Spinal Instability

What is spinal instability?

Spinal instability happens when the bones, joints or tissues that support the spine move more than they should. This extra motion can lead to pain, nerve irritation and changes in posture or balance. For some people, spinal instability occurs after an injury or surgery. For others, it is part of the normal wear and tear that comes with aging.

Find a location

Illustration of the human spine showing cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae with labels and details.

How the spine maintains stability

Your spine is made up of small bones (vertebrae) separated by discs that act as cushions and absorb shock. These structures are supported by ligaments and muscles, keeping your spine aligned while allowing steady, controlled movement.

When the discs wear down, joints develop arthritis, or ligaments and muscles weaken, the spine may lose its normal stability. This can cause inflammation, pain or pressure on nearby nerves.

Overview

Symptoms

The symptoms of spinal instability can feel different from person to person but most commonly include:

Ongoing back or neck pain that worsens with movement
Stiffness or muscle spasms
A catching or locking sensation in the spine
Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity

Causes

Diagnosis

Our spine specialists will start with a review of your symptoms, medical history and a physical examination to assess movement, strength and alignment of your spine. They will also use imaging including X-rays, MRI or CT scans to evaluate how your spine moves and to identify areas of instability or nerve compression.

Why treatment matters

Without the correct care, spinal instability can lead to ongoing pain, mobility issues and nerve damage. Early evaluation and identifying the cause of symptoms can help your specialist create a personalized treatment plan to help prevent further complications and support your long-term spine health.