Chronic spinal pain affects millions of Americans and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It can prevent people from living their lives to the fullest and make everyday tasks more difficult. Your condition may also worsen if aggravated or left untreated. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible….
Spine
Can Exercise Cause Chronic Spinal Pain?
You probably already know exercise is good for you. It keeps you limber and strengthens your bones, joints, and soft tissues. However, there is a right way to exercise, and exercising without any guidance can lead to exercise mistakes. Just like any sport, there is proper conditioning, form, and technique in exercise, without which, it…
Most Common Sports-Related Orthopedic Spinal Injuries
Your spine is a complex network of bones and nerves that supports your upper body and protects your spinal cord. The spine is a durable body part, but it can still get damaged, resulting in orthopedic spinal injuries. Injuries usually occur in patients who participate in high- and low-impact sports without adequate training and protection….
Classification of Orthopedic Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries which are purely orthopedic (musculoskeletal) rather than affecting the spinal cord can take many forms, from hairline vertebral fractures to herniated discs to arthritis. An orthopedic spinal injury can be minor to severe, with minor back injuries possibly needing only noninvasive treatment (such as physical therapy) whereas severe injuries may warrant back surgery…
Spinal Stenosis: Treatment Options
Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves. It can produce symptoms that range from radiating pain, numbness, and weakness to gait problems, depending on the location of the narrowing. Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck region, while lumbar…
Most Common Spinal Disorders
There are many issues that can affect the spine, causing back pain and a reduced ability to move the back very well. Spinal disorders may result from an injury, wear, and tear, or a structural deformity. Let’s talk about some of the most common problems that can affect the spine, and where you can go…
What Causes Chronic Spinal Pain?
Spinal pain is often felt in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) region. Pain symptoms include stiffness, limited range of motion, weakness, and muscle spasms. Pain can turn chronic, especially without proper treatment. Pain can also radiate into the upper and lower extremities. For whatever reason, chronic spinal pain can keep you from your…
Different Types of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine: instead of falling into normal alignment, the vertebrae make an S- or C-shaped curve. Over time, the curve may become more prominent and eventually cause health problems. There are four types of scoliosis: idiopathic, neuromuscular, degenerative, and congenital scoliosis. While these types have…
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that causes a sideways curvature of the spine and mostly occurs during the growth spurt, a period before puberty when your child’s height rapidly increases. If you think your child may have scoliosis, you will greatly benefit from the expertise of Dr. Bradley Ahlgren of Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery. He is…
Different Types of Scoliosis Treatment Options
Your spine has a natural curve. However, genetics, a tumor, a spinal infection, an injury, or a birth defect can cause an abnormal curvature of the spine known as scoliosis. When it’s mild, it doesn’t require treatment and can be fairly unnoticeable. However, in more serious cases, Dr. Ahlgren or a member of his team…