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Edgar G. Dawson, MD

Articles on SpineUniverse from Edgar G. Dawson, MD

Lumbar Herniated Disc

A common cause of low back and leg pain is a bulging or herniated disc in the lumbar area. Symptoms may include dull or sharp pain, leg weakness or tingling, or sciatica?pain that shoots down your leg. Illustrations show a normal and herniated disc.

Herniated Disc: Treatment and Recovery

An overview explaining what a herniated disc is, the causes, diagnostic procedures, and treatment.

Herniated Discs: Definition, Progression, and Diagnosis

This informative article explains herniated discs in easy-to-understand language. Learn what a herniated disc really is, how we develop them, where we can feel pain from them, and how doctors diagnosis them.

Progressive Steps toward Lumbar Disc Herniation

Many factors increase the risk for disc herniation such as biochemical changes that accompany normal aging and poor lifestyle choices.

Treatment and Prevention of Lumbar Disc Herniations

Most patients with a lumbar herniated disc will not require spine surgery. In 4 to 6 weeks, most patients find their symptoms are relieved using non-surgical treatments.

Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis is a debilitating chronic pain condition characterized by severe stinging, burning pain, and neurologic problems. It is caused by an inflammation of the arachnoid lining, one of the 3 membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Osteoarthritis: Treatment Options

Although there is no 'cure' for osteoarthritis, the symptoms can be treated.

Osteoarthritis: Degenerative Spinal Joint Disease

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease commonly affecting the spinal joints. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and different treatments that include medication and exercise to help you live with osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis: Commonly Affected Joints

Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint but most often occurs in the spine, hips, knees, or hands.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis can be present at birth, develop during childhood or later in life. The disorder may result from the physical stresses to the spine from carrying heavy things, weightlifting, gymnastics, and general wear and tear.

Osteoporosis: The Silent Thief

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile. This can cause loss of height, humpback (kyphosis), and debilitating pain. It's a "silent thief" because you often don't know you're losing bone density until you fracture a vertebra.

Osteoporosis: Detection and Diagnosis

A Bone Mineral Density test is often used to help diagnose osteoporosis and determine the risk for future fracture.

Types of Osteoporosis: Primary or Secondary

Some physicians classify osteoporosis as either primary or secondary. Classification may be dependent on whether the osteoporosis is age related or caused by a medical condition or medications that can interfere with normal bone reformation.

Childhood Scoliosis: Diagnostic Steps

A small percent of children will be found to have scoliosis; an abnormal spinal curve. Learn how this condition is properly diagnosed.

Adult Scoliosis: Diagnostic Process

During a patient's evaluation for adult scoliosis (de novo scoliosis), the patient's personal and family medical histories are reviewed. The evaluation includes a thorough physical and neurological examination with spinal x-rays.
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