6 Tips for Neck Pain
“What a pain in the neck!” This phrase is said by countless people reacting to countless situations – but certain risk factors lead to very real and challenging neck pain. Fortunately, there are also many ways to prevent this common medical condition, says Marcello Sammarone, MD. “Most think of neck pain as a dull aching sensation,” explains Dr. Sammarone, an interventional pain management specialist. “But sometimes neck pain gets worse with movement or when we turn our heads. Other symptoms linked with some forms of neck pain include numbness, tingling, tenderness, shooting pain, pulsing pain or headaches.” In short, neck pain, also [...]
Sciatica Exercises
Static nerve pain is usually caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Because the sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the back of the leg, sciatica nerve pain can be felt in the lower back, hip, the back of the lower leg, as well as the sole of the foot. In most cases, the pain is felt on only one side of the body. Sciatic nerve pain can get worse after prolonged standing or sitting, or walking for a relatively large distance. That's why the holiday festivities can cause sciatica pain. As you walk in the mall shopping for holiday [...]
Ways to Reduce Back Pain and Get a Better Sleep
Sleep is supposed to be a breather from our troubles, but sometimes the way we sleep – and the mattress and pillows we use at night – can actually contribute to troubling back pain, according to interventional pain management specialist Dr. Marcello Sammarone. Back pain and sleep problems can be a chicken-egg situation, Dr. Sammarone says, since existing back pain can make it harder to sleep and certain sleep positions and products can ease back pain or make it worse. A 2014 study in the Asian Spine Journal indicated that one-third of people with low back pain dealt with [...]
Spinal Fusion
What is spinal fusion or back fusion? A spinal fusion (also known as back fusion) is a surgical procedure that permanently joins together (fuse) two or more vertebrae (bones in the spine). Screws, plates, and cages are often used to fuse the vertebrae. After the procedure, there is no longer movement between the fused vertebrae. Spinal fusion is often performed along with other surgical procedures (eg, foraminotomy, or laminectomy) to treat spinal disorders such as spinal stenosis. It may also be performed alone to fix spinal conditions such as abnormal curvatures, weak or unstable spine, and spinal fractures. Spinal fusion [...]
Core Strengthening Exercises
Back pain can have many different causes, but usually results from some combination of over-use, muscle strain, and/or injury to the muscles, ligaments and discs that support and control the spine. When an injury to the core muscles is not treated correctly, it can lead to a weakness or imbalance of the spine resulting in ongoing pain or frequent recurrences. Conversely, a strong core essentially creates a muscular corset that stabilizes the body and spine, thereby reducing pain, minimizing recurrences and stopping injury. A strong, flexible core is important in almost everything that you do. You use your core in everyday activities, such as bending to put your socks and [...]
Exercise Blog
Stretches to Reduce Back Pain A normal routine of back exercises can prevent low back pain and/or reduce the risk and duration of "flare-ups." Controlled, gradual, progressive back pain exercises can help the back keep its strength and flexibility. Also, back movement improves the delivery of nutrients to spine, keeping discs, muscles, ligaments, and joints healthier. Prior to starting a new exercise program, it is always desirable for patients to first see a spine specialist who is trained in developing individualized back exercise programs and in instructing patients to use the correct form and technique for each exercise. Low back pain [...]