In-depth information on treatment options for low back pain and major back problems such as sciatica, herniated disc and degenerative disc disease
Home exercise equipment for low impact aerobic exercise
May 23, 2007
Home exercise equipment, such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes can allow easy access to one?s exercise program and are relatively low impact on the spine. Read
more...
By: Megan Tyner, ACE
4
proven steps to prevent osteoporosis fractures
August 29, 2006
Spine fractures can be severely disabling, often resulting in chronic pain, spinal
deformity, and loss of independence. Once a spine fracture has occurred, it usually
means the patient has advanced osteoporosis and is susceptible to more disabling
vertebral fractures. The key is to prevent osteoporosis and fractures from ever
occurring. Read
more...
By: Scott Boden, MD
Water
therapy exercise program
December 27, 2006
Water therapy exercise is especially helpful in cases where a land-based exercise
program is not possible for patients due to pain, decreased bone density, disability
or other factors. In addition to spine conditions, water therapy can also
help patients who have diabetes or high blood pressure. Read
more...
By: Andrew J. Cole, MD and Bruce
E. Becker, MD, MS
Low back
pain and degenerative disc disease treatments
Updated May 3, 2006
The treatment options for degenerative disc disease are either passive or active.
Usually a combination of treatments is used to help control the symptoms. Passive
treatments are rarely effective on their own—some active component is
almost always required. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Physical therapy
for low back pain relief
December 20, 2005
Most patients with low back pain will benefit from physical therapy that strengthens
the "belt"
of muscle around their spine—including the
abdominal and low back muscles. Even patients who
eventually elect back surgery benefit. A physical
therapist can show proper exercise technique and
ensure follow through. Read
more...
By: Rob D. Dickerman, DO, PhD
What is the McKenzie Method for back pain and neck pain?
November 14, 2005
The McKenzie Method is an overall philosophy of physical
therapy and exercise that "centralizes" a patient's
pain into the back, away from the legs and arms, and
then teaches patients self-healing techniques, including exercise, for
managing their own back pain or neck pain long-term. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Chronic pain management
with rechargeable spinal cord stimulators
September 23, 2005
Rechargeable spinal cord stimulators were designed to improve quality of life
for patients with chronic pain by reducing the need for multiple surgeries to
replace non-rechargeable batteries. The FDA recently approved two new rechargeable
spinal cord stimulation devices with 7-9 year life spans. Read
more...
Sciatica treatments
March 30, 2000 (updated September 22, 2006)
Most cases of sciatica heal on their own within 6 to
12 weeks. There are several conservative care options for helping alleviate
the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica, including heat/ice,
medications, and epidural steroid injections. For more severe cases of
sciatica, surgery may be considered. Read more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
Non-surgical
Osteoathritis treatments
May 25, 2005
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and find the best treatments for
pain from spinal arthritis. Most patients find pain relief from a combination
of conservative care treatments, including heat/cold therapy, gentle exercise,
and medications, and may require treatment by a multi-disciplinary team of medical
professionals. Only the most severe cases tend to require surgery. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Osteoarthritis
medications
May 25, 2005
Patients with spinal arthritis have several options for
medications to control the pain. Among other factors, the level of the patient’s
pain and the potential side effects of the medication
must be considered. Potential
medications for managing spinal arthritis symptoms
include: acetaminophen,
topical analgesics, NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, cortisone
injections, and nutritional supplements such as glucosamine
and chondroitin. Read more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Osteoarthritis Complete Treatment Guide
May 25, 2005
While there is currently no proven treatment to stop or slow the progression
of osteoarthritis in the spine, there are treatments to alleviate the pain and
other symptoms. Most people will benefit from a combination of lifestyle changes—particularly
exercise. In only the most severe cases will surgery be necessary. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Exercise
for Osteoarthritis
May 25, 2005
For spinal arthritis sufferers, exercise is thought to be the most effective
non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement. The exercises need
to be done correctly to avoid causing joint pain. Specific exercises should
focus on strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving joint mobility
and reducing joint stiffness and pain. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
More
Osteoarthritis treatments
May 25, 2005
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and find the best treatments for
pain from spinal arthritis. Some patients find relief from a combination of conservative
(including alternative) treatments, such as manipulation, massage therapy, relaxation,
TENS, acupuncture, support devices, weight control, and healthy lifestyle choices. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Surgery
for Osteoarthritis
May 25, 2005
Although spinal arthritis tends to be chronic, the symptoms are rarely progressive
and rarely require surgery on the painful spinal joints. However, surgery may
be needed in severe cases, and may include a spine fusion, decompression and/or
laminectomy. Read more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Insights and advice about herniated
discs
January 19, 2005
Getting an accurate diagnosis and finding
the best treatments for pain from a herniated disc
can be challenging. Some patients find that a combination
of conservative treatment options works best while other patients may find that early
surgical intervention is necessary to find adequate
relief from the pain and symptoms caused by a herniated
disc. Read more...
By: John P. Revord, MD
The truth about sciatica
January 4, 2005
Contrary to what patients may believe, sciatica is not a diagnosis but instead
is a term used to describe a set of symptoms caused by a nerve compression in
the low back. Many low back conditions can cause sciatica, and a correct diagnosis
of the low back problem is necessary in order to decide on the best course of
treatment. This article explains the truth about sciatica and explains the treatment
options to help relieve sciatic pain. Read
more...
By: Peter J. Schubbe, DC
Spondylolysis
treatments
July 8, 2004
Clinical studies have found varying degrees of healing from spondylolysis using
conservative (non-surgical) treatments (such as bracing) ranging from 73% healing
of early-stage spondylolysis versus 38% healing in those with progressive spondylolysis. Read
more...
By: Thomas Hyde, DC, DACBSP
Sciatica
first aid
May 24, 2004
When sciatica flares up, it is helpful to know a range of options that can
be tried to help alleviate the discomfort and pain along the sciatic nerve
and stay active. Read
more...
By: Randall Schultz, MD
Treatment
options for a lumbar herniated disk
May 8, 2000 (Updated January 28, 2003)
Treatment for low back pain and/or leg pain from a lumbar herniated disk will
largely depend on the length of time the patient has had his or her symptoms
and the severity of the pain. Generally, patients will be advised to start
with 6 to 12 weeks of conservative treatment (such as physical therapy). Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Conservative treatments for a lumbar herniated disk
May 8, 2000 (Updated January 28, 2003)
At the onset of pain from a lumbar disk herniation, it is usually considered reasonable to start with a couple of days of bedrest followed by slow mobilization. Conservative treatment options (such as chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy and exercise, medications and epidural steroid injections) may be recommended for the first six weeks to treat a lumbar herniated disk. However, patients should consult a spine specialist to determine the proper timing for surgical intervention, if it is deemed necessary. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Surgical treatments for a lumbar herniated disk
May 8, 2000 (Updated January 28, 2003)
The goal of spine surgery for a lumbar herniated disk is to remove the portion of the disk that is impinging on the nerve root. There are many different options for lumbar herniated disk surgery, but the most common is lumbar decompression surgery or microdiscectomy (microdecompression) surgery. New technologies for herniated disk surgery are emerging in recent years, such as arthroscopic lumbar discectomy and microendoscopic surgery. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Treatment
options for facet joint pain
December 10, 2002
To break up a cycle of recurring, acute facet joint pain, a number of non-surgical
treatments can be used to alleviate the pain and help rehabilitate the low
back.. Many of these treatments give some or even a lot of temporary relief
but all too often, little long-term help. Read
more...
By: Charles Dean Ray, MD, FACS
Spinal
stenosis treatment options
October 25, 2002
Depending on the severity of symptoms, spinal stenosis can often be managed
through non-surgical means. The two most common non-surgical treatment
options for spinal stenosis include activity modification and epidural steroid
injections. Read
more...
By: Charles Dean Ray, MD
Treatment
options for synovial cysts
September 9, 2002
There are three main treatment choices for synovial cysts in the lumbar spine:
observation and activity modifications, injections, and surgery. Read
more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
Cervical herniated disc symptoms and treatment options
June 17, 2002
The arm pain from a cervical herniated disc results because the herniated disc material "pinches" or presses on a cervical nerve, causing pain to radiate along the nerve pathway down the arm. Along with the pain from a herniated disc, numbness, tingling and/or muscle weakness may also be present down the arm and into the fingertips. Read more...
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD
Conservative treatment for a cervical herniated disc
June 17, 2002
When the initial pain from a cervical herniated disc hits, anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce the pain so that the patient can tolerate other conservative treatments. Patients my find that a combination of treatments such as physical therapy and exercise, traction, low-velocity chiropractic manipulations, bracing, injections and other medications) may help relieve symptoms from a cervical herniated disc. Read more...
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD
Spine surgery for a cervical herniated disc
June 17, 2002
Most episodes of pain and discomfort from a cervical herniated disc will resolve over a period of weeks to a couple of months. However, if the pain is severe or lasts longer than 6 to 12 weeks, spine surgery may be a reasonable option. This article reviews several surgical treatment options for a cervical herniated disc, such as anterior and posterior cervical discectomy and spine fusion. Read more...
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD
Bracing
treatment for idiopathic scoliosis
March 26, 2002
Currently, bracing is the only non-operative treatment for adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis advocated by the spine medical community. This article discusses
the types of braces used - TLSO, Milwaukee, and Charleston Bending Brace -
a case example, and outcomes of bracing treatment. Read
more...
By: Paul A. McAfee, MD
Non-surgical
treatment options for idiopathic scoliosis
September 17, 2001
Treatment decisions for scoliosis are primarily based on the skeletal maturity
of the patient (or rather, how much more growth can be expected) as well as
the degree of curvature. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Treatment
options for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (cervical
spondylolysis)
August 31, 2001
Both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical approaches are available to treat
cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Read
more...
By: Thomas M. Wascher, MD, FACS
Treatment
options for bone spurs
October 10, 2000
Most patients with mild or moderate nerve compression and irritation from bone
spurs can manage their symptoms effectively with conservative care. Read
more...
By: John H. Schneider, MD
Comprehensive
management of piriformis syndrome
April 8, 2000
A comprehensive treatment approach for piriformis syndrome may include a combination
of stretching, ice and heat therapy, physical therapy and stretching exercise,
medications, injections, and electrotherapy. Read
more...
By: John Revord, MD
Conservative
treatments for coccydynia
April 4, 2000
Treatments for coccydynia are usually conservative and local. Surgical
treatments for coccydynia are also an option. Read
more...
By: Richard Staehler, MD
Management
of fibromyalgia
January 20, 2000
Fibromyalgia is known to be a chronic disorder, which means that there is no "cure" for
fibromyalgia. Read about how a coordinated management program can alleviate
the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia, including aerobic exercise, medications
and non-medicinal treatments. Read
more...
By: Thomas K. Van Sistine, MD
Management
of back pain in pregnancy
January 10, 2000
Conservative management of back pain in pregnancy generally includes performance
of appropriate exercise and use of proper body mechanics. These efforts promote
and support proper posture, which is essential to avoiding unnecessary stress
to supporting structures. Read
more...
By: Stephen P. Montgomery, MD, and Linda Sawyer,
PT
Treatment
options for osteoporosis
November 1999
Once the appropriate medical history, physical exam and diagnostic tests have
been obtained and a diagnosis of primary osteoporosis has been made, treatment
is warranted. Treatment for osteoporosis typically includes education on diet/nutrition,
exercise (if no fracture) and medications. Read
more...
By: Donald J. Frisco, M
Cervical herniated disc treatments- The doctor is in!
This
section includes explanations, insights and advice about
non-surgical and surgical treatments for a cervical herniated
disc provided by Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD, an orthopedic
spine surgeon and Medical Director for Spine-health.com.
Patients’ questions were submitted by e-mail, and
we’ve published answers to some common cervical herniated
disc questions here. Read
more…
Lumbar herniated disc treatments - The doctor is in!
In
order to better help patients understand their conservative
treatment options for a lumbar disc herniation, Peter F.
Ullrich, Jr., MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon and Medical
Director for Spine-health.com, shares his insight and advice
to answer patients’ e-mail questions. Read
more…
Sciatica treatments - The doctor is in!
Treating sciatica and sciatic pain is often confusing
for patients, and we often receive e-mail questions from
patients. In this section of the site, Peter F. Ullrich,
Jr., MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon and Medical Director
for Spine-health.com answers patients’ common questions
about sciatica treatment options. Read
more…
Who should treat your back pain? Spine-health.com Newsletter
Many different specialists treat back pain, and each has different training, skills and interests. For many people, it may take more than one type of specialist to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate their back condition. This newsletter explains how to evaluate different specialists who treat back pain. Read more...
Perspectives on pain management - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Careful attention to pain management and working with a pain management specialist are critical components of your recovery from neck pain, back pain and back problems. This newsletter offers tips for reducing stress, understanding the complexity of chronic pain and identifying different types of back pain and neck pain. Read more...
Please note that these additional patient resources (such as The Back-to-Back Forum and Newsletters) on Spine-health.com are not peer-reviewed by the Spine-health.com Medical Advisory Board. They are provided as additional resources for patients to learn from the experiences of others and to gain information from our popular newsletters.
