Care?
Minimally Invasive Expertise: Dr Garcia Redmond's specialized training in minimally invasive spine surgery means smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
Comprehensive Assessment: Thorough evaluation to determine whether conservative or surgical treatment is most appropriate for your condition.
Evidence-Based Care: Treatment recommendations based on the latest research and clinical guidelines.
Patient-Centered Approach: Focus on improving your function and quality of life, not just treating scans.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works closely with pain specialists, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation teams.
Advanced Facilities: Operating at leading Brisbane hospitals with state-of-the-art surgical technology.
Convenient Locations: Consulting rooms in Ipswich, Hawthorne, and South Brisbane.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Neurosurgery Brisbane
If you're experiencing spinal pain, nerve symptoms, or have been told you have a spinal condition requiring specialist assessment, Dr Garcia Redmond can help.
Contact Rivercity Brain & Spine today to schedule your consultation.