How Common are Disc Herniations?
Surprisingly, I am rarely asked questions about frequency of disc herniations. But the answer is, it is very common. The better question is, “Is the disc herniation seen on the MRI the cause of my pain?”. The answer to that question is maybe. Research has demonstrated that findings of disc protrusions, disc hernations, and disc degeneration are very […]
The Drug Addict is Not Who you Think
So many people have a picture in their heads of what a drug addict looks like, what their lives are like, and how they ended up with such a problem. A good portion of these people would be wrong. Instead of an unemployed, dirty hobo lying in an alley that most people picture, a good portion […]
Not those kind of Steroids!
Steroids are often ordered by physicians for multiple problems. The problems can be anything from breathing problems to allergic reactions. They are often confused with Anabolic steroids so we are frequently asked if they are going to cause muscle growth. Let’s talk…. There are two main types of steroids. Anabolic steroids are a manmade version […]
When is Spine Pain an Emergency?
So often we hear from people who are upset with Emergency Rooms because they feel their neck or back pain was not treated with the seriousness it deserved. A traumatic event such as a bad fall or a serious car accident with any sign of severe pain, or abnormal neurological signs such as paralysis, should […]
Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Back Pain
So often we see patients who suffer from anxiety, depression or have extremely stressful lives. These patients often complain of neck and back pain, usually more severe than their testing would indicate. They are not malingering, nor are they exaggerating. They really feel this pain. Let’s talk…… The body’s reaction to stress varies with each […]
Sacroiliitis
The sacroiliac joint is the joint which connects the hip bone with the iliac bone on either side of the lumbar spine. When there is inflammation of this joint it is called Sacroiliitis. Pain is usually worse after staying in one position for any length of time. Moderate movement is actually helpful. Diseases that can […]
