Many different soft tissues work together to provide direct or indirect support to the spine, including thick, connective tissues called ligaments. Specifically, there are 14 main ligaments running from the top to the bottom of the spine that control flexion, […]
Of the hundred or so types of arthritis, spinal arthritis is one of the most impactful ones since it can affect how the backbone and its supporting parts work. Also called osteoarthritis (OA), spinal arthritis affects the small joints of […]
Fluid-filled sacs known as cysts can appear almost anywhere on or within the body. Some cysts go unnoticed, while others produce symptoms such as persistent pain. When growths like this occur in the spine, they are known as synovial cysts. […]
Delivered to an area around the spinal cord and nerve roots called the epidural space, epidural injections can provide immediate relief. Unlike medications taken orally, injections target the affected area directly. Patients who respond well to epidural injections may experience […]
People sustain approximately 11,000 spinal cord injuries each year. Approximately 38 percent of these injuries are from motor vehicle accidents, with falls, gunshot wounds and similar forms of violence, sports activities, and medical or surgical complications being the other common […]
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a general term for progressive wear of the spongy discs that cushion the spine. Discs anywhere along the spine may become worn enough to produce distracting pain. However, the discs in the lower back and […]
Initial injuries to the spinal cord often set off a domino effect that extends to nearby tissues and nerves. These secondary issues, which may include inflammation and internal scarring, can make it difficult for the nervous system to orchestrate the […]
Produced by the endocrine glands, hormones are messengers that send signals to the rest of the body to control things like metabolism. Over time, the production of some hormones naturally decreases. Age-related changes are also linked in part to many […]
Neck pain from a damaged disc is often treated with anti-inflammatory medications and treatments that include heat and ice applications and exercises to increase muscle strength and naturally ease nerve root pressure. If these types of conservative (non-surgical) treatment options […]