What is Discography? Discography is a diagnostic procedure, not a treatment. X-ray dye is injected into the spinal disc(s) and an x-ray (called a “discogram”) is taken. The discogram may be normal or may show tears (fissures) in the lining of the disc. The results of discography can be used to plan spinal surgery, disc […]
Low Back Pain Overview Pain in the lower back or low back pain is a common concern, affecting up to 90% of Americans at some point in their lifetime. Up to 50% will have more than one episode. Low back pain is not a specific disease, rather it is a symptom that may occur from […]
Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which a person has long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, and anxiety. Causes, incidence, and risk factors The cause is unknown. Possible causes or triggers of fibromyalgia include: Physical or […]
Shingles, a viral infection of the nerve roots, affects 500,000 people in the U.S each year. Most people recover from their bout, but for as many as 20%-30% of them, the pain doesn’t go away. It can last for months, years, or even the rest of their lives. These people have what’s called postherpetic neuralgia […]
Treating chronic pain can be challenging. Often the reason for the pain is not clear, and it may take several types or combinations of treatments before you find relief. When treatment is started, some people may have increased pain because their chronic pain has caused them to be inactive and they have lost strength and […]
The epidural steroid injection is the placement of cortisone, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, into the epidural space, which approximates the disc and spinal column. The epidural injection has been used for over 60 years as treatment for back pain. It involves using either steroids or anesthetic agents allowing good benefits with minimal risk factors. The […]
Prolotherapy (or Regenerative Injection Therapy) was originally used by Hippocrates over 2500 years ago to help a javelin thrower’s shoulder pain. The concept was investigated, utilized, and refined by George Hackett, MD, over 70 years ago, and has been used by many other physicians since, including the former Surgeon General of the United States, C. […]
Physical Therapy plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal pain. Therapy ranges from passive modalities (such as heat, ice, and electrical stimulation) to active treatments such as stabilization and strengthening exercises. After an acute injury, the physical therapist will often use modalities to decrease inflammation and muscle spasm and promote tissue […]
BOTOX® is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent that works at motor nerve endings (nerves that lead to muscles). It is in a class of drugs called neurotoxins. When considering neurotoxin therapy, it is important to understand how the product works, the history of its use in patients, its protein content, and possible side effects. This information […]
About OA of the Knee If you have been diagnosed with OA of the knee, you are not alone–more than 10 million Americans have OA of the knee. Although there is no cure for OA of the knee, there are treatments available which can reduce pain and help you stay active. Signs & Symptoms The […]
