News and Articles
Backpacks and Back Pain in Children
Back pain is becoming increasingly common among children and teens with nearly half of them experiencing back pain at some point before they reach adulthood. As many students return back to the classroom, one cause of back pain has become more apparent: the weight of their backpacks.
Source: National Spine Health Foundation
Choosing the Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
Sleeping is the only time your spinal muscles, ligaments, discs, and joints get to completely relax and rejuvenate. A good choice of mattress will go a long way in supporting this type of deep, healing sleep.
Source: Spine Health
Tired muscles can indeed be a pain in the neck, spine movement study shows
While fatigue in neck muscles has long been suspected of causing pain, the actual mechanical changes in the spine and muscles that precede weakness remain an outstanding question. Now, using high-precision X-ray imaging to track spine movements during neck exertion tasks, Texas A&M University researchers have discovered that sustained neck exertions cause muscle fatigue that then exaggerates the cervical spine curvature. This leads to neck pain.
Source: Medical Xpress
Pain relief for worn spinal disks
The fluid-filled cushions between the bones in your spine are called disks. They provide flexibility, allow for spine movement like flexion and extension, and act as shock absorbers.
Source: Medical Xpress
Diabetes increases the risk of failure in spinal fusion procedures
A new study from orthopaedic researchers at The University of Toledo has found lumbar spinal fusion procedures are far more likely to fail in individuals with diabetes.
Source: EurekAlert
Tissue bridges as predictors of recovery from cervical spine injuries
Results of the longitudinal study, "Prognostic value of tissue bridges in cervical spinal cord injury," have the potential to change clinical practice. They have been published in The Lancet Neurology.
Source: Medical Xpress
Upper Back Pain: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
If you suffer from upper back pain, it's time to reclaim your comfort and regain control of your daily life. Relief from this debilitating condition is within reach.
Source: HealthDay
Understanding the Critical Role of SI Joint Health in Lower Back Pain
The Sacroiliac (SI) joint often plays a critical yet under-recognized role in lower back pain, a crucial point emphasized during the National Spine Health Foundation’s Spine-Talk “Is My Back Pain Actually Hip Pain? What You Need to Know About the SI Joint” by Dr. Rita Roy and spine expert Dr. David Polly.
Source: National Spine Health Foundation
Lumbar decompression surgery: What to know
Lumbar decompression surgery aims to release compressed nerves in the lower back. This procedure may ease pain and improve mobility in those with spinal conditions.
Source: Medical News Today
What to Know About Scoliosis
A leading spine expert shares 10 things parents and caregivers should know about this common, treatable condition.
Source: NewYork-Presbyterian - Health Matters
Nutrition and the Spine
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the wellness of your bones including your vertebrae, but is often an overlooked component of spinal heath. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, the risk of debilitating issues from spinal degeneration and osteoporosis are reduced.
Source: National Spine Health Foundation
The Surprising Connection Between Neck Pain and Migraine Attacks
Neck pain is really common in people who have migraine. But there’s also another type of neck-triggered problem, known as a cervicogenic headache, which is a different beast altogether. To correctly treat your symptoms, it helps to figure out exactly what’s going on.
Source: SELF Magazine
Your Osteoporosis is Treatable
Fortunately, over the past two decades there has been great progress with numerous new medications developed that have dramatically improved the ability of health care professionals to successfully treat osteoporosis, resulting in a decreased chance of suffering an osteoporotic bone fracture.
Source: National Spine Health Foundation
98,000 patient study links diabetes to spinal stenosis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 38.4 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, 97.6 million people 18 or older have prediabetes and 27.2 million people 65 and older have prediabetes. As our population stands at roughly 336,377,915 people, those in the above categories represent nearly half of the country.
Source: Orthopedics This Week
Managing Osteoporotic Compression Fractures
Osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures (VCFs), or vertebral insufficiency fractures, occur when the density of the bone is insufficient to maintain its structural integrity in the setting of trauma or even minor events. VCFs most commonly occur in the lower half of the thoracic spine or upper half of the lumbar spine.
Source: National Spine Health Foundation
Prolonged Sitting: What You Should Know to Improve Your Posture
Have you ever found yourself feeling stiff and uncomfortable after extended periods of sitting at your desk, perhaps even experiencing nagging back pain? Dr. Arto Pesola, director of the Active Life Lab at South-Eastern Finland University and co-founder of Fibion, suggests a straightforward remedy: stand up.
Source: Healthnews
What sleeping position is best for sacroiliac joint pain relief?
SJP may worsen at night, particularly if a person lies on the side of the affected joint or moves suddenly in bed. Adopting certain sleeping positions and other nighttime habits may help to ease the pain.
Source: Medical News Today
What to know about spinal stenosis surgery
Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes the spaces in the spine to become narrow. This can put pressure on the spinal cord. When the spaces in the spine narrow, it can create pressure on the spinal cord and any nearby nerve tissue.
Source: Medical News Today
Study shows high rates of hip osteoarthritis among older adults with spinal deformity
One-third of patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) also have severe osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip—which is associated with worse spinal alignment and physical functioning, reports a study in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
Source: Medical Xpress
What are the most effective medications for back pain?
Researchers have conducted several research reviews into medications for back pain. They found some may be more effective than others.
Source: Medical News Today
Hot and Cold Therapy: When to Use Each for Neck Pain
Experts recommend using ice after an injury, for sudden onset pain, or for inflammation. Heat is ideal for chronic pain or for injuries that are no longer swollen.
Source: healthline
Which doctor should you see for lower back pain?
Primary care doctors, rheumatologists, pain management specialists, and psychiatrists may be involved in helping individuals manage lower back pain.
Source: Medical News Today
Burning Back Pain: Causes and Relief
Sharp, burning back pain can interfere with many different aspects of your daily life, from work and exercise to being able to rest comfortably at night. It’s important not to ignore back pain, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition.
Source: Verywell Health
When should someone contact a doctor about back pain after a fall?
Someone should contact a doctor about back pain after a fall if the pain is severe, persists despite rest, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vision loss, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness.
Source: Medical News Today
Predicting brace adherence could change the game in scoliosis treatment
With the addition of built-in sensors that indicate how many hours a brace was worn, two things became clear. One: Despite improvements in brace design, many patients wore their braces far less than they thought or said they did. Two: Patients who wore their braces more had better outcomes.
Source: Medical Xpress
Back Pain Explained
Not all degenerated intervertebral discs are painful; a new study identified a subset of disc cells that triggers a pathway to pain.
Source: The Scientist
The Pros and Cons of Ultrasound-Guided Injections
Ultrasound-guided injections allow healthcare providers to see the needle in real-time as it enters the body and is injected into a precise spot. Orthopedic surgeons often use injections to treat a variety of conditions. Commonly injected medications include cortisone, local anesthetics, and joint lubricants such as hyaluronic acid.
Source: Verywell Health
Leading Causes of Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatica is the name of the pain from when something—usually a herniated disc, but other causes are possible, too—compresses, irritates, or inflames the sciatic nerve or one of the nerve roots that eventually link up with the sciatic nerve. Translation: pain up and down your leg—you might feel it anywhere from your buttocks to your ankle.
Source: HealthCentral
Right side of neck pain causes and treatments
There are various possible causes of pain on the right side of the neck, including joint degradation, injury, and stress. Treatment depends on the cause but can include pain relievers, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases.
Source: Medical News Today
How to prevent spinal stenosis
People can make lifestyle modifications to help prevent spinal stenosis. These may include maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking, and practicing appropriate posture.
Source: Medical News Today
What can cause lower back pain?
Lower back pain is very common. It usually develops due to overuse or a minor injury, but sometimes there may be no obvious cause. Lower back pain can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
Source: Medical News Today
What to know about transforaminal epidural steroid injections
People with conditions including sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis may benefit from transforaminal epidural steroid injections. Doctors may also use this injection to examine how a person’s body reacts to it to help diagnose any underlying condition that could be causing them pain.
Source: Medical News Today
How Muscle Relaxers Work for Back and Neck Pain
A weekend spent gardening. A raucous game of pickleball. Bending over to pick up a dropped pen. Suddenly your neck or back seizes up and it’s hard to catch your breath. Muscle spasms, where the muscle involuntarily contracts—and stays that way—for a few seconds, minutes, or longer, are painful and impossible to predict.
Source: HealthCentral
What to know about back decompression for back pain
Back or spinal decompression refers to a group of treatments used to relieve pressure on spinal discs. A healthcare professional may recommend surgical and nonsurgical therapies for decompression.
Source: Medical News Today
Find Relief From Upper Back Pain
Maybe you’ve just finished a few hours of work at the computer and now there’s a stabbing sensation between your shoulder blades. Or you have an ongoing, continuous ache that extends from the base of your neck down to the bottom of your ribs. What’s going on? And more importantly, how can you find some relief?
Source: HealthCentral
New `patch` uses natural body motion to fix disk herniation
A new biologic "patch" that is activated by a person's natural motion could be the key to fixing herniated disks in people's backs, according to researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the CMC VA Medical Center (CMCVAMC).
Source: Medical Xpress
Why Does My Back Hurt When I Breathe?
There are several different causes of back pain, many of which can worsen with breathing. Back pain can be due to an injury to the bones or muscles in your back, or result from a medical condition affecting internal organs such as the heart or lungs.
Source: Verywell Health
October is Spine Health Awareness Month
In a world where many of us spend hours hunched over computers or craning down at our smartphones, maintaining spinal health is paramount. This October, the spotlight is on spinal wellness as we celebrate Spine Health Awareness Month.
Source: National Spine Health Foundation
Osteoporosis: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Osteoporosis is a primary cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and older men. It can affect any bones, but is most frequently seen in the hip, spine and wrist bones.
Source: HealthDay
What are some symptoms of spine misalignment?
Spine misalignment can cause several symptoms, including pain and impairment of the spine’s range of motion. It can affect a person’s quality of life.
Source: Medical News Today
Back Pain, Your Spine and Father Time: 13 Ways To Treat Age-Related Back Pain
With age comes wisdom and experience. Unfortunately, aches and pains tend to tag along for the ride. Spinal aging may be a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it.
Source: healthessentials
Taking the guess work out of spinal surgery
Spinal fusion is a highly invasive surgery where an implant is placed in the spine to prevent movement between bones. The treatment has a high failure rate after only five years, however Te Whare Wānanga o Waitahi | University of Canterbury researcher and lecturer Associate Professor Debbie Munro has spent the last 20 years finding a way to change this.
Source: Medical Xpress
Adults can develop scoliosis too
Maybe you remember being screened for scoliosis in school. Or your own child has been treated to straighten a curving spine. But scoliosis is not restricted to children and adolescents; adults can develop scoliosis too.
Source: Medical Xpress
Is walking good for sciatica? What to know
Some people may find that walking helps relieve sciatica pain. However, it is important to have a good walking technique to reduce the risk of worsening pain.
Source: Medical News Today
Can pain get worse after a medial branch block?
It is not common for pain to get worse after a medial branch block (MBB). However, this could happen if there are complications during the procedure that result in nerve damage.
Source: Medical News Today
What to Do When Your Back Pain Won’t Go Away
When back pain doesn’t go away on its own, it can be a sign of reinjury or an underlying condition, like a herniated disk. But seemingly minor things, like your posture, can also play a role.
Source: Healthline
The 5 Best Exercises for Lower Back Pain, According to a Personal Trainer
Low back pain may be helped with certain exercises, specifically those that strengthen the muscles in your core and glutes and stretch your hip flexors.
Source: HealthDay
When your child has scoliosis: Symptoms & treatments
As a parent, you want answers to your questions about scoliosis and how it can affect your child's development. Here's what you need to know.
Source: Medical Xpress
Back exercises in 15 minutes a day
Back pain is a common problem that many people deal with every day. Exercise often helps to ease back pain and prevent further discomfort. The following exercises stretch and strengthen the back and the muscles that support it.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Getting rid of neck pain: 6 ways to feel better
The phrase "pain in the neck" is a tongue-in-cheek way to describe annoying situations or people that test our patience, but for those who experience genuine neck pain, it's no laughing matter. This article will explore some practical strategies to alleviate neck pain and provide self-care tips, neck pain exercises and other helpful treatments to try.
Source: Medical Xpress
The most common back surgeries, explained
Back pain, a pervasive ailment affecting millions, can turn daily routines into exhausting and painful challenges. Back surgery emerges as a potential solution when conventional treatments fall short, offering hope for those trapped in chronic pain.
Source: Medical Xpress
What are back spasms, and can they be treated?
This article will explore the causes of back spasms, their symptoms and, most importantly, effective treatments.
Source: MedicalXpres
Sciatica: What is it, and how can you ease the pain?
If you have had a sharp pain shooting down one leg, you may be experiencing a condition called sciatica.
Source: MedicalXpress
What is the prognosis for ankylosing spondylitis?
The prognosis for ankylosing spondylitis can vary. The condition is lifelong and can cause disability. However, a person may still be able to live independently.
Source: Medical News Today
You've suffered whiplash: Know the symptoms and treatments
Whiplash—an often underestimated injury that can strike in the aftermath of a collision—inflicts injury and pain on its unsuspecting victims.
Source: MedicalXpress
Want a stronger core? Skip the sit-upss
Sit-ups once ruled as the way to tighter abs and a slimmer waistline. While "planks" were merely flooring. Now plank exercises, in which you assume a position and hold it, are the gold standard for working your core. While classic sit-ups and crunches have fallen out of favor.
Source: Harvard Health Publishing
Best Sleeping Positions for Pain
Awkward sleeping positions can put stress and strain on your body as you’re catching ZZZs, leading to pain when you should be rising and shining. But you can rest easier with a few modifications.
Source: Cleveland Clinic healthessentials
Your thoughts can harm your neck and back during lifting tasks
The mental distress of cognitive dissonance—encountering information that conflicts with how we act or what we believe—can lead to added pressure on the neck and low back during lifting and lowering tasks, new research suggests.
Source: Medical Xpress
12 Tips to Relieve Back Pain When Driving
Your time in the driver’s seat can cause your lower back pain to flare up. Steps you can take to reduce irritation and relieve pain include adjusting your seat settings, using lumbar support, and applying topical ointments.
Source: healthline
New research sheds light on symptoms of understudied spine disease
Prior studies suggest DISH affects up to a third of men over the age of 50. This non-inflammatory type of arthritis is characterized by the progressive calcification of spinal tissues that eventually leads to the fusion of the vertebrae within the spine. However, whether this calcification causes pain, especially in the early stages of the disease, isn't well understood or well documented.
Source: Medical Xpress
The best and worst sitting positions for lower back pain
Keeping hips and knees at a 90-degree angle and using back support may help alleviate lower back pain. It is best to avoid slumped positions and sitting cross-legged for long periods.
Source: Medical News Today
Adolescents who use smartphones for more than three hours a day found to suffer more from back pain
Thanks to the popularization of smartphones and tablets, and the multiplication of video channels, computer games and educational apps, children and adolescents are spending more and more time looking at screens, usually with bad posture, which can cause back pain, among other problems.
Source: Medical Xpress
Why is the pain worse after an epidural steroid injection?
The reasons for an increase in pain are not well documented. The epidural space, where the doctor injects the steroid, is small. The introduction of steroid fluid into this space, where nerves are already inflamed, may temporarily increase pressure, irritating spinal nerves.
Source: Medical News Today
Pain in the back: Preventing and treating spinal arthritis
The spine is susceptible to osteoarthritis because of the motion between the vertebrae. It's most common in the lower back, or lumbar spine, because these joints carry most of the body weight.
Source: Medical Xpress
Best medications for low back pain, according to new research
Ouch, that aching back! Perhaps it’s from sitting too long, picking up a heavy object, a sudden slip or fall, or an aging spine — whatever the cause, sudden pain in the lower back is a common complaint. People often reach for over-the-counter pain medication to help. But which type of pain med is most effective?
Source: CNN
Pulsed radiofrequency with steroid injection brings sciatica relief
Researchers found that a minimally invasive procedure combined with epidural steroid injection treatment led to superior pain reduction and disability improvement over one year in patients with sciatica. The results of the study were published in Radiology. The combined treatment performed better than steroid injections alone.
Source: Medical Xpress
Why sitting with crossed legs could be bad for you
Are you sitting comfortably? Just pause for a moment and without adjusting, notice your posture. What are your legs doing? Are they crossed? And are you a right or left crosser? Some 62% of people cross right over left, 26% go the other way and 12% have no preference.
Source: Medical Xpress
All that texting and scrolling leads to a rise in 'tech neck'
Technology can be a pain in the neck, leading to what's known as "tech neck," chronic pain that results from prolonged use of mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Source: Medical Xpress
What if radiofrequency ablation does not reduce your back pain?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure aiming to shrink the sizes of nodules and tumors or treat pain. RFA is not a cure-all solution, however. Back pain may not go away after RFA or may come back.
Source: Medical News Today
Q and A: What is degenerative disk disease?
Degenerative disk disease is a common cause of back pain. Our spinal disks wear out with age and use. About 20% of all U.S. adults have some amount of degeneration by age 65.
Source: Medical Xpress
Ankylosing spondylitis back pain treatment
Back pain is the main symptom of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a form of arthritis that affects the spine. The pain typically affects the lower back or hips, where the spine and pelvis join up. It may get worse after periods of inactivity, such as after sleeping.
Source: Medical News Today
Which medications are best for treating acute low back pain?
Acute low back pain is a common cause of disability. An analysis in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research examined which non-opioid drugs are best for treating this condition.
Source: Medical Xpress
Polluted Air May Speed Osteoporosis Bone Loss
Exposure to elevated levels of air pollutants is associated with bone damage in postmenopausal women, according to a new study that said the effects were most evident on the lumbar spine.
Source: US News
Fractures, strains, and falls: How to prevent winter back injuries
Winter weather can be treacherous for your back. Whether it's a lumbar strain from shoveling wet, heavy snow or taking a spill on a slick sidewalk, winter conditions can seriously affect your back health.
Source: Medical Xpress
Ankylosing spondylitis and neck pain
Usually, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) starts in the lower spine, but it can also affect the upper spine and neck. For some, the neck is where AS symptoms begin, which may cause stiffness and pain.
Source: Medical News Today
What are some possible early warning signs of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis causes bones to become porous and weaker, and many people do not have noticeable symptoms until they experience an injury or fracture. However, early signs of the condition can include receding gums, weakened grip strength, and brittle fingernails.
Source: Medical News Today
Chiropractic spinal manipulation associated with reduction in low back surgery
A recent study from University Hospitals (UH) Connor Whole Health has found that adults who initially visit a chiropractor to receive spinal manipulation for low back pain caused by disc herniation or radiculopathy (i.e., sciatica) are less likely to undergo discectomy (i.e., disc surgery) over the subsequent two years. This study was recently published in the journal BMJ Open.
Source: Medical Xpress
Noninvasive Interventions Can Reduce Spine Pain Versus Usual Care
A multidisciplinary biopsychosocial intervention or an individualized postural therapy (IPT) intervention can reduce pain-related disability at three months compared with usual care among patients with acute or subacute spine pain, according to a study published in the Dec. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Source: HealthDay
What to know about sacral fractures
Younger people can break their sacrum during motor vehicle accidents or serious falls. However, older people, especially those with osteoporosis, may experience fractures after minor falls.
Source: Medical News Today
Acupuncture can relieve lower back and pelvic pain often experienced during pregnancy
Acupuncture can significantly relieve the lower back and/or pelvic pain frequently experienced by women during their pregnancy, suggests a pooled data analysis of the available evidence, published in BMJ Open.
Source: MedicalXpress
Why is my sciatica not going away?
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that radiates down the back into the hip and leg. It often goes away in a few weeks, but for some people, the condition is chronic.
Source: Medical News Today
What to know about cervical stenosis in the spine
Cervical stenosis (CS) is the medical term for the narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical or “neck” region of the spine. In CS, the upper part of the spinal canal becomes narrowed, compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots in this area.
Source: Medical News Today
What does arthritis in the spine look and feel like?
Spinal arthritis includes a range of degenerative conditions affecting the joints in the spine. The condition may cause swelling and pain. Imaging scans may also show changes to the bone structure.
Source: Medical News Today
Stretches and exercises to relieve SI joint pain
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the spine to the pelvis. People who have injured this joint may experience pain in the lower back, buttocks, and down the back of the thigh. Simple stretches and exercises may ease the pain and help people move around more comfortably.
Source: Medical News Today
Spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis yielded high return to sport rates
Results showed patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who were released to unrestricted activity at 4 to 8 weeks after posterior spinal fusion had high return to sport rates with a rapid return to baseline performance levels.
Source: Healio
What Causes Pain Between The Shoulders And How To Fix It
Pain between the shoulders is common: As many as one in 10 men and one in five women experience upper back pain, according to a 2015 journal article in Occupational Medicine[1]. Often, upper back pain between the shoulders is caused by a muscle strain due to overuse, injury or poor posture, and although the resulting discomfort can range from mildly uncomfortable to severe and debilitating, the root cause can often be corrected with a combination of rest, stretching and exercise.
Source: Forbes Health
Why Back Pain Is More Common as You Age, and What to Do About It
It's not your imagination: Your back has definitely gotten achier and more injury-prone as you've aged. But what's behind the growing discomfort, and is there anything you can do to make it go away?
Source: Livestrong
Q and A: Back pain
It seems like everyone I know has some type of back pain. My husband and I both suffer from back pain but mine is a dull ache at the end of the day while he seems to have shooting pain. Why are our backs so susceptible to pain and how do I know when we should talk with our doctor?
Source: Medical Xpress
What Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is and How It Works
Minimally invasive spine surgery is a type of spine surgery that requires smaller incisions and does less damage to muscles and tissue. Spine surgeries that require less cutting and moving have become more common thanks to advanced tools and robotics.
Source: Healthline
At Last! An Effective New Treatment for Chronic Back Pain
A new treatment offers hope for people challenged with chronic back pain. It focuses on retraining how the back and the brain communicate, and was demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. The research was performed by scientists at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and several other Australian and European universities.
Source: SciTechDaily
An effective new treatment for chronic back pain targets the nervous system
A treatment that trains both the brain and the body has shown important effects on pain and disability, a new study has found.
Source: Science Daily
5 Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis Back Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly affects peripheral joints, but can also impact the neck vertebrae, which can lead to back pain. A person can lower discomfort with medical treatment, exercise, and other home remedies.
Source: healthline
Having 'good' posture doesn't prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause it
Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Most people experience an episode of back pain in their lifetime.
Source: Medical Xpress
Other Conditions and Complications of Ankylosing Spondylitis
AS is a chronic, debilitating disease. This means it can get progressively worse. Serious complications can arise, especially if the disease is left untreated.
Source: healthline
What are the most likely causes of upper back pain?
Pain in the upper back is usually the result of poor posture, muscle overuse, or injury. Treatment may include home remedies, such as rest and gentle exercises, or possibly seeing a physical therapist.
Source: Medical News Today
Aching Backs in Seniors: An Expert's Guide to Pain Meds
Back and neck pain are often an unfortunate part of aging, but older adults can safely find relief with various medications, a new research review concludes.
Source: HealthDay
Ankylosing spondylitis and spinal stenosis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that typically affects the spine, lower back, and sacroiliac joints. People with the condition have an increased risk of developing other spinal problems, such as spinal stenosis.
Source: Medical News Today
Spinal fractures in the elderly are preventable with simple X-rays
Among older people, vertebral compression fractures are very common, and those with such fractures are at high risk of incurring new ones. Findings in a new thesis from the University of Gothenburg indicate that a simple X-ray method should be introduced as a routine procedure
Source: Medical Xpress
How to strengthen the lower back
Strengthening exercises for the lower back can help stabilize the lower spine and support the upper body. They may also help alleviate and prevent lower back pain.
Source: Medical News Today
Could Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Help My Low Back Pain?
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a treatment approach to lower back and pelvis pain. The sacrum and the ilium naturally form a joint — and this fusion procedure joins the two together. If conservative treatment methods such as medications, exercises, and injections don’t help the back pain, surgical treatments in the form of a sacroiliac joint fusion may help.
Source: healthline
9 questions to ask your spine surgeon
Talk with your health care team about how you are feeling before you commit to spine surgery. They are available to answer all your questions and provide reassurance.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Q&A: Osteoporosis and exercise
Recently, she was diagnosed with osteoporosis and is worried about maintaining her active lifestyle for fear of injury. Can she continue to exercise? If so, which types of exercises will be best for her?
Source: Medical Xpress
Americans Try Many Things to Ease Chronic Back Pain
Nearly half of all U.S. adults have back pain, and 40% say the pain limits their social activities, according to a new poll.
Source: WebMD
Smoke break: New study strengthens link between smoking and increased fracture risk in men
It's no secret that puffing cigarettes is the culprit behind a whole host of ailments, including respiratory diseases and cancers of the lungs and throat. But a new University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) study has revealed that male smokers—who, demographically, are more likely than women to light up—are also placing themselves at a significantly increased risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures, and early death.
Source: Medical Xpress
Can COVID-19 cause neck pain?
Some people with COVID-19 experience neck pain, soreness, and stiffness. In some cases, neck pain can be a persistent symptom of long COVID.
Source: Medical News Today
8 reasons you're experiencing lower right back pain and what to do about it
Lower right back pain can be due to a sprain, infection, cancer, pregnancy, and much more. To get proper treatment you need the right diagnosis so track any other symptoms you're having. Your symptoms and the type of pain you're experiencing can help you identify the cause and find relief for lower right back pain. Here's what might be at play.
Source: Insider
A Guide to Healthy Sleep Positions
A good sleeping position along with a good quality of sleep throughout the night relaxes the spine and muscles. Sleep is needed not just for relaxation but also for mental and physical recovery.
Source: News Medical Life Sciences
Your Guide to Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis is a type of spinal stenosis, a condition that occurs when your spinal canal narrows. The narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to myelopathy, which is damage to the spinal cord.
Source: healthline
Managing ankylosing spondylitis pain
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. In the case of AS, the immune system attacks the joints, which leads to pain and other symptoms. It also may cause joint damage.
Source: Medical News Today
Is there a difference between spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis?
Spondyloarthritis is a term used to describe a group of related inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the spine and other joints. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common type of spondyloarthritis.
Source: Medical News Today
Not all low back pain is the same
Nearly every movement you make involves your back in some manner. This constant movement and support mean that your back is susceptible to strain and stress. Understanding the causes of back pain, along with the symptoms, can help you and your health care team determine the best treatment options for you.
Source: Mayo Clinic Health System
Lumbar zygapophyseal joints injections under ultrasound guidance an alternative to fluoroscopy guidance in the management of low back pain
Ultrasound-guided injections are reliable, accessible and a safe alternative that should be preferred over those under fluoroscopy.
Source: Nature
6 Exercises for Lower Back Pain
Whether it’s chronic, acute or episodic, low back pain is a common problem among adults, causing more disability around the world than any other condition.
Source: AARP
Pool therapy beats physical therapy for chronic low back pain
Aquatic (pool) therapy and physical therapy are two treatments that can reduce pain. But which is better for chronic low back pain? A small randomized trial published online Jan. 3, 2022, by JAMA Network Open suggests that buoyancy has the edge.
Source: Harvard Health Publishing
What to know about reversing osteoporosis
A person with osteoporosis has weakened bones that are more likely to break. Although the condition is not reversible, people can prevent further bone loss and rebuild bones with medication, a nutrient-dense diet, and weight bearing exercise.
Source: Medical News Today
What to know about spinal gout
Spinal gout is a form of gout that affects areas of the spine. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can occur due to a buildup of uric acid.
Source: Medical News Today
Spinal problems and digestive issues: Is there a link?
The CNS governs voluntary movements, such as walking, and involuntary movements, including those involved in digestion. Therefore, conditions that affect the spinal cord may also affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Source: Medical News Today
Aquatic exercise cuts pain, disability from chronic low back pain
Therapeutic aquatic exercise leads to greater pain alleviation in patients with chronic low back pain compared with physical therapy, according to a study published online Jan. 7 in JAMA Network Open.
Source: MedicalXpress
4 Ways To Treat Radiating Pain in Your Leg
If you experience a sharp, regular or recurring pain shooting or radiating down your leg — known as radiculopathy — you may suffer from a damaged nerve or a herniated disk in your spine.
Source: healthessentials
Why You Should Start Doing Planks
Plank exercises work your core muscles, which are located between your pelvic floor and diaphragm. The area is also known as your trunk. These muscles support your movements and stabilize the spine.
Source: healthessentials
FDA Authorizes Marketing of Virtual Reality System for Chronic Pain Reduction
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today authorized marketing of EaseVRx, a prescription-use immersive virtual reality (VR) system that uses cognitive behavioral therapy and other behavioral methods to help with pain reduction in patients 18 years of age and older with diagnosed chronic lower back pain.
Source: FDA
Precise blood pressure control may aid patient recovery from spinal injury
A study using machine learning techniques suggests that maintaining an optimal range of blood pressure control during surgical repair of spinal injuries may improve patient outcomes.
Source: Science Daily
Back pain can be better localized using a newly developed technique
While much prior research has looked at different spine structures as possible sources of pain, more attention is now being paid to the lower back muscles using MRI imaging.
Source: Medical Xpress
Osteoporosis Fractures: Treatment & Prevention
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes decreased bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which increases the risk of fractures. It is considered a silent disease, meaning there are no other symptoms until a fracture occurs. The increased risk of fractures with osteoporosis can make you more susceptible to chronic pain and disability.
Source: Verywell Health
Snow Shoveling Techniques to Prevent Low Back Injuries
Shoveling snow is a common cause of back pain and can exacerbate an existing back condition. Using simple and appropriate snow-shoveling techniques will go a long way in preventing unnecessary pain and injury.
Source: Spine-health
Can a massage help with ankylosing spondylitis?
A therapeutic massage can provide relaxation, pain relief, and increased blood flow for a person with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, not everyone will benefit from a massage, and people with AS must be careful to select a qualified, experienced professional to perform the treatment.
Source: Medical News Today
Back pain common among astronauts offers treatment insights for the Earth-bound
The scientists say further study among astronauts of these methods—including specialized suits and certain exercises—may provide insights for treating back pain in the estimated 80% of Earth-bound people who experience some form of it over their lifetimes.
Source: Medical Xpress
Back pain: Why exercise can provide relief and how to do it safely
But while you might think you should rest your back if it hurts, being active can actually help relieve your pain and protect you from getting back pain again in the future. This is because our spines are designed to move, bend and lift
Source: Medical Xpress
Your faqs answered: lumbar epidural steroid injection
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a treatment to relieve pain in your lower back or legs caused by inflammation of the nerves in your spine.
Source: healthline
Sitting at your desk doesn't have to be a pain in the neck
Working at a desk is a common cause of back and neck pain, often because you accommodate your workstation rather than the other way around.
Source: Medical Xpress
Is Walking Good for Sciatica?
Whether you should walk and how much you should walk are questions to discuss with your doctor or physical therapist. The general view now is that movement and activity are a good thing for people with sciatica, as long as you walk correctly and are not increasing pain.
Source: healthline
Muscle relaxants largely ineffective for low back pain
Muscle relaxant drugs are largely ineffective for low back pain, despite being widely prescribed for this condition, suggests an analysis of the latest evidence published by The BMJ today.
Source: Medical Xpress
More than half of Americans plagued by back, leg pain
More than half of U.S. adults suffer from pain, with backs and legs the most common sources, according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Source: Medical Xpress
Best exercises for sciatica
People with sciatica may find that certain exercises and stretches help bring relief from pain and tightness in the sciatic nerve and the surrounding area. Although sciatica generally resolves in time, these exercises may speed the healing process.
Source: Medical News Today
Missing Work Due to Lower Back Pain? Recommended Treatments Are the Answer
Back pain can interfere with many parts of a person's life, including their ability to get work done. In fact, new research finds that people who don't receive the proper treatment miss more days of work compared to those who do.
Source: Verywell Health
How to Tell if You Have Arthritis in Your Neck
No matter where it occurs in the body, arthritis can be a real pain. One type, which goes by the name cervical spondylosis, can leave you with a stiff neck or major aches.
Source: msn
Why Is My Sciatica Not Going Away?
Sciatica is a condition caused by an irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression of your sciatic nerve. It can lead to moderate-to-severe pain and weakness in your lower back, buttocks, and legs. Sciatica typically heals in 4 to 6 weeksTrusted Source, but for some people, it can last longer.
Source: Healthline
Mayo Clinic Minute: Scoliosis is not just for kids
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve. It's frequently diagnosed in children—often during the growth spurt just before puberty. But it can happen in adults.
Source: Medical Xpress
Preventing Falls and Fractures
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million people have osteoporosis, and almost 44 million more have low bone mass, which places them at risk for fractures. The good news is that it's not too late to protect yourself. Even if you already have thin bones or have already suffered a fracture, you can take the following steps to prevent future breaks.
Source: HealthDay
People with back pain miss far fewer workdays when they receive recommended treatments
Medical guidelines help doctors understand the best way to treat health conditions. Surprisingly, many doctors do not adhere to them, and this is a problem, according to a new study by scientists at University of Utah Health and MDGuidelines.
Source: MedicalXpress
6 Stretches To Do In The Morning If You Have Back Pain
When it comes to dealing with back pain, there’s some good news and bad news. The good news is that, in many cases, regular back pain isn’t serious. The bad news? Even back pain that isn’t “serious” is still pretty painful to deal with on a day-to-day basis. experts share six stretches to do every morning if you’re dealing with back pain.
Source: Huffpost
What Not to Do If You Have Neck Pain
When treating your neck pain, you need to be active in your treatment, and you should stop doing certain things that may be causing your neck pain or things that may be leading to unnecessary worry and anxiety about your pain. Avoiding certain activities can be an important component of managing your cervical pain.
Source: Verywell Health
Try the Superman Exercise to Stand Tall and Proud
The superman exercise is an effective and efficient exercise for people of all fitness levels. It targets your lower back muscles, glutes, hamstrings, and abs.
Source: Healthline
Back pain shows association with increased mortality risk in women
New research from Boston Medical Center identifies elevated mortality risk for women with back pain when compared to women without back pain.
Source: Medical Xpress
Working from home? Here's how to preserve your posture
If you're working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, you need to have a work space that's doesn't cause pain or discomfort in your back, neck or legs, a spine specialist says.
Source: MedicalXpress
Safe exercises for a herniated disk
Gentle exercises, stretches, and activities can all help relieve the pain of a herniated disk. Exercises can also strengthen and improve flexibility in the spine, neck, and back.
Source: Medical News Today
Diagnosis and treatment for ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis causes chronic pain in the joints, usually starting in the back and buttocks. No single test can diagnose ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but a range of questions and techniques can help confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
Source: Medical News Today
Do you have sports-related back pain? Know when to call a doctor
Whenever you step out onto the playing field or into the gym, you run the risk of suffering some sort of injury. Back injuries are among the most common, whether you’re a committed and competitive athlete or a weekend warrior.
Source: healthessentials
How to Keep Your Spine Happy While Working – or Learning – at Home
Whether you're the parent of a young student who is learning remotely this fall or a student yourself – or you're working from home – understanding ways to minimize your spine injury risk is essential.
Source: US News
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections for Low Back Pain and Sciatica
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common treatment option for many forms of lower back pain and leg pain. They have been used for decades and are considered an integral part of the nonsurgical management of sciatica and lower back pain.
Source: Spine-health
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Facet Joint Disorders
Lumbar facet joint disorders most commonly cause lower back pain that is characterized by a localized ache with some degree of stiffness. This pain is usually worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. In case of spinal nerve root impingement, radicular leg pain (sciatica) may occur.
Source: Spine-health
The best ways to relieve neck, back and shoulder pain at home
Working from home has many perks. You can make a snack whenever you like and no one knows if you're wearing comfy clothes from the waist down. But neck, back and shoulder pain isn't one of the many benefits. Fortunately, the right stretches can get rids of those aches and pains.
Source: Patient.info
Overview of the Lumbosacral Joint (L5-S1)
The L5-S1 junction, located between the lumbar curve (which sweeps forward) to the sacral curve (which opposes the direction of the lumbar curve and goes backward) is particularly vulnerable to misalignment, wear and tear, and injury.
Source: Verywell Health
Posterior Disc Bulge vs. Herniated Disc
With so many descriptive terms and glossary items for disc-related problems, it's easy to get overwhelmed when researching your diagnosis. We'll distinguish between two common intervertebral disc conditions: the bulging disc and the herniated disc.
Source: Verywell Health
Causes of Neck Pain and Treatment Options
Neck pain has many potential causes ranging from acute problems, like muscle strains and whiplash, to conditions that develop over time, such as cervical spondylosis (neck osteoarthritis) and myofascial pain syndrome. Pinched nerves, infections, fractures, and spinal cord problems are other possible reasons you may be experiencing neck pain.
Source: Verywell Health
Health Tip: Lifting Heavy Things
People who practice smart lifting techniques are less likely to suffer muscle sprains, pulls and injuries caused by heavy lifting.
Source: Health Day
Easy neck stretches for tension relief
It can happen when you're stuck in traffic, or hunched over for hours at your desk, or even sitting in the stands watching your child's lacrosse game—that painful twinge in the back of your neck.
Source: Medical Xpress
Do more to strengthen your core
Developing core strength is essential for fitness and overall health, but it doesn't have to be a drudge. If you're ready to go beyond crunches—or never liked them to begin with!—consider these moves that target the muscles in your torso and spine.
Source: Medical Xpress
Exercises for easing and preventing upper back pain
Upper back pain and tension are common complaints, particularly when people feel stressed or spend a lot of time hunched over desks or computers. Exercises that stretch the neck, shoulders, and upper back can help relieve pain and loosen tight muscles.
Source: Medical News Today
Causes of lower back pain when standing or walking
Lower back pain is very common, so determining an underlying cause may often come down to looking at other symptoms and details.
Source: Medical News Today
What can cause a tingling sensation on the back?
A tingling, or pins and needles, sensation in the back can result from conditions that affect the underlying nerves. Doctors refer to this sensation as paresthesia. Causes can include infections, spinal injuries, fibromyalgia, and vascular malformations.
Source: Medical News Today
What causes lower back and hip pain?
When pain in the lower back occurs alongside hip pain, there may be a common cause. Certain health conditions or injuries can affect the nerves in both of these areas.
Source: Medical News Today
7 stretches and exercises for scoliosis
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways, causing pain, weakness, and changes in the way a person walks. Exercise and stretching are vital components of treatment.
Source: Medical News Today
What are synovial cysts?
Synovial cysts are small, fluid-filled lumps that tend to form on the lower spine. These cysts are not cancerous and often do not cause any symptoms. However, they can sometimes lead to problems such as sciatica.
Source: Medical Xpress
How to strengthen the lower back
Doing exercises to strengthen the lower back can help alleviate and prevent lower back pain. It can also strengthen the core, leg, and arm muscles.
Source: Medical News Today
