Laminectomy and laminotomy are types of spinal decompression surgeries that involve full or partial removal of the lamina, the vertebrae's bony plate that protects the spinal canal.
If platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is good enough for pro athletes, it should be good enough for your back pain, right? Truth is, it’s more complicated than that. Read what our experts think.
Usually used for decompression sickness, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help accelerate wound healing after spine surgery and may even have a place in treating spinal cord injuries. Learn more about this as-yet-unproven but promising treatment.
Spinal injections and nerve blocks may reduce back or neck pain, such as cervical or lumbar radiculopathy, and may confirm the cause of a spinal disorder.
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) may be a better surgical option than traditional or open spinal surgery to treat different causes of back pain and neck pain.
CBD oil is not medical marijuana and it cannot get you high. It may, however, give many people some relief from back pain. Find out what the research shows and how to ensure you get a quality product.
Neuroplasty is an intimidating-sounding name for a minimally invasive procedure that can bring back pain relief for two years or more. Find out what neuroplasty is, and if you’re a candidate.
ACDF and disc replacement surgery can both take your neck pain and radiculopathy away. Which one’s right for you? Learn about how they’re similar and different to help you choose.
New medications such as tanezumab may provide options for treating back pain. Is it available? Is it effective? Is it right for you? Learn more about tanezumab for back pain.
Spinal cord stimulation is cutting-edge pain management, but does it always work? No, and sometimes your device needs to be removed. Here’s when—and why.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed how healthcare is practiced and delivered, and physical therapy is no exception. Learn how you can get your PT done safely and effectively in your own home.
Lumbar stenosis surgery isn’t always 100 percent successful. That’s why it’s important to carefully assess your personal risk factors before going under the knife.
Odds are you’ve heard of a spinal tap—but you may not know exactly what it entails. Also called a lumbar puncture, it’s a procedure performed in the lower part of your back to diagnose a health problem, administer medicine, or assist with imaging.
Medication can be an effective way to treat back pain, but it’s not as simple as just popping a pill when you need one. Learn how pain meds can interact with other medications you’re taking and conditions you may have.
Acupressure can reduce back, neck and upper back pain by pressing on certain acupoints to unblock Qi, the body's vital energy force. Acupressure is an Asian practice related to TCM.
Stay-at-home orders often mean you can’t see your ortho or neurosurgeon for back pain, but you still have options. From PT to telemedicine, here’s what to do instead.
When your back hurts—and when it doesn’t—an electric shock is the last thing you want, right? Don’t be so sure. A TENS unit may relieve your back pain. Find out how.
Many spine procedures use hardware like plates, screws and rods to stabilize your spine. But what happens when hardware breaks or gets infected? Find out here.
Lumbar laminectomy makes more room in the spinal canal by removing part of a vertebra. The procedure takes the pressure off nerve roots and relieves pain, limb weakness and other symptoms.
Not every patient with back or neck pain needs a neurosurgeon. Usually, the patient's primary care physician or chiropractor makes the referral to a neurosurgeon.
Neurosurgeons are highly educated and specially trained spine specialists. It can take upwards of 8 years after medical school to become a neurosurgeon.
A neurosurgeon is a medical specialist who treats diseases and conditions affecting the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spine and spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves.
Spine injection questions? We've got answers about how it works, how to prepare, how it feels and much more. Learn more from our expert, Dr. William Mosenthal.
Osteoporosis drug treatment includes romosozumab (brand name, Evenity) for postmenopausal women per the Endocrine Society’s medication management guideline.
How many chiropractic treatments are necessary to treat low back pain? Do chiropractors recommend other types of treatment besides spinal adjustments and manipulation?
Misconceptions about robotic spine surgery are dispelled by Isador H. Lieberman, MD, a pioneer in the technology. Why he thinks this technology will be the standard of care for complex spine cases within the next 5 years.
Medical clearance before spine surgery evaluates your general health, existing medical problems or comorbidities, and risk potential for complications. This pre-operative clearance provides information your surgeon uses to reduce risks before, during and after back or neck surgery.
Learn the basics of chiropractic, including how chiropractors determine if chiropractic care is best for you. Covers spinal manipulation and explains how chiropractors can address your back pain or neck pain.