An Overview of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)and Treatment Options
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) is a skeletal condition in which new bone formation occurs at the junction between ligaments and tendons, and bone. Bone overgrowth and hardening also take place. DISH arises most often in the spine and does not always cause symptoms. However, for those individuals who do experience symptoms, they can progressively […]
New Trends in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery is being used at a greater rate than at any previous time in history and has become an increasingly common treatment choice for spinal intervention. Over the past several years, research has demonstrated that a minimally invasive approach produces results that are as good or better than traditional open methods when […]
An Overview of Whiplash and Treatment Options
Whiplash is a common condition that occurs in the neck because of a sudden forward or backward movement of the head. It most often results from a sudden forceful jarring of the neck, such as an auto or sports accident, physical abuse, or another high-force trauma to the neck. Whiplash affects both the cervical spine […]
Myelopathy: An Overview
Myelopathy is a condition in which the front of the spinal cord becomes compressed, resulting in progressive deterioration. The disorder most commonly appears in the cervical (neck) area, and in rare instances can be present in the thoracic (torso) region. Myelopathy causes neck pain in greater than ten percent of people over the age of […]
Flatback Syndrome Overview
Flatback Syndrome is a condition that occurs when there is not a normal inward curve in the low back. Typical spinal alignment consists of three curves: inner curves (lordosis) at the neck (cervical) and low back (lumbar) level, and an outer curve (kyphosis) at the trunk (thoracic) level. When these curves lose their natural balance, […]
Ankylosing Spondylitis Overview
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of chronic arthritic disease that affects the spine. The condition is most often found in men between the ages of fifteen and thirty and is more common in certain Native American populations. AS doesn’t have a known cause, but there is a strong genetic element. The specific protein HLA-B27 […]
Scheuerman’s Kyphosis: Description and Treatment Options
Scheuerman’s Kyphosis is a type of condition that occurs when there too much forward curve in the spine. The disorder is most often seen in the mid-back, but can also present in the lower back. Scheuerman’s Kyphosis begins before the onset of puberty and happens during times of bone growth because areas of the vertebrae […]
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) is a fairly new technique used for treating pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord that causes low back pain. It is also sometimes referred to as Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion, Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion, or Transpsoas Lateral Interbody Fusion. The procedure uses a side (lateral) approach instead of […]
Foraminal Stenosis: An Overview
Foraminal Stenosis is a condition that occurs when the passageways through which the nerves extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body become narrowed. Foraminal Stenosis is most often found in the cervical (neck) region but can occur in the lumbar (low back) area. The hallmark of Foraminal Stenosis is intermittent pain […]
Kyphoplasty as a Solution to Compression Fractures
Compression fractures are painful and progressive, and many people who suffer from a compression fracture have also suffered from the change it brings to their lifestyle. However, thanks to kyphoplasty, the lives of people living with a compression fracture have improved significantly. The life-changing procedure is now becoming more common, as there is an increase […]
An Overview of Sacroiliac Injections
A Sacroiliac (SI) Injection, sometimes referred to as a sacroiliac block, is a non-invasive technique applied by a physician to remedy low back pain or sciatica. The purpose of the procedure is to confirm suspected SI joint dysfunction caused by inflammation and give relief from the pain caused by it.SI injections take place on an […]
An Overview of Trigger Point Injections
A trigger point injection (TPI) is a non-invasive technique designed to help relieve pain caused by sensitive areas of muscle tissue called trigger points. These spots of inflammation or spasm are often found in the shoulders and upper back, but can occasionally occur in the lower back and extremities. Trigger points irritate surrounding nerve tissue, […]
