All About Back Pain Treatments

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Surgical Techniques

Pedicle screws may be used in conjunction with a posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery to complete correction of a spondylolisthesis.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Advantages and Indications

The advantages and indications of a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure are outlined.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Spinal Stabilization

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is useful in the correction of degenerative lumbar deformity such as spondylolisthesis or scoliosis.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): Clinical Results and References

As minimal access techniques and fusion biotechnology continue to develop, clinical outcomes will continue to improve.

Low Back Artificial Disc Device Approved! PRODISC-L

This is a brief overview of information related to United States Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval to market this product, the PRODISC®-L artificial disc.

Massage Therapy for Health and Fitness

The key to a healthy body is good circulation, and massage is a direct way to improve the flow of blood and lymph. These fluids carry nutrients and oxygen and carry away wastes and toxins.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Glossary

From bone graft to fluoroscopy to spinal fusion, this easy-to-read glossary of common spinal terms explains everything you need to know about minimally invasive spine surgery.

Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: A Surgical Technique to Reduce Pain

A posterior cervical foraminotomy is a minimally-invasive procedure performed to enlarge the space through which spinal nerves exit the spinal canal. It is meant to relieve neck pain. Read more about this minimally invasive spine surgery technique.

Can You Make Spine Surgery a Positive Experience? I Did!

Thousands of patients face spine fusion surgery every year to treat back pain. This patient shares her experiences and successful surgical outcome.

Appendix I: Research on Theories and Beliefs on How Magnets Might Relieve Pain

The first Appendix supporting the article "Questions and Answers About Using Magnets to Treat Pain."

Appendix II: General and Systemic Reviews on CAM Magnetic Therapy for Pain Published from August 1999 to August 2003

The second Appendix supporting the article "Questions and Answers About Using Magnets to Treat Pain."

Appendix III: Reports on Randomized Clinical Trials of Magnetic Therapy for Pain from January 1997 to March 2004

The third Appendix supporting the article "Questions and Answers About Using Magnets to Treat Pain."

Artificial Disc Placement for Spondylotic Cervical Myelopathy

Follow the case and surgery of a 45-year-old man with spondylotic cervical myelopathy. Prior to surgery, he had increased difficulty walking and using his hands, hand numbness, and occasionally had electric shock-like symptoms through his whole body.

Lumbar Disc Disease and Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement is a significant advance in the treatment of disc degeneration and will provide an alternative surgical option in the spine armamentarium.

NSAIDs and Peptic Ulcers

Certain NSAIDs can hinder the mechanisms that protect the stomach lining from the development of a peptic ulcer.

Transforaminal Selective Endoscopic Discectomy: Recovery, Complications, Procedure and Contraindications

An explanation of why selective endoscopic discectomy works as well as possible complications and contraindications.

Magnets and Pain: Terms Defined

Many of the terms associated with magnet therapy are defined.

Magnets and Pain: Controversies, Complications, and Safety

A discussion of the scientific controversies associated with magnet therapy and information for consumers.

Questions and Answers About Using Magnets to Treat Pain

Scientists have found that electromagnets can be used to speed the healing of bone fractures that are not healing well.

References: Magnets and Pain

References to the article "Questions and Answers About Using Magnets to Treat Pain."

Epidural Steroid Injections and Corticosteroids

An epidural injection allows the physician to administer a more potent dose of corticosteroid medication where it is needed.

Epidural Corticosteroid Injections and Back Pain

Pinpointing the cause of back or neck pain is difficult. The cause may not be as obvious as a herniated disc.

Physical Therapist Education and Training

Some physical therapists pursue advanced training and certification in areas such as geriatic, neurologic, orthopaedic, and sports care.

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists are medical professionals who treat people of all ages with health-related problems that limit physical function.

Why Do I Have to Wear a Brace?

Bracing may be prescribed to help prevent scoliosis - an abnormal curvature of the spine - from progressing.

What Disorders Do Physical Therapists Treat?

Physical therapy is often an integral part of the non-surgical and postoperative care of patients with spinal disorders. Includes a list of spine conditions commonly treated with physical therapy

Charité Artificial Disc - Clinical Results Tell the Story

The Charité Artificial Disc is a single-level artificial disc that was approved by the FDA in October 2004.

Charité Artificial Disc versus Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

Currently the Charité Artificial Disc is only approved for patients with single-level degenerative disc disease between L4/L5 or L5/S1.

Spondylotic Cervical Myelopathy Treated Using an Artificial Disc

Patient case report illustrates the management of single level cervical myelopathy through an anterior disc replacement procedure.

Preparing for Spine Surgery

You are going to have spinal surgery (a spinal fusion). This article provides a walk-through of typical post-operative expectations and procedures.

Water Exercises for Rehabilitation

Athletes who are recovering from an injury or surgery can stay fit by doing water-based strengthening, stretching, proprioceptive, and sport-specific exercises.

Pain Control After Surgery: A Patient's Guide

Pain control after surgery. This guide is provided by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Public Health Service.

Physical Therapy Overview

As team players, the spine specialist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist all work together with the patient and family members to aid in the patient's recovery process.

Narcotics

Narcotics may be prescribed to control more serious pain. These are classified as controlled substances and are addictive.

Stabilization Training

Research indicates an association between chronic low back pain and muscle weakness. The trunk and pelvic muscles are most affected. Lumbar stabilization training can improve the strength, endurance, balance and control of these muscles.

Coping with Arthritis

In the past, doctors advised arthritis patients to rest and avoid exercise. Rest remains important, but doing nothing results in weak muscles, stiff joints, reduced mobility, and lost vitality.

Massage: What Should I Expect?

Learn what to expect when you start getting massage therapy.

Pain Management of Spinal Disorders

Lifestyle issues, therapeutic exercise, medications, injections, alternative treatments and possibly surgery are addressed in the treatment of pain.

Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist

Your 'how to' guide to prepare for your visit to a physical therapist.

Post-op Spine Care Recovery Tips

Your doctor and post-operative physical therapist will know what's best for your back after surgery. Don't ignore their advice, even if it feels like you're ready to run that marathon.

Spine Surgery Treatments That Decompress Nerves

Laminotomy and Laminectomy,the spinal canal may narrow due to spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or bone spurs. This procedure widens the space of the spinal canal by removing a section of bone called the lamina.

Spine Surgery: The Last Resort

Most back surgery is done to relieve pressure from the nerve or stabilize a segment of the spine.The causes of pinched nerves are many, including vertebral fractures, bulging discs, or bone spurs, just to name a few. Different reasons, different surgical options.