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…
Pain Management Physician
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…
Common Side Effects of Steroid Injections
If you suffer from neck or back pain, our orthopedist can provide treatments to bring you relief. One of the most common treatments used to treat pain is steroid injections. Commonly injected in joints, this treatment helps to temporarily relieve pain and inflammation. The benefit of steroid injections is that they offer effective relief at…
Chronic Spinal Pain vs. Other Types of Back Pain
The World Health Organization says back pain is one of the most common medical conditions that many people suffer from worldwide. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, activity level, and lifestyle. However, not all back pain is the same, and there are plenty of causes. Let’s take a look at the difference between chronic…
Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis: What’s the Connection?
A strong lower back assists in performing physical activities properly. It gives the body the strength and support to perform daily tasks such as lifting and standing. However, narrowing of the spinal canal and traumatic physical injuries can impact the lower back. It might eventually affect the legs and feet, as well. Although it is…
Common Ski Injuries of the Back
For some people, skiing offers a sense of freedom and thrill that no other winter sport can match. Going down the slopes might be an excellent way to pass the holidays, but injuries are an unfortunate part of this recreational activity. Spinal injuries are some of the most frequent injuries sustained by skiers and snowboarders,…
When Are Steroid Injections a Good Choice in Pain Management?
If you have back pain that is interfering with your quality of life, an orthopedist is your best bet in alleviating the pain on a long-term basis. Whereas oral medications can provide temporary pain relief, injection treatment that is administered by a physician can subdue the pain for weeks or even months at a time….
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation and Prevention
Most people are aware of physical therapy as an aftercare treatment method. After surgery, doctors usually recommend physical therapy to help manage and ease discomfort or pain. However, physical therapy isn’t limited to rehabilitation — it’s also preventative. It can address minor conditions before they worsen and prevent some conditions from developing altogether. Your physical…