As a stimulant, caffeine can have multiple effects on your overall health, both positive and negative. A study from 2000 suggested a connection between caffeine and rheumatoid arthritis, a common source of joint inflammation. Subsequent research has produced mixed results. […]
Back pain is often complex because there can be a number of contributing factors seemingly unrelated to your spine. One such factor often overlooked is footwear selection. Shoes that throw off alignment are just as bad for your back as […]
Anywhere from 50 to 70 percent of pregnant women experience some degree of back pain. Usually occurring during the later stages of pregnancy, persistent back pain can make it difficult to sleep and cause an assortment of other distracting aches […]
The carefully controlled movements of yoga make it a fairly safe form of exercise for people looking to relieve neck pain. A German study found that Iyengar yoga, which focuses on alignment to increase mobility and strength, was especially effective […]
Whether you’re pounding out a rhythmic beat as a favorite pastime or it’s your calling in life, being a drummer can be physically demanding. The repetition and posture required for drumming can also be an unexpected source of back pain. […]
The chances of experiencing back pain gradually increase with each decade over the age of 50. Over time, vertebrae shrink and discs lose their sponginess, which means less cushioning with movement and increased susceptibility to developing related conditions that put […]
Associated with age-related wear and tear, degenerative disc disease (DDD) results in structural changes to the spongy discs that cushion the spine. These disc changes can sometimes be coupled with related conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis. […]
A 2012 study in England found a link between lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and the PARK2 gene. Since then, subsequent research has provided added proof of the role of genetics in the development of spine disorders. Environmental and lifestyle factors […]
Though spine surgery is becoming increasingly less invasive thanks to advances in technology, it still presents certain risks. This is why treatments like spinal decompression therapy are worth considering. Performed on a mobilized table, this treatment is a form of […]