Back and Spine Health

Back pain can generally be divided into two categories: Acute (less than four weeks duration)Chronic (greater than four weeks duration)Acute back pain is very common and is one of the top reasons that patients ... continue reading  about  I've been suffering from lower back pain for two years. I've had an MRI, ultrasounds and x-rays, but they can't find anything wrong. However I still have constant pain. What other tests can be done to find the reason for my pain?

Vitamin D can help with certain types of chronic pain, especially muscle and joint pains. However, before you start taking vitamin D supplements, it is important that you have your vitamin D level checked to se... continue reading  about  I have been dealing with chronic pain from a back injury for a number of years. I read recently that vitamin D can help reduce pain. Is this true, and if so should I start taking a supplement?

There is no real difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc. The discs are the cushions which allow motion between the vertebrae in your spine. As time goes on, or from an injury, the discs can weak... continue reading  about  What is the difference between a bulging disk and a herniated disk?

This is a common concern for many patients taking pain medications. Yes, there is a difference between addiction and physical dependence.There are several terms that are important to understand related to takin... continue reading  about  I've been taking vicodin for a number of years because of chronic back pain. My concern is that I've become dependent on them. Is there a difference between physical dependence and addiction?

Spinal decompression is essentially a surgery to remove pressure on the spinal cord or nerves within the spinal canal. Depending on the location and severity of the problem, the surgery involves removing parts ... continue reading  about  Could you explain a surgery named spinal decompression, and describe the risks?

Degenerative disc disease is part of the 'wear and tear' of the spine that occurs with age and use. Back pain is very common and best managed with the appropriate medications, exercises to keep your trunk/core ... continue reading  about  I'm in my 50s and was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my back. Will the pain get worse as I get older? And is there anything I can do for the pain besides pain medication? Also does this condition ever require surgery?

It is not unusual for patients who take pain medication and are depressed due to chronic pain to have diminished interest in sex. It could be due to the medications, the depression, the chronic pain, diminished... continue reading  about  My husband had back surgery last year. He takes medication daily for chronic pain. The last few months he seems depressed and has very little interest in sex. Could the medication or the pain be causing this? Any suggestions on how I can help him?

Like all nerves, the sciatic nerve originates from the spinal cord and is made up of a bundle of those nerves. It travels within the pelvis, and exits the pelvis to the back of the thigh deep into the buttock. ... continue reading  about  Where exactly is the sciatic nerve? I've had a pain under my right buttocks that runs down the back of my leg to about the knee and hasn't gotten any better in over three weeks. Am I on the right track in suspecting sciatica?

After age 40, the average person loses about 1/2" of their height per decade. It happens because of gravity and wear and tear on bones, muscles and joints. Think of your skeleton as being made up of your ankles... continue reading  about  Why do some people lose height as they age? How much loss is too much?