News and Articles
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
