Degenerative disc disease and sciatica facts Picture of herniated disc between L4 and L5 The discs of the spine serve as "cushions" between each vertebral segment. The discs are designed somewhat like a jelly donut. Degeneration (deterioration) of the disc makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture), which can lead to localized or radiating...
What is cryotherapy and how does it work? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Cryotherapy is a pain treatment that freezes an affected nerve and to treat some cancers. Cryotherapy is a pain treatment that uses a method of localized freezing temperatures to deaden an irritated nerve. Cryotherapy is also used as a method of...
Facts you should know about a dislocated ankle A dislocated ankle means that the tibia and talus no longer maintain their normal anatomic relationship. An isolated dislocated ankle is a rare injury. Usually, there is an associated fracture of the bones that make up the ankle. The ankle usually dislocates as a result of a...
What is a cystoscopy? A cystoscopy is an examination of the inside of the bladder and urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In men, the urethra is the tube that runs through the penis. The doctor performing the examination uses a cystoscope — a long, thin...
Chronic pain facts* *Chronic pain facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOE Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. Acute pain results from disease, inflammation, or injury to tissues and comes on suddenly. The cause of acute pain can usually be diagnosed and treated, and the pain is confined to a given period of...
Facts you should know about chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) Readers Comments 33 Share Your Story Non-refreshing sleep is a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined by two major criteria, chronic severe fatigue for at least 6 months not caused by a diagnosable disease...
Facts you should know about carpal tunnel syndrome Readers Comments 43 Share Your Story Picture of carpal tunnel syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by irritation of the median nerve at the wrist. Any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and...
Minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion facts A minimally invasive surgical procedure, the spinal fusion is used to treat lumbar (lower back) pain if the pain hasn't resolved on its own after six to 12 weeks. A spinal fusion operation causes the vertebrae (bones of the spine) in the lower back to grow together, reduce pressure...
What are the main risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS)? Many patients also report that stress triggered their MS symptoms or caused a relapse. Multiple sclerosis (MS) results when your immune system attacks the cells of the brain and spinal cord. It is an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the body’s immune system is...
What is plantar fasciitis? The main causes for plantar fasciitis include obesity, physical activity, occupation, pregnancy, and foot structure. The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. It provides arch support and connects the heel to the front of the foot. It is a major component of...