If you sustain a sports injury or struggle with a musculoskeletal condition, your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. Physical therapy is the use of conservative, physical methods to relieve pain and restore physical abilities. Physical therapy is not a standalone treatment. Typically, doctors recommend it in conjunction with…
Bradley D. Ahlgren MD
Benefits Of Hands-On (Manual) Physical Therapy
While a massage may bring to mind a relaxing day at the spa, the health benefits of manual therapy go far beyond that. For instance, manual therapy can also help with a musculoskeletal injury or disorder. Physical therapy uses manual or non-drug methods to relieve pain and restore function. Physical therapists skillfully use their hands…
Sciatica Pain Treatment: At-Home Exercises for Pain Relief
Sciatica pain can be debilitating. It’s the type of sharp, stabbing pain that travels from your lower back down your hip and leg. If you are feeling the symptoms of sciatica, you may be tempted to remain lying or seated the whole day. However, movement is one of the best things you can do to…
What Does a Spine Surgeon Treat?
Your spine does it all, from keeping you upright to enabling flexibility of your torso to housing your spinal cord. Naturally, age-related degeneration or back injury can take its toll – and this warrants expert medical attention. The best type of doctor to see for an evaluation and treatment of your back pain is a…
What to Know About Scoliosis Treatment for Kids
Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that causes it to have a pronounced curve, measuring at least 10 degrees or more. It affects the thoracic or lumbar region of the spine. As a result, the shoulders, hips, and waist look uneven. The arms may hang awkwardly beside the body. The head may not look…
Five Pain Management Myths
Severe joint pain, back pain, and other orthopedic conditions can prevent you from carrying out your normal everyday activities, from working to driving to grocery shopping. To the rescue is professional medical pain management, which harnesses various techniques to help mitigate acute or chronic pain. There are some common misconceptions and myths surrounding medical pain…
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…
Things to Consider When Choosing a Spine Surgeon
You may be suffering from chronic back pain due to your profession, your favorite hobby, a sports injury, a fall, or an accident. You’re not alone: About 28% of men and 32% of women in the United States struggle with back pain. If your primary care physician has recommended that you have back surgery, you…
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…
Common Ski Injuries of the Back
For some people, skiing offers a sense of freedom and thrill that no other winter sport can match. Going down the slopes might be an excellent way to pass the holidays, but injuries are an unfortunate part of this recreational activity. Spinal injuries are some of the most frequent injuries sustained by skiers and snowboarders,…