All About Back Pain Treatments

Spine Surgery Risks and Potential Complications

Complications of spine surgery to treat neck or back pain are often similar to other operations, except spinal surgery may involve greater risk depending on how it is performed (open or minimally invasive) and if spinal instrumentation and fusion are involved.

The McKenzie System

The McKenzie system is a method of evaluating and treating spinal disorders developed by New Zealand Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie.

Foraminotomy: Taking Pressure off Spinal Nerves

A spine surgeon explains spinal nerve compression and how it may be treated by surgical decompression, a foraminotomy.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

Anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) is a common surgical procedure to treat chronic neck pain or other disorders affecting the cervical spine. A spine surgeon explains what will happen during an anterior cervical discectomy.

Spine Surgeons’ Role in Preventing Failed Back Syndrome

Dr. Ralph Rashbaum, an orthopaedic surgeon answers the question, "Do all roads lead back to the operating room when it comes to failed back surgery?"

Raising Awareness of Opioid Use in Older Adults and the Elderly

SpineUniverse reported on a study that indicated a 10% increase in opioid addiction or dependency in patients prescribed such medications to treat postoperative pain.

How to Choose a Spine Surgeon

It is important for patients to be as involved as possible in their own medical care. If you are able to choose your physician, here are some guidelines on what to look for in a spine specialist.

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Spine surgeons are always seeking new ways to perform spine surgery in a safe, effective way that will make your recovery less painful and more rapid.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Selective (Transforaminal) Epidural Spinal Injection

A lumbar epidural steroid injection, transforaminal spinal injection, and selective epidural injection are types of diagnostic spinal injections that may help your doctor pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and provide relief from back pain.

Spinal Fusion Instrumentation Removal: Pros and Cons

If an issue with your spinal instrumentation develops, your doctor may recommend removing it or leaving it in place. Why would your doctor suggest one or the other?

Second Opinion on Spine Surgery: Rude or Smart?

Most people don't dare to ask for a second opinion?" Although patients may want to get a second opinion, many feel it is being disrepectful. Is it?

iFuse System For Sacroiliac Joint Pain Shows High Success Rate and Patient Satisfaction

The iFuse system showed a high rate of patient satisfaction and was linked to reduced need for opioid medications.

Lumbar Facet Joint Injection Information

Get the answers to your questions related to lumbar facet joint injections including what to know during and after the procedure.

Are You Depressed?

Depression and back pain often intertwine, but there is help. Article from a psychologist gives tips for moving through depression (which should help you deal with your back pain, too).

What Is Post-operative Care?

Post-operative recovery starts in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Patient-Controlled Analgesia – PCA

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a pain management therapy commonly used in hospitals. Learn more about the benefits.

Advancements in Spine Surgery

Technological and biological advances are on the horizon that will work in concert with minimally invasive techniques.

Anesthesia - Questions and Answers

Answers to patient’s questions about anesthesia and spine surgery includes important information you should discuss with your doctor before you reach the operating room.

Surgery: Should I or Shouldn't I?

When it comes to spine surgery, patients are active participants in the decision-making process and are ultimately responsible for deciding whether to have spine surgery.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery: What It Is and What It Isn’t

Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) uses a small incision and specialized instruments to surgically treat spinal disorders ESS should not be confused with traditional procedures, such as minimally invasive, micro invasive and/or laser spine surgeries.

Physical Therapy: Questions and Answers

Physical therapy combines passive modalities with active exercise to help patients resume normal activities more quickly.

Prayer as a Component of Managing Chronic Pain

People with chronic pain frequently rely on religious activities or beliefs, including prayer, to help them cope. Is prayer or meditation something you should consider as part of your pain management plan?

Regular Exercise Reduces Anxiety Associated with Chronic Pain

To combat the multi-faceted nature of chronic back pain, doctors often suggest that patients exercise. Article explains a new report that finds that regular exercise may help reduce the symptoms of chronic pain, especially if they have anxiety.

Are You Ready for Surgery?

You need to prepare for surgery just as much as your surgeon does. You are about to enter one of the most important athletic contests of your life. Dr. McLaughlin explores how you can prepare for your spinal surgery.

Natural Remedies to Soothe Stress and Ease Anxiety

If you're suffering from frequent bouts of anxiety, your body and mind are signaling that they need more down time to restore balance.

Does Back Pain Have You in a Funk?

Chronic pain and depression are two of the most common health problems that health professionals encounter, yet only a small percentage of studies have investigated the relationship between these conditions.

5 Ways a Spa Visit May Help Reduce Back Pain

Acupuncture and massage are therapies that may help reduce back pain.

Can Therapeutic Massage Help Relieve Back Pain?

Therapeutic massage is an alternative treatment for people with a variety of spine conditions. Here are 5 things to know about therapeutic massage.

Alcohol: Pain Killer or Pain Causer?

Research studies have found that moderate use of alcohol does relieve pain, such as back or neck pain for many people.

Healing Power of Man’s Best Friend—and Cats, too/Pets Can Be Powerful Medicine

Pain medicine specialist, Steven Richeimer, MD, explains why having a pet, or interacting with a trained dog or cat may improve a pain patient's quality of life.

Artificial Cervical Disc Implant Surgery: First of its Kind in US!

SpineUniverse interviews Rick Sasso, M.D., one of the spine surgeons who performed one of the first artificial cervical implant surgery in North America.

Surgical Technique: Reversal of Anterior Cervical Fusion by Placement of an Artificial Disc Prosthesis

Learn how the first reported case of reversal of a previously fused segment was surgically corrected using an artificial disc.

What Is Neurointerventional Surgery?

Neurointerventional surgeons have special training to treat spinal disorders. Learn about their education and training and if they can help treat your back or neck pain.

Spine Specialists On-Call: Charité Artificial Disc

"Disc replacement is the most significant advancement since the modern treatment of spinal disorders began 70 years ago" as stated by Richard Guyer, MD.

Spondylotic Cervical Myelopathy Treated with Two Level Artificial Disc Placement

Part 2 of Associate Professor Lali Sekhon's case report about a two level cervical artificial disc placement.

Spine Specialists On-Call: Artificial Disc Technology and Low Back Pain

The Charité artificial disc offers some patients with degenerative disc disease a treatment option to alleviate discogenic back pain.

Intervertebral Disc Replacement

Prosthetic devices to replace the intervertebral disc may be broadly divided into devices that replace the nucleus only, leaving the annulus and cartilaginous portions of the endplate intact, and devices that replace the entire disc.

Steroids, Cortisone, Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids

Cortisone and cortisone-like steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications.

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Using the Bryan

Replacement of the cervical disc with an artificial disc does not require bone grafting, maintains motion and balance.

Lumbar Discectomy: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Back pain and sciatica may result from a herniated disc. Learn what happens when a disc ruptures and what non-surgical and surgical treatments are available.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is an attractive option for patients who want a quicker recovery after surgery, less post-operative pain, and smaller incisions.

Caudal Epidural Injection Information

Read how this treatment may help to decrease nerve root inflammation and hopefully reduce back or leg pain.

Physical Therapists: Professionals Working Toward Wellness

Physical therapists are highly educated medical professionals who work with patients toward wellness and injury prevention.

What Is Spinal Instrumentation and Spinal Fusion?

Spinal instrumentation and fusion may be performed to stabilize the spine following disc removal (discectomy) and spinal decompression surgery (laminectomy).

Reversal of Anterior Cervical Fusion by Placement of an Artificial Disc Prosthesis

The first reported case of reversal of a previously fused segment in the cervical spine using an artificial disc.

10 Ways to Prevent Medical Errors in Back Pain Treatment

10 prevention tips for people with back and neck pain to help you avoid medical errors. Examples of common medical errors and understanding your role.

Four Things to Know About Your Patient Rights at the Hospital

When you need medical care—whether it’s for a spine condition or otherwise—your health is at risk, and you must rely on other people to fix what’s ailing you.

Artificial Disc Surgery in the Cervical Spine

Cervical disc replacement is a new technique that is becoming more available worldwide. In Part 1 of his article, Dr. Lali Sekhon discusses cervical discs and fusion.

An Introduction to Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery was developed out of the desire to effectively treat disorders of the spinal discs with minimal muscle-related injury and with rapid recovery. Learn the basics of minimally invasive surgery here.

Pain Management Techniques to Help Conquer Back and Neck Pain

The purpose of this article is to help you understand pain management. Included is an explanation of the different types of pain and treatments pain management specialists use to fight pain.

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All About Back Pain Treatments