The Sacrum: Anatomy, Function, and Common Conditions
Understanding The Sacrum The sacrum is a large triangle-shaped vertebra at the lower end of the spine. It is created when the sacral vertebrae S1 – S5 fuse between the ages of 18 and 30. The sacrum forms the pelvis by joining with the hip bones, which gives the spine a strong base of support. […]
Treatment of Lumbar Synovial Cysts
What are Lumbar Synovial Cysts? A lumbar synovial cyst is a sac full of fluid that forms in the lower section of the spinal column. Most of these growths form due to the breakdown of a facet joint, which is part of a vertebral bone. Synovial cysts are not cancerous and are often stable for […]
Chronic Back Pain: Overview and Management
Chronic back pain is one of the most prevalent and costly health problems in the United States. If back pain lasts for 12 weeks or more after treatment of the initial damage, then it is chronic. Consequently, chronic pain comes after the injury has healed. Furthermore, 7% of all Americans who sustain a low back […]
An Overview of Spinal Muscle Atrophy and Treatment Options
Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA) is an inherited genetic condition caused by a deterioration of spinal nerve tissue. The disease leads to a loss of size and strength in the muscles surrounding the spinal column, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis. The disorder is rare, occurring in one out of every 6,000 to 10,000 children. The […]
Spine Injuries in Sports
Many people use sports participation as a mode of exercise to help achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, injuries often go together with sports participation, and injuries to the spine are part of these occurrences. Up to 20% of sports injuries affect the spine, predominantly happening in the lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck) […]
Preventative Back Care: What You Should Know
Chronic back problems are a common ailment affecting people in the United States. Back injuries cause pain, interfere with activities of daily living, and can limit the ability of individuals to perform necessary work-related tasks. However, many incidents that lead to injury can be reduced and even eliminated by following a basic plan of preventative […]
What Are Spinal Biologics and How Do They Work?
Biologics are a new trend in medicine, particularly in the area of orthopedic surgery. Spinal Biologics are materials that change their surrounding environment through active cellular processes that promote growth and differentiation, which aid in repair and healing of the injury or condition. They are designed for use as an alternative to traditional treatments. Some […]
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 […]
Lateral Lumbar Inter-body Fusion: What You Need To Know
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 […]
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 […]
Stellate Ganglion Block as an Effective Treatment for RSD
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a condition with symptoms such as having a painful extremity that can also swell, and is associated with sweating, discoloration, flushing, and shiny skin. The symptoms of RSD can occur in the acute, dystrophic, or atrophic stages. While symptoms of RSD can easily be detected and clinical findings with radiological […]
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 […]
