Your spine has a natural curve. However, genetics, a tumor, a spinal infection, an injury, or a birth defect can cause an abnormal curvature of the spine known as scoliosis. When it’s mild, it doesn’t require treatment and can be fairly unnoticeable. However, in more serious cases, Dr. Ahlgren or a member of his team…
Spine Surgeon Rochester Hills MI
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…
Preventing Herniated Discs
A herniated disc is a common source of neck or back pain. Discs are the soft, cushion-like pads that are located between each set of two adjacent vertebrae in the spine, and they act as shock absorbers – providing stability and flexibility to the spine. A disc becomes herniated when the thick outer layer of…
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…
What to Expect from Scoliosis Treatments
Scoliosis is a complex disorder in which the spine forms an unusual curve, often in a somewhat “S” shape or a “C” shape. It can occur in both children and adults, but it is usually discovered in childhood. Classic scoliosis characteristics and symptoms include the following: Curved spine Uneven shoulders, hips, and/or waist Back…
Microdiscectomy to Treat Your Herniated Disc – What You Should Know
Your discs prevent your vertebrae from rubbing against one another. Your discs, however, are sensitive and may wear out over time. As the lining of the disc thins and the disc becomes less flexible, you’re more at risk for the outer lining tearing – also known as a herniated disc. Fortunately, a herniated disc treatment…
Protect Your Back: Preventing Spinal Injuries
The spine is a load-bearing structure essential in keeping you stable while you move around and change postures. Despite its strength and durability, the spine can still suffer injuries due to acute trauma or chronic diseases. Even if not all accidents are preventable, there are many ways to reduce the risk of spinal injuries drastically….
5 Reasons to Call Your Spine Surgeon if You Have Spinal Stenosis
Are you constantly ignoring your back pain? If you have pain in your back that is slowly but progressively getting worse and worse, it may be time to see an experienced orthopedist who can give you a quick but thorough evaluation. One of the issues that can cause unexplained but worsening back pain is spinal…
Responsibilities of an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Many orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating a certain area of the body or type of condition. They may focus on sports injuries, arthritis injuries, inherited (congenital) disorders, back issues, and more. An orthopedic spine surgeon specializes in issues that affect the back, and they can offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatment to help the patient…