Severe back pain is the number-one cause of work absenteeism worldwide – it is a truly debilitating condition. In the U.S., almost 20% of adults report having a recent episode of back pain, particularly in the lower back. If you are able to have surgery to alleviate your back pain, you may be curious about…
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Can an Orthopedic Surgeon Help Me with Tailbone Pain in My Spine?
Tailbone pain – also referred to as coccydynia – is pain that occurs in or around the last bone at the bottom of the spine, known as the coccyx (tailbone). Damage or inflammation to the coccyx, or to the surrounding structures, can cause pain and tenderness in the bony area just above the buttocks. Sometimes…
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…
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…
Tips to Help You Better Describe Your Back Pain to a Doctor
Did you know that back pain accounts for over 264 million lost workdays annually? That is two workdays per full-time worker in the United States. While back pain usually goes away on its own, it can also persist. The statistics just mentioned can tell you how it can interfere with your daily activities. If back pain has…
Can Steroid Injections Help with Chronic Spinal Pain?
Back pain is often caused by spinal problems. It can be a mere nuisance or debilitating, depending on the exact condition or injury, as well as its severity. If you are looking for an effective treatment solution for your chronic spinal pain, consider speaking with an orthopedic doctor about steroid injections. This treatment has helped…
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…
Common Side Effects of Steroid Injections
If you suffer from neck or back pain, our orthopedist can provide treatments to bring you relief. One of the most common treatments used to treat pain is steroid injections. Commonly injected in joints, this treatment helps to temporarily relieve pain and inflammation. The benefit of steroid injections is that they offer effective relief at…
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…
Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis: What’s the Connection?
A strong lower back assists in performing physical activities properly. It gives the body the strength and support to perform daily tasks such as lifting and standing. However, narrowing of the spinal canal and traumatic physical injuries can impact the lower back. It might eventually affect the legs and feet, as well. Although it is…