Conditions
Spine conditions, explained clearly
From nerve irritation to spinal fractures, here is how Dr. Jihoon Choi evaluates each condition — what it is, how it is diagnosed, and which options come first. Every visit is an initial consultation or an independent second opinion.
Cervical spine
The neck: seven vertebrae supporting the head and protecting the spinal cord, where nerve irritation or cord compression can affect the arms and hands.
Cervical Disc Herniation
A neck disc pressing on a nerve can send pain, tingling, or weakness into the arm and hand.
Learn moreCervical spineCervical Stenosis
Narrowing of the neck's spinal canal can crowd the cord and nerves, causing arm symptoms or balance changes.
Learn moreCervical spineCervical Radiculopathy
An irritated neck nerve root can send radiating pain, tingling, or weakness into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Learn moreCervical spineCervical Myelopathy
Compression of the spinal cord in the neck can cause hand clumsiness, balance problems, and changes in walking.
Learn moreCervical spineCervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Wear of the neck's discs and joints can cause stiffness and pain — treatment targets the pain source, not the image.
Learn moreThoracic spine
The mid-back: twelve vertebrae anchored to the rib cage, where problems are less common but often involve the spinal cord itself.
Thoracic Disc Herniation
A mid-back disc herniation can cause band-like chest pain or, when the cord is involved, leg weakness.
Learn moreThoracic spineThoracic Stenosis
Mid-back narrowing can press on the spinal cord, causing leg heaviness, weakness, or balance difficulty.
Learn moreThoracic spineThoracic Radiculopathy
An irritated mid-back nerve can send a band of pain or burning around the chest or abdomen.
Learn moreThoracic spineThoracic Myelopathy
Mid-back compression of the spinal cord can cause leg stiffness, weakness, and a declining ability to walk.
Learn moreLumbar spine
The lower back: five vertebrae carrying the body's load, the most common source of disc, nerve, and stenosis symptoms affecting the legs.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
A low-back disc pressing on a nerve can cause sciatica — sharp, burning leg pain with tingling or weakness.
Learn moreLumbar spineLumbar Stenosis
Narrowing of the low-back canal causes leg pain and heaviness with standing and walking that eases with sitting.
Learn moreLumbar spineLumbar Radiculopathy
Sciatica: sharp or burning pain traveling from the low back into the hip, leg, or foot along a nerve path.
Learn moreLumbar spineNeurogenic Claudication
Leg heaviness, aching, or numbness with standing and walking that eases when you sit — the hallmark of neurogenic claudication.
Learn moreLumbar spinePars Fracture & Spondylolysis
A stress defect in the bony bridge of a vertebra, often causing activity-related low-back pain in younger athletes.
Learn moreLumbar spineSpondylolisthesis
A vertebral slip that can cause back pain, hamstring tightness, or radiating leg symptoms depending on stability.
Learn moreLumbar spineLumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Low-back disc wear and arthritis: symptoms depend on the pain source, not the MRI report alone.
Learn moreSI joint
The sacroiliac joint links the spine to the pelvis and is a frequently under-recognized source of low-back and buttock pain.
Spinal fractures & trauma
Fractures and instability injuries of the spine — from osteoporotic compression fractures to high-energy trauma requiring urgent stabilization.
Vertebral Compression Fracture
A collapsed vertebral body, often from osteoporosis — frequently manageable without surgery, but bone health matters.
Learn moreSpinal fractures & traumaBurst Fracture
A high-energy vertebral fracture that can threaten the spinal canal — requires careful stability and neurologic assessment.
Learn moreSpinal fractures & traumaChance Fracture
A flexion-distraction injury, often from a lap-belt crash — stability depends on whether ligaments are torn.
Learn moreSpinal fractures & traumaSpinal Fracture-Dislocation
Fracture plus displacement: a severely unstable spinal injury that usually requires urgent surgical stabilization.
Learn moreSpinal fractures & traumaOdontoid Fracture
A fracture of the dens at C2, the pivot of upper-neck rotation — treatment depends on fracture type and stability.
Learn moreSpinal fractures & traumaHangman's Fracture
Paired fractures through C2 after hyperextension or high-energy trauma — many are stable and heal in a collar.
Learn moreInitial consultation or second opinion?
Meet Dr. Jihoon Choi for an initial consultation — or bring your imaging for an independent second opinion before your next step. Call (972) 817-7450 or request a visit online.