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Current Topic of Discussion – Back Pain
Included are: General Back Pain, Lower Back Pain, Neck & Back Injuries, Back Pain Symptoms
How can I tell if my joint pain is coming from the sacroiliac (SI) joint?
Sacroiliac joint pain can arise from a variety of clinical conditions. A thorough history of clinical symptoms and past medical conditions should be a routine part of the comprehensive evaluation of a patient presenting with SI joint disorders. Patients usually complain of deep-seated pain in the...
How can I tell if my joint pain is coming from the sacroiliac (SI) joint?
Sacroiliac joint pain can arise from a variety of clinical conditions. A thorough history of clinical symptoms and past medical conditions should be a routine part of the comprehensive evaluation of a patient presenting with SI joint disorders. Patients usually complain of deep-seated pain in the region of the SI joint with as many as 50% of...
What is my SI joint (Sacroiliac joint) and why is it causing back Pain?
The sacroiliac (SI) joint lies between the sacrum and the ilium bones of the pelvis. There are two joints, one on each side of the sacrum. The SI joint serves to transfer weight from the upper body to the lower limbs. Strong ligaments and muscles stabilize the sacroiliac joints. The motion of the sacroiliac joint is minimal and limited to 2 mm to...
Exercises for Disc Herniations
Have you woken up one morning and all of a sudden felt an intense pain that starts in your back and travels down one or both of your legs? As many of us have been culprits to low back pain, a specific cause of this pain is a disc herniation, which is when one of the discs that sit in-between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine is ‘pushed’ out of...
What Is A Disc Herniation and How Does It Happen?
You may have heard a variety of terms for a disc herniation, such as “ruptured disc”, “slipped disc”, or “bulging disc”. When there is excessive stress placed through our spine, either at one specific time or repetitively over time, that stress can lead to the outer components of the disc bulging or tearing. In roughly 35% of symptomatic...
Is there Anything that I can do to Prevent Sciatica?
It's not always possible to prevent sciatica, and the condition can come back. To protect your back: Exercise regularly. To keep the back strong, work the core muscles — themuscles in the abdomen and lower back needed for good posture and alignment.A physical therapist can recommend exercises to help prevent common causes ofsciatica. Keep neutral...
What are some risk factors that contribute to my sciatica?
Risk factors for sciatica include: Age. Age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated discs and bone spurs, are the most common causes of sciatica.Obesity. Being overweight increases stress on the spine.Occupation. A job that requires twisting the back, carrying heavy loads or driving a motor vehicle for long periods might...
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica
pain can be almost anywhere along the nerve pathway. Its especially likely to follow a path from the low back to the buttock and the back of a thigh and calf.
Treatment Options for Pinched Nerves in the Neck
It is important to note that the majority of patients with pinched nerves in the neck (aka: cervical radiculopathy) get better over time and do not need treatment. For some patients, the pain goes away relatively quickly—in days or weeks. For others, it may take longer. It is also common for cervical radiculopathy that has improved to return at...
What Tests are Needed to Diagnose a Pinched Nerve in the Neck?
After discussing your medical history and general health, your physical therapist will ask you about your symptoms related to the nerve that is pinched in your neck. He or she will then examine your neck, shoulder, arms and hands—looking for muscle weakness, loss of sensation, or any change in your reflexes. Your physical therapist may also ask...
What are the Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve in my Neck?
In most cases, the pain of cervical radiculopathy starts at the neck and travels down the arm in the area served by the damaged nerve. This pain is usually described as burning or sharp. Certain neck movements—like extending or straining the neck or turning the head—may increase the pain. Other symptoms include: Tingling or the feeling of "pins...