Common Spinal Muscle Injuries, Anatomy, and Functions
Common Spinal muscle injuries There are three different regions of spine muscles, and all are prone to spinal muscle injuries. These regions are cervical (neck), thoracic (trunk), and lumbar (low back). The eighteen cervical, five thoracic, and eight lumbar muscles are each named for their function, location, and shape. Some muscles lie just beneath the […]
The Sacroiliac Joint: Anatomy, Function, and Common Conditions
The sacroiliac joint is a junction in the pelvis where the sacrum and ileum join. This connection has a fine covering of cartilage that protects both bones. The rough texture of each bone’s surface allows them to interlink and provide motion at the point of contact. The sacroiliac is a synovial joint, which means that […]
The Lumbar Spine: Anatomy, Function, and Common Injuries
The lumbar spine is the section of vertebrae located in the lower back, in the bottom third of the spinal column. This section consists of five vertebrae (L1-L5) at the point the spine bends inward toward the abdomen. The lumbar spine links to the thoracic spine at the top and the sacral spine at the […]
The Thoracic Spine: Anatomy, Function, and Common Injuries
The Thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae (T1-T12) and is located in the upper and mid back. The top of the thoracic spine links with the cervical spine and the bottom joins with the lumbar spine. The discs between each vertebra are thinner than those in the cervical and lumbar regions; there is less shock […]
The Cervical Spine: Anatomy, Function, and Common
The cervical spine (neck) is the first section of the spinal column and starts at the bottom of the skull. It contains seven vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs and joins with the thoracic spine, which is the next section below. The first two vertebrae called the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2), are entirely different […]
An Overview of Melorheostosis and Treatment Options
Melorheostosis is a rare and progressive condition affecting bone formation in various areas of the skeleton, including the spine in unusual instances. The disease is not cancer-related and also impacts soft tissue formation. Melorheostosis can develop in both children and adults and is equally prevalent in men and women. The exact cause of the syndrome […]
Back Pain and Pregnancy
Lumbar (low back) pain during pregnancy is very normal and occurs in between 50 and 80% of women. Symptoms can be mild to acute, depending on specific activities, and have the potential to develop into a chronic situation. Current research demonstrates that lumbar pain with pregnancy happens between the fifth and seventh months, and may […]
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 […]
An Overview of Syringomyelia and Treatment Options
Syringomyelia is a chronic condition in which a fluid filled develops within the spinal cord. The sac grows larger over time and causes compression and damage to the spinal cord. The condition often begins in the neck but can occur along any section of the spinal cord. Syringomyelia is rare and is found most frequently […]
An Overview of Scoliosis and Treatment Options
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine has rotated abnormally and curves to the side. Scoliosis can exist at birth or develop during childhood, and most commonly occurs during adolescence. The ailment is very rarely found in adults, and due to the onset of facet joint disease. Scoliosis causes are not known, although genetics […]
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Is It Right For Me?
Spine surgery should be your last option when non-surgical treatments fail to relieve your spine and neck pain. The good news is that modern technology has paved the way for minimally invasive spine surgery procedures. Minimally invasive spine surgery is designed to cause the least amount of trauma possible to the patient. A skilled surgeon […]
Orthopaedic Health: Do I Need a Cortisone Shot?
Your doctor may have advised you to take a cortisone shot for your arthritis or other painful condition, but do you really need it? Cortisone injections have long been proven safe and appropriate for a lot of orthopedic health issues. However, some tend to develop concerns when they hear that this procedure uses steroids. You […]
