Back Pain

Common Causes of Back Pain and Neck Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

Fortunately, most episodes of back pain will heal with time: approximately 50% of patients will feel relief from low back pain within two weeks, and approximately 90% within three months, regardless of the treatment.

Spondylosis: What It Actually Means

Greg — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:00:42 -0700

Spondylosis refers to a situation where there is degeneration of the spine. It could describe degeneration in the neck portion of the spine (cervical spondylosis) or degeneration in the lower back (lumbar spondylosis). Patients are often confused by the term because, like

5 Back Care Mistakes to Avoid

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

We spend a lot of time talking about what to do to care for your back and spine. For a change of pace, we thought it would be valuable to provide some input about common mistakes to avoid.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

While low back pain rarely radiates to the abdomen, abdominal disorders can often extend to the back and be felt as acute low back pain. This process happens in an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which represents an enlargement of the aorta (large artery) in the abdomen.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

Ankylosing spondylitis represents a relatively rare condition in which the spine ossifies (lays down bone). It typically affects young males and will initially produce pain in the sacroiliac joints.

As the spine becomes more rigid, multiple small stress fractures may develop. Gravity tends to tip the body forward, and the patient may develop a flexed forward posture.

Announcing National Spinal Health Day

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:35:52 -0800

October 16th has been designated National Spinal Health Day by the International Bone and Joint Decade – a global, multi-disciplinary initiative targeting the care of people with musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain. Its focus is on improving your quality of life as well as advancing the understanding and treatment of those conditions through research, prevention and education. National Spinal Health Day is designed to bring attention and education about exercise as a means to reduce the prevalence and severity of back pain.

Automobile Accidents

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise

Automobile accidents cause the body to accept a lot of energy in a very short period of time (high velocity).

Automobile Accidents and Whiplash

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Automobile accidents can cause low back pain, neck pain, and other back problems, including whiplash

Back Pain and Sex

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Back Pain During Pregnancy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

In-depth information on the ways that pregnancy can cause or exacerbate back pain and treatment options for back pain during pregnancy, such as improving posture, physical therapy and exercise

Back Pain in Kids and Teens

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

While back pain is very common for adults, kids and teens are much more resilient and flexible and do not suffer the same types of back injuries to which adults are subject. In fact, medically significant back pain in children and teens is infrequently encountered, with even fewer cases in younger children.

Back Pain in Pregnancy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Introduction to back pain during pregnancy

For pregnant women, back pain during pregnancy is not a trivial matter. If not addressed, it can have a negative impact on your daily lifestyle, cause missed time from work, and make your delivery more difficult. Back pain in the course of your pregnancy can also create problems that will continue for an extended period after delivery.

Back Symptoms that Indicate a Medical Emergency

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

We talk a lot about how most back problems can be successfully managed without surgery, and how exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help keep your back healthy too. While this is true for most cases of back pain, there are times when back pain-related symptoms are a sign of a serious medical problem. Therefore, we thought it would be useful to discuss a number of symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency.

Backpacks and Back Pain in Children

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Each school year millions of children walk to, from and around school carrying backpacks filled with books and materials. Parents should be aware that overly stressing the back with a heavy backpack could cause back pain in their child. Following a few guidelines and using common sense can help avoid this type of back pain.

How the back responds to the backpacks

Using a backpack allows a person to carry more items than would be possible by the arms and hands alone. The risk, however, is overload, which can strain the back, neck or shoulders.

Bone Scan

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

A bone scan is sometimes performed to rule out an inflammatory process (such as a tumor or infection) or an occult fracture (small fracture not seen on an x-ray).

A bone scan is performed by injecting a small amount of radioactive marker into an intravenous line (IV). Three hours later the patient is placed through a scanner and the radioactive marker will be concentrated in any region where there is high bone turnover.

Bone Spurs (Osteophytes) and Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Spondylosis

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise

Brachial Plexitis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Brachial plexitis is an inflammation of the brachial plexus. This is a rare, poorly understood condition.

After the nerve roots leave the cervical spine they combine to form the brachial plexus (a network of nerves). This plexus can become inflamed and cause arm pain. Usually the pain is severe but only lasts for several days, after which the arm becomes weak in multiple different muscles. The weakness may be profound, but will usually get better with time.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

The carpal tunnel is created by the wrist bones on the bottom and a ligament over the top. The median nerve runs through the tunnel along with the flexor tendons to the wrist. Pressure within the tunnel can compromise the nerve and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

The hallmark of carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger. Additional symptoms can include

Common Causes of Back Pain in Pregnancy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

Changes that cause back pain during pregnancy

Both lumbar pain and posterior pelvic pain may be caused by several factors related to changes that naturally occur in your body while pregnant. Common changes due to pregnancy include:

Computerized Tomography (CT scan)

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

A CT scan (see Figure 1) is essentially a fancy x-ray that can take cross section images of the body.

They provide excellent bony detail, yet through multiple views are also capable of imaging for specific conditions, such as:

lumbar disc herniation
lumbar spinal stenosis

More Back Pain Info

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Could My Back Pain Be Cancer?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Diagnosis of Bone Spurs

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Diagnostic Studies for Back Pain and Neck Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

In-depth information about the correct diagnosis of back pain and neck pain, using diagnostic tools such as an MRI scan, x-rays and discograms.
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Do I Need an MRI Scan?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

The MRI (Magnetic resonance Imaging) was developed in the 1980’s and has revolutionized treatment for patients with low back pain. An MRI scan is generally considered to be the single best imaging study of the spine to help plan treatment for back pain.
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Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (Dexa scan)

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Electromyography (EMG)

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

An EMG is sometimes recommended to assess the electrical activity of a nerve root. After three weeks of pressure on a nerve root, the muscle the nerve goes to will begin to spontaneously contract. Compression of a nerve will also slow electrical conduction along that nerve. EMG’s are also sometimes useful to distinguish nerve degeneration (neuropathy) from nerve root compression (radiculopathy).
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Figuring Out Your Diagnosis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Lately we've been getting a lot of questions about the most sure-fire ways to treat certain back conditions, and what to expect after a particular treatment.However, the important first step that often seems to be overlooked is to know your real diagnosis (which is harder than it sounds). Obviously, even the best treatments for back pain won't do much good if the diagnosis is not correct. Here are a few pointers about how to know and understand your diagnosis:
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General Symptoms of a Spinal Tumor

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise

The following general symptoms may be associated with a spinal tumor:
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Getting an Accurate Back Pain Diagnosis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Back pain diagnostic techniques

Because the causes of back pain can be very complex, it is often more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis for back pain or neck pain than for other medical conditions. While some spinal diagnoses are relatively straightforward (such as tumors, infections, or fractures), for many conditions there is little agreement among spine specialists about a diagnosis.
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Getting an Accurate Back Pain Diagnosis - Newsletter

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Dear Spine-Health Member,

Getting an accurate diagnosis for your pain is critical, because different diagnoses will require very different treatment approaches. And the sooner you get an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you can start on a road to pain relief.
read more

Getting Smart About Disc Problems

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:35:52 -0800

Do you or does someone you know have a suspected "slipped disc", "pinched nerve", "degenerating disc", or other disc problem? Have any of your healthcare providers used one or several of these terms? Like many people, you may be unclear which disc condition you actually have and what the appropriate next steps are for dealing with it. This newsletter outlines things you can do to clear up the confusion about the most common painful disc conditions.
read more

How MRI Scans Work

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

The MRI scan “sees” the spine by using a large magnet that stimulates (excites) the hydrogen atoms in the vertebrae (bony building blocks of the spine), spinal sac (contains the spinal cord, nerves and spinal fluid), supporting muscles and ligaments. Because the human body is mostly comprised of water (which is 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen, or H2O), an accurate picture of the spinal anatomy can be attained.
read more

Identifying the Best Care for Back Pain - Patients' Advice

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:34:06 -0800

Patients share tips on finding the right health professional

In this section, patients share their experience of which type of health care professional was the most helpful for their back pain and why.

Asprin and stretching prevent lower back problems

Asprin, and lots of it stops the pain before it starts. (Forget anti-inflammatories.) It is the pain that causes the cramping ... that causes the pain ... that causes the cramping ... etc.
read more

Important Considerations for an MRI Scan

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Indications and Contraindications for an MRI Scan

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

The following general rules are usually considered by a physician before ordering an MRI scan for a patient.
read more

Inside Your Spine

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Spinal anatomy is a remarkable combination of strong bones, flexible ligaments and tendons, large muscles and highly sensitive nerves. Most of us take this juxtaposition of strength, structure and flexibility for granted in our everyday lives--until something goes wrong.Once we're in pain, we're driven to know what's wrong and what it will take to relieve the pain and prevent a recurrence.This newsletter and Spine-health.com should be able to help you in this area.
read more

Introduction to Back Pain and Neck Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

Back pain is as much a part of the human condition as the common cold. In fact, eight out of ten adults will experience an acute episode of back pain at some point in their lifetime. Back pain is the second most common cause of missed workdays due to illness and the most common cause of disability.
read more

Introduction To Diagnostic Studies For Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

Diagnostic studies help identify a back injury

Diagnostic studies are used to confirm an anatomical lesion (injury) as a cause of back pain or neck pain. They are particularly useful to pinpoint the source and extent of the injury to assist in the diagnosis and development of an appropriate treatment plan for the patient's back problems.
read more

Lumbar Discogram Technique for Diagnosis of Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

While different discographers may vary the procedure slightly, the following provides an overview of modern technique for a lumbar discogram.

History and physical exam

A nurse or other healthcare professional conducts the initial interview. All of your questions and concerns should be addressed and answered. This is the time to relate any and all horror stories you may have heard from medical (and non-medical) experts. Despite what you’ve been told, the discogram is not designed to create agony.
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Lumbar Discography for Back Pain Diagnosis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

Lumbar discography is an injection technique used to evaluate patients with back pain who have not responded to extensive conservative care regimens. The most common use of discography is for surgical planning prior to a lumbar fusion.

This diagnostic procedure – also called a discogram – is a controversial one.
read more

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scan)

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

An MRI scan is a completely different technology from an x-ray and CT scan and represents the single most useful imaging study available for spine surgery.

An MRI scan is particularly useful as an aid in the assessment of certain back conditions by providing detail of the spinal disc (such as for degenerative disc disease, isthmic spondylolisthesis) and nerve roots (such as for lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis). MRI scans are also useful to rule out tumors or spinal infections.
read more

Management of Back Pain in Pregnancy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

Conservative treatment for back pain during pregnancy

Conservative management of back pain in pregnancy generally includes performance of appropriate exercise and use of proper body mechanics. These efforts promote and support proper posture, which is essential to avoiding unnecessary stress to supporting structures.
read more

Miscellaneous Causes of Low Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

Miscellaneous causes of low back pain

Miscellaneous causes of low (lumbar) back pain include:
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Miscellaneous Causes of Upper Extremity Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

Rotator cuff tendonitis

Miscellaneous pain causes

Brachial plexus

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Occipital neuralgia

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
read more

MRI Scan of the Spine

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Introduction to MRI scan of the spine

read more

Myths about Back Pain and Neck Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Dear Spine-Health Member,

There are many sources of confusion about back pain and neck pain -- it seems there's always something in the news about a breakthrough that's revolutionizing back pain treatment or a new book that claims to have all the answers.

Unfortunately, as many of you know, the solutions for healing back pain and neck pain are usually not that straightforward. While some people find pain relief quickly, most people find it is a long and winding road to getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
read more

Myths about Causes of Back Pain and Back Problems

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

Myth: The spine is delicate and easily injured

Fact: The spine and its surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments comprise a well-designed structure that’s incredibly strong, flexible and supportive. To help maintain the back and spine, proper conditioning is needed - including strengthening, flexibility and aerobic conditioning. While there are some exceptions to the rule (such as an unstable spinal fracture), the back does not need to be overprotected after recovering from a typical episode of back pain.
read more

Myths about Treatment for Back Pain and Back Problems

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

Myth: There is a standard "cure" for most causes of back and neck pain

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New MRI Scan Technology

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

There is a lot of difference between MRI scanners. First, there is a large difference in image quality between MRI scanners.
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Newsletter: When Back Pain Means A Fracture

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

In conjunction with National Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Month
read more

Occipital Neuralgia

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Piriformis Syndrome

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

The piriformis muscle and the sciatic nerve

The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located in the buttocks that rotates the hip. It runs horizontally, and the sciatic nerve runs vertically directly beneath the muscle. The muscle can become tight and place pressure on the sciatic nerve, resulting in leg pain which may be difficult to distinguish from a radiculopathy (nerve pinching in the spine), which is also commonly called sciatica.
read more

Potential Causes of Back Pain in Children and Teens

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Rheumatoid Arthritis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

Rheumatoid arthritis represents an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself and leads to severe destruction of joints (e.g. hands and feet). It is more common for the cervical spine (neck) to be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, although it may produce low back pain.

The symptoms will be similar to osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis). Treatment is conservative and should include:
read more

Sacroiliac Joint Anatomy and Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

Anatomy of the sacroiliac joint

The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum (triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) with the pelvis (iliac bone). It transmits all the forces of the upper body to the pelvis and legs. There is not a lot of motion in the joint and it is very strong.

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Bone Spurs and Back Pain
read more

Should I See a Doctor for Back Pain?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

read more

Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Spinal Tumors and Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Symptoms of Bone Spurs

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Take Control of Your Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Why not fulfill that New Year’s resolution and take an even more proactive role in managing your back pain this year? In addition to finding the right type of specialist(s) to diagnose and treat the cause of your pain, there are lots of things you can do on your own to complement medical treatments. This newsletter profiles some lesser known things that have proven beneficial for many back pain sufferers.
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The Myths and Reality of Back Pain and Back Problems

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

The experience of back pain can be very complex—many back problems are difficult to diagnose and typically involve a wide variety of treatment options with various risks and benefits. And, it doesn’t help that many myths and misconceptions about back pain and back problems persist.
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Tips to Prevent Back Pain from Kids’ Backpacks

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Although there are very few studies and the medical literature does not agree on specific guidelines for backpack safety to avoid back pain, parents can use common sense to reduce the chance that their child or teen will suffer back pain due to carrying a backpack.

Look for backpack design features that help reduce the chance of back pain:
read more

Treatment Options for Bone Spurs

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

Treatments for Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Chiropractic for low back pain during pregnancy

Fortunately, simple treatments can usually relieve this type of pain. Simple treatment involving manipulation or adjustment of the pelvis has provided relief and restored function for 91% of patients studied (3). To assist the effect of this type of treatment, your chiropractor or medical provider may recommend:
read more

Treatments for Spinal Tumors

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

If any tumor is found in the spine (and there is no other known cancer), a complete examination of all common organs where cancer develops is usually warranted. Evaluation may include:
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Types of Back Pain in Pregnancy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

Common types of pain during pregnancy

Back pain is very common in pregnancy. It is estimated that between 50% and 80% of women experience some form of back pain during their pregnancy, ranging from mild pain associated with specific activities to acute back pain that can become chronic.
read more

Types of Spinal Tumors

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

There are three common types of spinal tumors:
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Understanding Different Types of Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Dear Spine-Health Member,

As you probably already know through personal experience, back pain can be very complex and difficult to accurately diagnosis and treat. There are myriad causes and contributing factors, and a wide range of possible treatments that may or may not work for the same condition. This newsletter will outline some of the basic tenets of back pain to help you on your journey to finding and participating in a treatment approach that works for you.
read more

Understanding Disc Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Pain generated by the spinal disc is quite often misunderstood–partly because health professionals often do not agree on what spinal disc pathology is, and partly because the disc problems are not always well explained to (or understood by) patients.
read more

Understanding Your Spine

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Dear Spine-Health Member,

Spinal anatomy is a remarkable combination of strong bones, flexible ligaments and tendons, large muscles and extremely sensitive nerves and nerve roots. Without question, the anatomy of the spine is a marvel of nature.

Importantly, the spine provides our bodies with:
read more

What Causes Back Pain During Pregnancy?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

Back pain during pregancy is common

Approximately half of all pregnancies are complicated by back pain (1). About 10% of the time, the pain becomes so severe that it can interfere with the ability to work or carry out normal activities during pregnancy.

Factors increasing the risk of back pain during pregnancy

Key factors that are associated with increased risk of developing low back pain during pregnancy include:
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When are Back Problems an Emergency?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Surprisingly, severe back pain isn't usually a sign of a medical emergency

More Back Pain Info

Causes of Neck/Back Pain

Back Pain and Cancer

Bone Spurs and Back Pain

Back and Neck Surgery

Back Pain and Exercise
read more

When Back Pain is Ongoing

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

While a common cause of back pain is a soft tissue injury (such as a muscle strain), in cases of ongoing pain the spinal disc is often the culprit.This newsletter discusses how the disc - and the nerve-rich environment within and around the disc - causes pain.
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When Back Pain May Be a Medical Emergency

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0800

Most types of back pain can be successfully managed over a patient’s lifetime through a combination of non-surgical treatments, such as exercise and pain medications, and possibly surgery. However, certain back pain symptoms are a sign of a medical emergency that may become life threatening or result in disability without prompt attention from an experienced physician. Patients who experience any of the following symptoms should seek medical attention as quickly as possible:
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Who Should Treat Your Back Pain?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:57:44 -0800

Everyday we get e-mails from people asking us what type of doctor they should see for their back pain. Our answer is almost always "it depends". Many different specialists treat back pain, and each has different training, skills and interests. For many people, it may take more than one type of specialist to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate their back condition.
read more

Women's Health

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:20 -0800

This section includes a number of spine disorders and causes of back pain that tend to occur more frequently in women than in men.

Coccydynia
Fibromyalgia
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Piriformis syndrome
Pregnancy
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Additional patient resources
read more

X-ray

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:21 -0800

X-rays provide detail of the bone structures in the spine, and are used to rule out:

Instability (such as spondylolisthesis)

tumors

fractures

They image bones by shooting an x-ray beam through the body. The calcium in bone blocks penetration of the x-ray beam and the image of the bones is picked up as a shadow on a film positioned on the other side of the patient (see Figure 1).
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