Some people claim they know cold weather is coming because they can “feel it” in their bones. There are also some individuals who believe a drop in temperature also worsens their back pain. Does cold weather cause back pain? The short answer is “yes,” because spine-supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments can tighten when exposed to […]
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Sometimes all it takes to trigger a painful lower back spasm is attempting to quickly lift something heavy without thinking about proper form. Other times, spasms occur because of repetitive movements, poor posture, or strains/sprains from overuse or overextension. Often accompanied by a sensation of affected muscles moving or contracting, the resulting discomfort can include […]
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Most of the 23 discs that make up the human spine are in the middle back (thoracic spine) area. However, it’s the spongy supportive structures in the neck and lower back that often contribute to disc-related pain because spinal discs in these areas are more flexible and less protected than mid-spine discs. If you experience […]
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Sciatica is a common source of lower back pain that often extends to parts of the lower extremities. The longest single nerve in the human body, the sciatic nerve runs from the lower back (starting at segment L3) into the legs before branching off into other nerve groups. Sciatica is a type of nerve compression […]
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When spinal spaces narrow in certain areas, it’s referred to as spinal stenosis. Often affecting the lower back and neck, the condition can be a source of localized pain or discomfort felt in nearby areas (radiculopathy) if nerves traveling through the affected area are compressed. Stenosis of the spine can be caused by a deformity […]
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Located below the waist, the sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the lower part of the spine to the pelvis. Aging, pregnancy, and even previous spine surgery in the same area can contribute to a sacroiliac joint dysfunction that causes pain in the lower back or legs. If you have SI joints that are inflamed (sacroiliitis), not […]
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The first type of spine surgery in recorded history was performed in the 7th century. In the 21st century, we’ve reached a point where many common procedures can be performed with minimally invasive techniques that involve smaller incisions and fewer risks. Even so, recovery may not be as simple and straightforward as you expect. This […]
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It’s easy to take your spine for granted when it’s not causing you any significant pain, but it’s still a structure that needs some attention to keep everything functioning properly. If you’re already making an effort to get the type of exercise that works your core spine-supporting muscle groups, you’re on the right track. However, […]
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If you’ve been experiencing back or neck pain that’s not responding well to conservative treatments, you’ve probably had some discussions with your doctor or a spine specialist about surgery. Odds are good that such talks have included a mention of minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS), which is an increasingly common way to perform many decompression […]
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When spine surgery is in your future, many things are likely to pop into your head, such as what type of post-op discomfort you may experience and what your physical therapy routine might be like as you recover. However, it’s just as important to give some thought to your eating habits and diet after spine […]
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