SpineUniverse Blogs

Spinal Cord Stimulation after Surgery

Posted on July 02, 2008 | by Edward J. Kowlowitz, MD in Beating Back Pain

A pain management specialist explains who will benefit from spinal cord stimulation.

Scoliosis Treatments: How Do Doctors Know if Your Spine's Curve Will Get Worse?

Posted on June 16, 2008 | by Mary Rodts, DNP in A Nurse's Perspective

There is emerging research that suggests a genetic component in scoliosis. To determine skeletal maturity and how much growth a child has left to do, doctors look at a couple of things:

Pain Management Technique: Radiofrequency Rhizotomy

Posted on June 09, 2008 | by John J. Fitzgerald, MD in Expert View on Chronic Back Pain

A pain management specialist explains how it works to reduce your nerve pain. Find out if you're a good candidate and what to expect when you have the procedure.

How Degenerative Disc Disease Progresses

Posted on May 23, 2008 | by Nicola V. Hawkinson, DNP, RN, RNFA in Back Pain Tips

"If you have degenerative disc disease in one of your discs, does that mean it will spread to your other discs?"

Osteoporosis Screening: Who, How, When, and Why

Posted on May 05, 2008 | by Nicola V. Hawkinson, DNP, RN, RNFA in Back Pain Tips

Women over 65 should definitely be screened for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens your bones and can lead to dangerous fractures, especially in your spine.

Pump it Up: How Spinal Pumps Work

Posted on March 24, 2008 | by Lawrence M. Kamhi, MD, FIPP in Manage Your Pain Now

"Do you think a spinal pump will relieve my back pain? Also, how do the doses work? For example, if I have a bad pain day, can I increase the dose?"

Help—It Hurts to Walk!

Posted on March 06, 2008 | by Nicola V. Hawkinson, DNP, RN, RNFA in Back Pain Tips

"I have spinal stenosis. Sometimes the pain is worse when I walk uphill or climb stairs. Why does the pain increase when I walk uphill, and what can I do to help relieve my back and leg pain?"

How Do Sit-ups Help My Spine?

Posted on February 26, 2008 | by Dana L. Davis, MPT, MTT in Physical Therapy Tips

Doing sit-ups and other abdominal exercises to strengthen your core muscles in the front of your body can actually help relieve your back pain.

Spine Acts Its Age with Spondylosis

Posted on February 06, 2008 | by Timothy R. Kuklo, MD, JD in How to Keep a Healthy Spine

"I went to the doctor last week and learned that I'm in the early stages of cervical spondylosis. I'm approaching retirement, and I'm wondering how this condition will affect me. Will it progress quickly?"

Pain Management 101: Epidural Steroid Injections

Posted on January 22, 2008 | by Lawrence M. Kamhi, MD, FIPP in Manage Your Pain Now

If your doctor has recommended epidural steroid injections to treat your low back pain, is more than one injection needed?

Can I Exercise after Spine Surgery?

Posted on January 03, 2008 | by Nicola V. Hawkinson, DNP, RN, RNFA in Back Pain Tips

"I'm a very active 65-year-old woman: How will I be able to keep up my exercise routine while recovering from surgery?"

Holiday Football Game is a Pain in the Neck!

Dealing with a Neck Strain

Posted on December 10, 2007 | by Nicola V. Hawkinson, DNP, RN, RNFA in Back Pain Tips

Neck sprains and strains are common injuries whether resulting from a friendly game of touch football or car accident. The question is, when is it time to see the doctor?

Low Back Herniated Discs and Strengthening Exercises

A Good or Bad Combination?

Posted on November 20, 2007 | by Erik van Doorne, DPT, Cert MDT in Dr. van Doorne's Viewpoint

Therapeutic exercise, under the direction of a physical therapist can help decrease low back pain, increase mobility - strength - endurance and flexibility.

Quit Smoking to Improve the Outcome of Your Spinal Fusion Surgery

Posted on November 02, 2007 | by Nicola V. Hawkinson, DNP, RN, RNFA in Back Pain Tips

"I know this may be hard for you to hear, but it really is true: it's absolutely necessary for you to quit smoking before your spine surgery."

When is Childhood Scoliosis Treated with Bracing?

Posted on October 18, 2007 | by Nicola V. Hawkinson, DNP, RN, RNFA in Back Pain Tips

"My 9-year-old son has scoliosis. The doctor says the curve is mild and nothing needs to be done now. However, I'm concerned about his future. When might he need brace treatment and can you tell me more about it?"