Gardening can be both a relaxing hobby, and highly rewarding. Even still, the physical demands simply cannot be ignored. Gardeners will commonly experience pain and discomfort in their neck, shoulders, lower back, and knees after spending hours in the garden. However, with a few simple gardening tips, you can reduce your risk of injury and make this hobby a much more pleasant experience without the pain. Here are some gardening tips for getting down and dirty in your favorite green space without all the pain:  Neck/Shoulder Pain Gardeners tend to experience pain in the neck and shoul ..read more

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition that affects the lower back, causing pain, weakness, and numbness in the legs. When the spinal canal narrows, pressure is put on the spinal nerves passing through. Most commonly, the cause of lumbar spinal stenosis is degeneration of the spine related to age. As the condition progresses, it can lead to bulging or herniated discs, thickened ligaments, or bone spurs. There are other possible factors that can contribute such as genetics, trauma, and previous back surgeries.  The good news is that there are ways to manage the symptoms which include specif ..read more

Winter weather conditions and low back pain seem to frequently go hand in hand. This is especially true after the first big snowfall of the season. It’s all too easy to injure the lower back area, either from shoveling snow or from slipping or falling due to an ice-covered sidewalk or exterior set of stairs. Winter is also a time when people tend to slack off their exercise routine. In turn, their weakened muscles leave them more vulnerable to injury.   Due to the natural hazards that occur during winter, doctors and physical therapists are more likely to see incidences of lower back ..read more

Back and leg pain is a common complaint among many people. There are a variety of reasons why someone might experience this type of pain, but one of the most common causes is sciatica. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs. It is responsible for providing sensation and movement to the legs and feet. When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the back and legs. Understanding the anatomy involved in sciatica is important for properly diagnosing ..read more

Kayaking, one of the best outdoor activities to enjoy in the summertime, can, unfortunately, be quite tough when you have lower back and shoulder pain. As with any activity that involves repetitive motion, there is a risk of developing pain in these areas. However, some exercises can help prevent or relieve this pain. Here are exercises to help you enjoy kayaking when you have lower back and shoulder pain. Sciatic Nerve Glides The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back down through the legs. In fact, sitting in a kayak for a long time can put tens ..read more

A back spasm is one of the most common complaints that doctors witness. The most prominent causes of a back muscle spasm are joint misalignment, muscle/bone/tissue injury, and nerve injury. Several approaches can be used to treat back pain, such as medication, lifestyle changes, and therapies. When you have back spasms, it indicates a problem with your back, and you need a medical diagnosis. When left untreated, muscle spasms can cause chronic back pain, weakness, and swelling in the back. Read on to discover more about back muscle spasm, their causes, and how it is treated. What is a Back Mus ..read more

Low back pain (LBP) is a concerning epidemic among the adult population, with studies indicating that up to 23% of the world’s adults suffer from chronic LBP. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that nearly 65 million people endure some form of LBP, with 16 million being adults. These are worrying stats, and we fear they may only worsen as our aging society continues to grow. Thus, it’s high time we understood what causes this condition and how we can address its symptoms. The good news? This short blog takes a dig at the possible mechanical and non-mechanical causes of LBP and offers you a few ..read more

Sooner or later, almost everyone experiences a bout of lower back pain and/or muscle spasms. Shoveling snow, yard work, weekend warrior tasks, and even house cleaning can create the perfect storm for an episode of back pain. However, after 2 or 3 days of discomfort, most people are able to get back on their feet from these types of events. For others, their lower back pain and muscle spasms don’t necessarily seem to be connected to any type of activity. Instead, their pain and muscle spasms seem to occur fairly regularly, perhaps even persistently. Do you frequently have muscle spasms or pain ..read more

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lower back pain is common, affecting 80% of adults, according to the Center for Disease and Control (CDC). “But why do I have back pain?” you may be asking. Unless caused by trauma such as accidents or a fall, lower back pain is caused by wear and tear. Degenerative joint disease (DJD) results from wear and tear of the joints.  The lower back is flexible and robust and comprises a stack of 5 vertebral bones with discs in between. The cartilage between the joints acts as shock absorbers as the body moves, and when it breaks ..read more

Ankylosing Spondylitis, also referred to as AS, is a type of arthritis largely affecting the spine. The joints within the spine become chronically inflamed and eventually fused, causing bouts of pain for those afflicted. The name explains it all. Ankylosing means “to become joined,” and Spondylitis means “inflammation of the vertebrae.” AS currently affects roughly 2.7 million Americans. Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms While Ankylosing Spondylitis targets the spine, Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms include more than just back pain. Most people complain about feeling tight and stiff, especially ..read more