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…
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
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…
Preventing Herniated Discs
A herniated disc is a common source of neck or back pain. Discs are the soft, cushion-like pads that are located between each set of two adjacent vertebrae in the spine, and they act as shock absorbers – providing stability and flexibility to the spine. A disc becomes herniated when the thick outer layer of…
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,…