Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

Back Pain

What is Disc Arthroplasty?

Disc ArthroplastyOne of the most common complaints of patients is back pain. In most cases it is temporary and healing is quick. However, there are times when it interferes with an individual’s daily life to the point that it disrupts routine activities including those which are work related or recreational. In some cases, spine surgery is the only option for relieving the pain. In many cases severe and consistent pain in the back is caused by degenerated discs. Traditionally, lumbar fusion or cervical fusion were the only options. These surgical methods helped to a degree but also had some negative end results. Disc Arthroplasty can now be used to relieve a patient’s pain while also restoring their movement to a near-normal state.

scoliosis spinal deformity

What is Sacroiliitis?

When one or both of the sacroiliac joints become inflamed it is called Sacroiliitis. The sacroiliac joints are where the lower spine connects with the pelvis. Since Sacroiliitis can cause pain in the lower back, it is often very difficult to diagnose as it can be mistaken as one of many other conditions. The pain that one experiences with Sacroiliitis can be aggravated by standing for long periods of time or by climbing stairs. There can be several components which work together to develop a treatment plan. For those who suspect they may have developed Sacroiliitis, it is important to discuss their condition with a NJ spine specialist.

About Chronic Back Pain

Chronic Back Pain
Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain can be more than just physically taxing; it can also wear on a person’s emotions. When one can gain a clear understanding of how chronic pain is affecting them, it is more likely that they can talk to a doctor or a spinal surgeon who can help alleviate some of the pain, or at least make it more manageable. Patients who grasp some level of understanding their chronic back pain are more likely to benefit in terms of finding emotional support, are more effective at finding a sustainable pain management plan and of being able to cope with the pain. Aside from the most obvious problems associated with chronic back pain, there are some areas that are worth knowing about. For those who recognize that they are dealing with chronic back pain, it is important to talk to a NJ spinal surgeon to see what types of treatment options or pain management techniques are likely to be most effective in their particular situation.

How to Pick a Spine Surgeon

Patients who are faced with selecting a qualified spine surgeon may have many questions. This is perfectly normal and choosing the right surgeon is a very important step in the treatment process. There are plenty of spine surgeons in the NJ area, but how does one go about narrowing down the search and finding the one that is right for their particular situation and circumstances? There are several areas that should be considered and the answers to these questions will help individuals locate the best spine surgeon for them.

How to Treat Seasonal Back Pain

Many times individuals complain about experiencing back pain that is associated with drastic changes in the weather. In some cases individuals claim that they can predict cold weather is coming long before the announcement by their local weather man. There is no doubt that many people experience back pain that seems to worsen when winter sets in and especially when the temperature falls to below freezing. The question is not so much what causes seasonal back pain, as what options do we have when it strikes?

What Are The Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

A disc in your body is the cushioning pads that are between the bones that make up your spinal cord. The purpose of these discs is to support the movement in the spinal column and to support the impact your body experiences. The discs are constructed in a way that they resemble a jelly donut because they are soft in the middle and tougher on the outsides. When the middle portion of the disc ruptures it is called herniation.

The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on where the disc is and how big it is. If you are lucky, and the herniated disc is not pressed up against a nerve, you may not have any symptoms whatsoever. However, it if it pressing up against a nerve, you will experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the part of the body that the nerve is connected to. Here are different symptoms that may be signs that you have a herniated disc.

What is Scoliosis?

ScoliosisSpinal curvature is a sign of a disease by the name of scoliosis. Infantile scoliosis is diagnosed for children under three years old and juvenile scoliosis is reserved for those from four to ten. Everyone’s spine has a slight natural curve to it, but those with scoliosis have a spine that seems to curve too much. Instead of a nearly straight “l”, the sufferers back looks more like a “C” or an “S”. Here is the run down on the causes, signs and symptoms, tests, treatment options, and a general outlook for those who have Scoliosis in NJ.

What Are Bone Spurs?

Bone Spurs
Bone Spurs

Osteophytes, or bone spurs, are bony projections that tend to develop right along the bones edge. They often form where two bones come together at your joints. Some excruciatingly painful bone spurs can form on your spine. The main cause of these is the damage the comes from excessive wear and tear that comes from osteoarthritis. Most of the time the bone spur will not bother you at all and can go unnoticed for many years. Bone spurs may not require any treatment at all. Treatment all depends on whether or not they are affecting your health.

There are some cases, however, that these bone spurs can limit your range of motion and cause large amounts of pain. Symptoms will all depend on where they are located on the body. Bone spurs in the knee can cause discomfort when extending and bending your leg. These growths get in the way of the tendons that keep your whole leg working correctly.

Common Back Pain Questions

Here are ten important questions about common back pain that are asked often and answers to each.

The first question that most people ask about common back pains is what exactly is causing the pain. Strained and stretched muscles is one of the most common causes of back pain. Past injuries that may have damaged the tissue, muscle, or bones of the back is another culprit. A herniated or slipped disc can cause pain. Osteoporosis, obesity, long-term poor posture, and pregnancy are some other things that can cause back pain.