Resolving Compression Fractures with Kyphoplasty
The spine plays a major role in our everyday lives. It protects one of the main components of our nervous system—the spinal cord. In addition, it plays a key role in supporting the body, maintaining posture, and enabling movement.
Just like the rest of the body, the spine isn’t immune to injuries. These injuries, in fact, can lead to painful, debilitating conditions. One common spinal injury…
Laser Spine Surgery: Innovation or Hype?
The human race has been combating back pain with surgical intervention for at least the past 5,000 years. Examination of Egyptian mummies that were buried in 3,000 BC reveals such signs of attempted surgical procedures on the spine.
Of course, during this period of time—and for many years onward—spine surgery was far from a “popular” form of treatment. The field of orthopedics was simply not…
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
As we age, so do the structures within our body. The spinal cord is no exception to this rule. And, age-related degeneration may manifest in a variety of different ways. One of the most common spinal cord ailments from age-related wear and tear is a condition called spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis describes the narrowing of the spaces surrounding the spinal cord. In many cases, this causes no…
What is Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy?
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is one of the most common reasons that spinal cord dysfunction occurs in elderly patients. As we all know, the spinal cord is one of the most important structures in the human body. Damage to this structure in any way, shape, or form may result in a cascade of symptoms. This is only natural, of course, as the spinal cord is the main neural thoroughfare for…
Sleep Ergonomics: How to Sleep with Back Pain
If you have back pain, then you are most certainly not alone. The vast majority of adults experience back pain at some point during their lives. In fact, back pain is the most common culprit of job-related disability in the United States. And, going hand-in-hand with that statistic, back pain is also a leading factor in missed work days. Surveys often show that in the past three months, at least…
Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain
Facet joint pain, also known as facet joint syndrome, occurs when an individual experiences pain between two spinal vertebrae. Facet joints are found at each level along the back of your spine. These joints allow you to bend and twist by making your back flexible.
More specifically, healthy facet joints contain cartilage which makes these movements possible. The cartilage also provides support…
Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms & Treatments
A cervical herniated disc occurs when the soft core of a cervical disc leaks out of its harder outer shell. Although this condition can be asymptomatic, pain occurs when the herniated material compresses a nearby nerve root. Usually, this form of ruptured disc affects the 30-50 age group.
In addition to wear and tear, cervical disc herniations may stem from some kind of trauma or neck injury.…
Common Culprits of Upper Back Pain
Pain in the upper back typically results from muscle overuse, poor posture, or injury. Although treatments will vary depending upon the exact nature of your condition, most cases are easily remedied with physical therapy, rest, and gentle exercise.
The upper back refers to the region between the bottom of the ribcage and the base of the neck. There are 12 bones (T1- T12) that compose this…
Conservative & Surgical Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Treatments
Suffering a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a devastating event. Those who sustain an SCI will require immediate medical treatment. This is often followed by extensive rehabilitation. By using a variety of treatments as soon as possible, you can reduce your risk of sustaining even more damage. In addition, SCI patients who receive early intervention can even regain some of their functional…
The Effects of Vitamin D & Calcium on Bone Health
Obtaining the right nutrients is one of the best ways toward achieving a life of healthier bones. Most people probably think of calcium when they think of their diet and bone health. But, believe it or not, vitamin D is just as important. In fact, proper vitamin D intake can prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
Of course, this is not to suggest that vitamin D is better for your bones…