What is it? A compression fracture occurs after a vertebra softens and gradually becomes malformed; if additional internal or external forces are applied, the bone will weaken and crack. What causes it? Osteoporosis is the number one cause of vertebral compression fractures, followed by trauma. What are the symptoms? Co … Read More

Upper Back Pain and Neck Pain Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments What is upper back pain? The upper back and neck region is the most complex area of our body because of the many joints and how those joints work together. The neck and shoulders can exhibit much the same difficulties as the lower back, such as pulled muscle … Read More

What It Is and How to Treat It By Steve Hefferon, CMT, CPTA What Is It? Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spine cord. It can also be a narrowing of the area where the nerve branches exit the spinal column, thus causing lower back pain or pain that radiates down the legs. … Read More

What is spondylolisthesis? This condition occurs when two vertebrae slip or slide over one another to produce the abnormal positioning of two or more vertebrae in relation to each other along the spinal column. Spondylolisthesis is categorized into different types, each of which has five grades of severity. What causes … Read More

Situation: You tell your friend that your back is killing you, and he tells you it's all in your head. You insist that you have "somatic" back pain, and he says, "You, mean 'psychosomatic,' don't you?" While you consider for a moment finding a more sensitive friend, you instead decide to inform this person that, yes, ther … Read More

What is it? The Sacroiliac joint (SI) connects the base of the spine to the pelvis. It has two connection points and a hefty network of ligaments because it is a weight-bearing joint. The connection points have a kind of interlocking mechanism that limits movement at the joint. The SI joint can become irritated and is ea … Read More

What is a pinched nerve? A pinched nerve can also be referred to as a slipped disc, prolapsed disc, bulging disc, ruptured disc, or even degenerative disc disease. They’re all essentially the same thing; it just depends on who you’re talking to. The most commonly used terms are herniated disc or bulging disc. Technically … Read More

What is fibromyalgia? Nobody knows. That's why they call it a syndrome, which is the worst possible scenario for someone with pain--no clear diagnosis. You see, fibromyalgia (FM) is just a collection of signs and symptoms that can change from day to day. But fibromyalgia can be severe, and it can take its toll anywhere on t … Read More