Category: Back Pain

Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) for Pain Relief – Part I

Jenny L. F. Andrus, MD In this three-part-article series, I’ll discuss a pain-relieving workhorse, ibuprofen, which is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID.  It works by reducing the amount of pain and inflammation-causing hormones circulating in the bloodstream, commonly known as a COX inhibitor.  It appropriate for mild to moderate levels of pain… Read more »

Kyphosis FAQs

Mark W. McFarland, DO Doesn’t everyone have curves in their spine? Absolutely.  A normal spine has several shallow alternating curves, which helps it to balance the weight of the head, and evenly distribute the weight of the body in alignment from the shoulders to the hips, knees and feet. What is Kyphosis? This medical term… Read more »

Transverse Process Fracture of the Spine

Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD, CPE Most of you are familiar enough with human anatomy to know that the spine has bones called vertebrae that are stacked upon one another, sandwiched between vertebral discs that help us walk upright, bear our weight, bend, and even let us perform gymnastics if necessary. However, many people don’t know… Read more »

Five Commonly Believed Myths about “Pinched” Nerves in the Spine

Dr. Carlson in the operating room

Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD, CPE As a spine surgeon, I answer questions from patients daily having to do with spine-related issues.  I also find that I must frequently correct misinformation or commonly held beliefs about pinched nerves and how they impact the body.  In this article, I thought it would be prudent to address some… Read more »

What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?  How Do I Know I Have One? 

Mark McFarland, MD

Mark W. McFarland, MD  This question came in over our web chat and it is a great one to answer. The human spine is made up of 26 vertebrae (bones) that go from your skull to your pelvis.  In between these bones are discs that act as shock absorbers or cushions which help the bones… Read more »

Three Ways to Avoid Musculoskeletal Problems for Life

Dr. Bob Snyder

Robert J. Snyder, MD As a busy Orthopaedic physician who has practiced for many years, I have treated numerous patients in my career, of all ages, genders, from all socioeconomic backgrounds and with different careers. I think it gives me a unique perspective on the issue of how to avoid some of the most common… Read more »

Physical Therapy for Flat Back Syndrome

Frederick Wintermantel, LPTA I work with the Spine Specialists at Orthopaedic and Spine Center as a Physical Therapy provider, so I see patients with a wide variety of spinal conditions, injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation needs.  Flat Back Syndrome is a condition that typically arises from another spinal issue, and it involves the lumbar spine losing… Read more »

Having Chronic Pain in the Rear is No Joke – Causes & Symptoms

Jenny L. F. Andrus, MD As an Interventional Pain Management Specialist, I see patients who have every type of pain imaginable and do my best to diagnose and treat the root cause of their pain.  Some patients have issues with chronic pain in their pelvis, tailbones, rectums, or reproductive systems due to illness, trauma, cancer… Read more »

Flat Back Syndrome

Mark McFarland, MD

Mark W. McFarland, DO In my practice as a Spine physician, I see a variety of injuries and illnesses in my office every day which pertain to the spine, back and neck.  An interesting condition that I sometimes treat is that of a patient whose spine has lost its natural curvature in the lumbar region,… Read more »

Five Quick Steps to Improve Your Posture

Jonathan Lorusso

Jonathan Lorusso, LPTA When you see someone striking enter a room, what is one of the first things you notice?  It may be their beauty or their expensive suit, but it probably has to do with how they carry themselves and their posture.  But did you know that good posture is also beneficial to your… Read more »