Tag Archives: back pain
Lumbar Spinal stenosis (LSS) is a terrible affliction that affects many people. More than just typical back pain, the pinched nerves in the spin can cause pain in other areas of the body as well as causing numbness, limping, and lack of physical activity. All of this adds up to one serious medical problem. The good news is that the Spine Center in Arizona is ready, willing, and able to help you or your loved one over come this debilitating medical problem with a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as X-STOP. Contact us today to see how we can help you beat lumbar spinal stenosis for good.
How X-STOP Works
There has been a lot of talk in the medical community about a new treatment method for spinal problems known as X-STOP. This is because unlike other complicated, and sometimes risky, invasive surgeries on the spine, X-STOP is much safer and easier.
Spinal stenosis occurs due to the space in between the vertebrae being reduced and pinching down on the nerves. This pain is worse when a person stands due to the fact that sitting or bending over tends to relax the spine and allow for more spacing between the vertebrae.
Capitalizing on this fact, X-STOP is a system in which a small implant is inserted in between two bones in your spine where the pinched nerves are located. The implant permanently holds the space open so that the nerve isn’t being pinched and therefore keeping your pain free. Continue reading
For someone living with chronic or occasional back pain or neck pain, daily life can often be a kind of balancing act. You can alleviate your pain with over the counter medications, medicinal patches, stretching, and/or applying heat via a heating pad or patch but it is a constant struggle to find a solution that makes it possible for you to function. Does your lifestyle really allow you to rest on a heating pad for relief? Do you really want to keep taking ibuprofen and other pain killers just to be able to get out of bed? Treating your pain yourself can become expensive and frustrating so it is important to research the relief options available.
An option to consider is a spine clinical trial. Clinical trials are regulated by the FDA and designed to allow individuals access to new medications and treatments before they become available to the general public. Participation in a spine clinical trial is voluntary and it is required that you understand any and all risks involved before enrolling in a trial. Being in a clinical trial can give you insight into new back pain treatments and advancements currently in process to aid in relief and therapy. Continue reading
For many people suffering from back pain, their life has been put on hold. Some of life’s everyday activities are much more difficult or simply impossible to accomplish. This is no way to live, and there are solutions for these conditions that should be taken into consideration before surrendering to a life with limitations and pain medication. While there are many different causes for back pain, the majority of cases are due to disc damage.
There are discs along the spinal column, between each vertebra. In a lot of cases, back pain is being caused by the degeneration or bulging of these discs. A herniated disc may also be the cause. These discs work hard to absorb the shock inflicted on the body. Over time they can begin to wear and ultimately rupture. A back doctor can easily diagnose a bulging, herniated, or degenerated disc, considering the symptoms present and the physical condition of the affected area. A neurovascular examination or a neck examination may also be performed to pinpoint any problem areas.
It’s important to remember that there are several possible causes for back pain. In some cases, the problem isn’t physical at all. There are many psychosocial factors that can contribute to chronic back pain, also. Emotional stress can affect the sensitivity of the spinal cord, determining how much pain is perceived. In cases like these, other treatment options are available. Continue reading
As seen on the popular TV show Top Docs of Houston, Dr. Saqib Saddiqui with The Spine Center talks about a procedure to help individuals with back pain that is still persistent after other, non-surgical methods. Rhonda talks about her experience with Dr. Siddiqui and how he changed her life. Please watch the video below, let us know what you think, and share it with others! Continue reading
As seen on the popular TV show Top Docs of Houston, Dr. Saqib Saddiqui with The Spine Center talks about a procedure to help individuals with back pain that is still persistent after other, non-surgical methods. Rhonda talks about her experience with Dr. Siddiqui and how he changed her life. Please watch the video below, let us know what you think, and share it with others! Continue reading
Since poor posture is one of the biggest reasons for upper, middle and lower back pain, it is vital that correct posture begin from the bottom up with proper fitting footwear. The type of support a person’s shoes need depends upon the shape of the foot and whether or not one has any foot instability.
Pronation, Over-Pronation and Under-Pronation
Pronation is the normal inward roll of your foot to absorb the shock of walking or running. Some pronation is needed for the foot to function normally. However, too much pronation, known as over-pronation, causes your arch to collapse which adds stress to the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the foot. Over-pronators need shoes with built in support features.
Some people Under-pronate, which means that the foot does not roll inward enough to adequately absorb shock. Under-pronators need flexible shoes with additional cushioning.
Shoes and Orthotic Inserts
Purchasing shoes which closely match your foot type is the best prevention for injury and pain. Some characteristics of the best shoes for back pain are as follows: Continue reading
1. The right sleep environment can make all the difference in preventing back pain. One option is to put a small pillow between your knees when you sleep. This will help keep your hips in-line, avoiding lower back stiffness.
2. Good Posture is very important in preventing back and neck pain. Always be aware of your posture and try to choose a firm backed chair for sitting.
3. If you exercise regularly, be aware that your shoes need to be supportive. Replace running shoes every 6-8 months since they are made from soft materials and flatten after repeated use, causing your foot to lose support, which in turn will cause back problems. Consider buying orthopedic inserts for your shoes, these will aid in proper foot support, reducing back strain. Continue reading
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal Fusion surgery is a procedure in which vertebrae are fused together to prevent a painful movement at the joint. Inserting a piece of bone between the vertebrae and encouraging the bone to grow accomplish this process, fusing the vertebrae together, preventing movement between them and eliminating the pain. To eliminate movement, this process is repeated in the spaces above and below the target vertebra, isolating it from moving entirely.
Who Would Be A Good Candidate?
Spinal Fusion surgery is a method of treating several problems with the spinal column. Some of those problems include (but are not limited to):
· Degenerative Disc Disease
· A Weak or Unstable Spine
· Scoliosis
· When a Vertebra Slips Out of Place in the Spinal Column
· Deformities
These are some of the most common conditions under which a patient should talk to a doctor regarding their options on spinal fusion surgery. If a patient is experiencing severe back pain, s/he should immediately talk to a doctor to determine the cause and location of the pain to know how to best take care of the problem. Continue reading
While you cannot prevent all back injuries or chronic back pain, certain lifestyle changes and healthy habits can prevent some issues from developing.
- Healthy Diet- Eating a well balanced diet works to promote
healthy bones and muscles, needed to support and protect your spinal column. - Healthy Weight- Excess weigh adds stress onto multiple portions of your spine. Work proactively to lose weight if you are currently overweight or obese. And if you are currently at an optimal weight, work to avoid adding weight as you age. Adding simple exercise programs into your weekly schedule coupled with healthy eating will improve your back health
- Drink Water- While we have all heard that drinking water is important, many of us fail to implement this healthy strategy into our daily lives. Water keeps our body fluid. It also lifts intevertebral discs, allowing them to function properly as shock absorbers. Drink 8, 8 ounce glasses of water daily. Continue reading
