If you’re plagued by back pain, know that you’re not alone. It is a common problem, which experts estimate to affect up to 80 percent of the adult population in the United States. Back pain may develop without an obvious cause, but it can also occur due to: A muscle or ligament strain – From…
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Can an Orthopedic Surgeon Help Me with Tailbone Pain in My Spine?
Tailbone pain – also referred to as coccydynia – is pain that occurs in or around the last bone at the bottom of the spine, known as the coccyx (tailbone). Damage or inflammation to the coccyx, or to the surrounding structures, can cause pain and tenderness in the bony area just above the buttocks. Sometimes…
Should I See a Doctor for My Back Pain?
Back pain is a common cause of misery not only among many Americans but among millions of people the world over. It comes as no surprise that it has been deemed by experts as one of the world’s biggest health problems. Many cases of back pain are either self-limiting or respond to conservative treatment (over-the-counter…
How Can a Pain Management Doctor Help Me with My Sciatica?
Sciatica is a painful and frustrating spinal condition that is characterized by persistent pain that begins in the lower back and usually travels down one leg, and sometimes both legs. The good news is that sciatica pain can – with proper care – be controlled. Let’s talk about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this…
Different Types of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine: instead of falling into normal alignment, the vertebrae make an S- or C-shaped curve. Over time, the curve may become more prominent and eventually cause health problems. There are four types of scoliosis: idiopathic, neuromuscular, degenerative, and congenital scoliosis. While these types have…
Is Your Job Causing Spinal Pain?
Spinal pain, which can involve back pain and/or neck pain, may be caused by everything from trauma to inactivity to repetitive-motion injury. People who work in the fields of medicine, construction, factory, retail, landscaping, driving, farming, or even desk jobs are all at risk of developing an aching back and neck. Although your job may…
Things to Consider When Choosing a Spine Surgeon
You may be suffering from chronic back pain due to your profession, your favorite hobby, a sports injury, a fall, or an accident. You’re not alone: About 28% of men and 32% of women in the United States struggle with back pain. If your primary care physician has recommended that you have back surgery, you…
Tips to Help You Better Describe Your Back Pain to a Doctor
Did you know that back pain accounts for over 264 million lost workdays annually? That is two workdays per full-time worker in the United States. While back pain usually goes away on its own, it can also persist. The statistics just mentioned can tell you how it can interfere with your daily activities. If back pain has…
Can Steroid Injections Help with Chronic Spinal Pain?
Back pain is often caused by spinal problems. It can be a mere nuisance or debilitating, depending on the exact condition or injury, as well as its severity. If you are looking for an effective treatment solution for your chronic spinal pain, consider speaking with an orthopedic doctor about steroid injections. This treatment has helped…
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that causes a sideways curvature of the spine and mostly occurs during the growth spurt, a period before puberty when your child’s height rapidly increases. If you think your child may have scoliosis, you will greatly benefit from the expertise of Dr. Bradley Ahlgren of Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery. He is…