From everyday pain to the most complex spine.

Cervical (Neck) Conditions

The cervical spine is the neck — seven vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and support the head. When discs, joints, or bone spurs press on nearby nerves or the spinal cord, the result can be neck pain, pain or tingling that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand, weakness, or trouble with fine movements and balance.

Evaluation usually begins with a careful history and physical exam, followed by imaging such as X-rays and MRI to see the nerves and spinal cord directly. Many people improve with time, physical therapy, medication, and activity changes; surgery is reserved for nerve or spinal-cord compression causing progressive weakness or that has not responded to non-surgical care.

Lumbar Degenerative Conditions & Sciatica

“Degenerative” simply means the normal wear-and-tear changes that affect the discs and joints of the lower back over time. When a worn or herniated disc presses on a nerve root, it can cause sciatica — pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the back into the buttock and down the leg, sometimes with weakness in the foot or leg.

Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a focused exam, and imaging such as MRI when needed. The large majority of disc herniations and degenerative back problems settle with non-operative treatment, and surgery is offered mainly for persistent or worsening symptoms. Dr. Mushlin’s published research on lumbar disc herniation focuses on identifying which patients benefit most when surgery is the right choice.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces inside the spine, which can crowd the spinal cord and nerves. In the lower back it often causes aching, heaviness, or cramping in the legs that comes on with walking and eases when you sit or lean forward; in the neck it can affect the hands, balance, and coordination.

It is typically diagnosed with a clinical exam and MRI or CT imaging. Many people manage stenosis for years with activity modification and therapy; when symptoms limit daily life or nerve function is affected, a targeted decompression can relieve the pressure.

Adult & Complex Spinal Deformity (Scoliosis)

Spinal deformity refers to abnormal curves or alignment, such as scoliosis (a side-to-side curve) or loss of the spine’s normal front-to-back balance. In adults this can cause back pain, fatigue, a sense of leaning forward or to one side, and — when nerves are involved — leg pain or weakness.

Assessment relies on standing X-rays that measure the curves and overall alignment, with MRI or CT to evaluate the nerves and bone. Milder cases are often managed with therapy and monitoring; corrective surgery is considered for curves that are progressing or causing significant pain, imbalance, or nerve problems. Complex and adult deformity is a particular focus of Dr. Mushlin’s fellowship training and research.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, which can stretch or pinch nearby nerves. Common symptoms include lower-back pain, stiffness, and leg pain or numbness, often worse with standing or activity.

It is diagnosed with X-rays — sometimes in different positions to see how much the segment moves — along with MRI. Many patients do well with physical therapy; when the slip causes ongoing nerve symptoms or instability, surgery to decompress the nerves and stabilize the segment may be recommended.

Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that can arise within or around the spinal cord, its coverings, or the bones of the spine. Depending on location and size, they may cause pain, weakness, numbness, or changes in bladder, bowel, or walking — though some are found before they cause symptoms.

Evaluation centers on detailed MRI and, when needed, CT imaging. Treatment is individualized and may involve monitoring, radiation, or surgery; Dr. Mushlin has published on spinal tumors and participates in research studying advanced approaches to spinal metastases.

Spinal Trauma & Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal trauma includes fractures and injuries to the vertebrae, ligaments, and spinal cord from accidents, falls, or sports. Injuries that affect the spinal cord can cause weakness, numbness, or loss of function below the level of injury, and some patterns are true emergencies requiring urgent evaluation.

Diagnosis uses CT and MRI, guided by established classification systems, so the team can decide quickly whether stabilization or decompression is needed. Spinal cord injury and neurotrauma are a central focus of Dr. Mushlin’s clinical work and research — including the timing of decompression and the published position that conditions such as central cord syndrome should be treated as surgical emergencies (“time is spine”).