Your neck has seven vertebrae, and these vertebrae stack together with vertebral discs between them to form your cervical spine. A healthy spine has strong, flexible vertebral discs to cushion your bones as you move, but injury and degeneration can cause one disc (or several) to herniate. When a cervical...
Nearly 65 million Americans report experiencing back pain: a complex condition that’s often difficult to diagnose and treat. If you’re one of the millions of Americans dealing with it, you know just how frustrating it can be when the possible causes of your pain seem infinite. Many different factors contribute...
Spinal discs are rubbery cushions between the vertebral bones of your spine. They protect your vertebrae and the nerves in your spinal cord, but they’re susceptible to injury and age-related degeneration. Injured discs, or herniated discs, can break open and press against your spinal cord, often causing back pain and...
Your spine runs the full length of your back, from your pelvis up to your neck. It contains 24 flexible vertebral bones beginning in your neck, with two fused bones at the base near your pelvis. All the bones in your spine work together to support your body and protect...
No one relishes the thought of surgery. But if you have a history of back pain, injury, or degeneration, you may have chosen spinal surgery as the best option to relieve your pain. While it’s true that spine surgery can be an effective option for chronic conditions, unfortunately, it isn’t...
Neck pain is a common complaint among people of all ages. Maybe you slept with your head at an awkward angle, or maybe hours of computer work have left your neck aching. Or maybe, you’ve been suffering from chronic neck pain for a long time and you’re not sure when...
The seven vertebral bones in your neck make up your cervical spine. Each vertebra is cushioned by a vertebral disc, but did you know that the discs in your neck are the most delicate part of your spine? Cervical discs are prone to injury and degeneration, making them more brittle...
Herniated discs are some of the most common back injuries in the United States. Anyone can get a herniated disc, and symptoms often include back pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Spinal discs are soft cushions between the vertebrae in your back. They protect your bones as you move, but...
Up to 11% of Americans have spinal stenosis. It’s a common degenerative spinal condition, and it can cause significant pain and restricted mobility in your lower back or your neck. Spinal stenosis can develop in your lower back (lumbar spine) or your neck (cervical spine), and it can happen to...
Does your neck hurt? You’re not alone. Up to 50% of Americans suffer neck pain annually, and for some, that pain lasts for weeks, months, or longer. Chronic neck pain can feel like stiffness, aching, tingling, burning, and more. Pain may start in your neck, but radiate out to your...
Tumors are abnormal growths of tissue. They form when tissue cells grow and divide faster than usual, creating a mass in one area of your body. Although tumors are often linked to cancer, not all types indicate cancer. Many types of tumors are noncancerous, and some are precancerous. In other...
A spinal fracture occurs when one or more vertebrae break. Also called a broken back, a spinal fracture can compromise spine strength and cause nerve damage that spreads to your arms or legs. Most of the time, traumatic injury causes a spinal fracture. But some fractures may develop more slowly,...
Are you living with back pain? Have you tried steroid injections, physical therapy, and other treatments without seeing real, lasting pain relief? Back pain is a common problem, but when popular conservative treatment options don’t stop your symptoms, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of options. When conservative...
Your cervical spine is the seven vertebral bones in your neck. Each vertebra is cushioned with a spinal disc, which absorbs shock as you move through life. Healthy discs are rubbery and supportive, but damaged or dehydrated discs can herniate. Herniated cervical discs (also called slipped discs or ruptured discs)...
Spine surgery has the power to relieve pain, reverse the damage, and improve your quality of life. But in up to 40% of cases, back pain can return even after surgery was supposed to correct the problem. The thought of undergoing another surgical procedure for back pain can be daunting....
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
Up to 11% of Americans have spinal stenosis, a condition that develops when the spinal column gets narrower, pinching the spinal cord and putting stress on nerve roots. Spinal stenosis can appear anywhere along the spine, but when it’s in your neck, it’s called cervical spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is...
Spinal tumors are growths that form in or around your spinal cord, the bundle of nerves and tissue that runs through your spine and connects nearly every part of your body to your brain. They are relatively rare, but when they do occur, they can cause pain, numbness, spinal deformity,...
Back pain is a common complaint, with an estimated 80% of Americans suffering lower back pain at some point in their lives. But despite how common back pain is, it’s notoriously difficult to treat. Pain is complex and every person experiences it differently. Finding a treatment that works for you...
Back pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain, but the cause behind your back pain can be complicated. Injury or overuse can cause herniated discs or degenerative disc disease, while tumors, spinal stenosis, and arthritis can develop at any time. Chronic back pain can significantly impact...
Tumors are a rare but serious spinal condition. Spinal tumors form when cells in your spinal column multiply uncontrollably and an abnormal mass begins growing. Some research shows that people with a history of cancer may be at the greatest risk of developing spinal tumors. But the truth is anyone...
Herniated discs are one of the most common causes of back pain. Your back consists of 33 bones, with a cushioning spinal disc between each one. When a disc slips out of place or ruptures, it’s known as a herniated disc. Not everyone who has a herniated disc experiences symptoms....
Osteoporosis is the top reason people suffer a spine fracture. Trauma is the second most common cause. And the type of high-impact injury that delivers enough force to break your back or neck can easily damage your spinal nerves. For these reasons, a spine fracture requires immediate care from George...