The human back is designed with special padding that is situated between each set of two adjacent vertebrae in the spine. These soft, rubber-like pads absorb shock and pressure while we walk and run, so that the bones in the spine are protected and remain stable. These pads, called discs, also enable the spine to…
Bradley D. Ahlgren MD
Treatments For Chronic Spinal Pain
Most of us experience episodes of back pain at some point in our lives, but often, these spells are temporary and go away without the need for treatment. If you suffer from chronic back pain – pain that persists over a long period of time – it could result from a serious spinal condition and…
Tagged With: Back Pain, Bradley D. Ahlgren MD, Chronic Pain, Chronic Spinal Pain, Orthopedics, Spinal Pain
Benefits of spinal fusion surgery
It is true that many cases of back pain can be resolved using conservative treatment methods, especially if the underlying cause of the pain is a sprain, strain, and other soft tissue injury. However, patients with chronic back pain who do not get relief from nonsurgical treatments may have a structural issue in the spine….
Tagged With: Bradley D. Ahlgren MD, Chronic Pain, Orthopedics, spinal fusion, Spinal Pain, Spine Specialist, spine surgery
Recovery from Back Surgery
If your chronic back pain is no longer being relieved by conservative treatment methods, such as physical therapy and medication, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend back surgery. Patients who undergo a back operation usually have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, vertebral fractures, degenerative disc disease, or another type of spine condition that…
Tagged With: Back Surgery, Bradley D. Ahlgren MD, Chronic Pain, Orthopedics, spine surgeon, spine surgery
How Can a Pain Management Doctor Treat Spine Pain?
A physician who specializes in pain management knows how to treat pain of all sorts. Neck pain and back pain are usually caused by problems in the spine, especially the spinal cord. Back pain along the spine may be due to tight muscles, degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc, or fractures in one or more…
Tagged With: Bradley D. Ahlgren MD, Chronic Pain, Orthopedics, Pain Management Physician, Spinal Pain, Spine Pain
Types of Physical Therapy
Physical therapists treat patients experiencing various problems—from pain management to complications in the circulatory system. Some patients may not know this, but there are different types of physical therapy that cater to specific groups of people and conditions. It pays to be familiar with them, so that you get the specific type of care you…
Recovery From A Lumbar Fusion
you are suffering with a condition that affects the lower spine, which is preventing you from carrying out normal day to day activities, a lumbar fusion may be necessary to alleviate painful symptoms. It can also be useful if other treatments have failed to work successfully. Recovery from lumbar fusion surgery can take time, patience,…
Common Spinal Injuries
Your spine is your body’s primary support structure, facilitating the body’s ability to move, feel, and respond to stimuli. It allows you to stay in an upright position while it also houses the spinal cord, which pairs with your brain to form the central nervous system (CNS). However, everything from sports to household chores to…
When To Get A Microdiscectomy
A lumbar microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on your nerves and spinal cord in your back caused by a herniated disc. It involves the removal of a portion of the bulging disc, hence, the term “micro”. Today, a microdiscectomy can be performed as a minimally-invasive procedure, which requires a smaller incision…
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
One of the most common causes of back pain is degenerative disc disease. Contrary to its name, it’s not an actual disease but rather a set of symptoms that cause neck and back pain that may radiate to the upper and lower extremities and cause weakness, tingling, and shooting pain, depending on the location of…
