Last updated 1 day 9 hours ago
Cervical stenosis occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrowed, leading to compression of the spinal cord and its associated nerve roots. Although some cases can be asymptomatic, some patients may experience pain, numbness, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms as a result of this condition.
By watching this video, you can learn more about cervical spinal stenosis and its effects on the body. The host also discusses the major causes of the disease, including disc herniation and bone spurs.
Are you suffering from the effects of cervical stenosis or another spinal problem? Consider seeking treatment from the experts at Suburban Orthopaedics. Contact our practice today at (888) 876-0117 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
Last updated 6 days ago
The way you rest your head at night has a major impact on the health of your back. If you lay in a position that hyperextends your spine and doesn’t give it the proper support, you will likely find yourself dealing with chronic back and neck pain. The trick to maintaining healthy posture as you sleep isn’t favoring one position over another. Instead, pay attention to keeping your spine in alignment in the position that is most comfortable for you.
If you sleep on your side, placing a pillow between your knees will give your hips support and keep your spine straight. Back sleepers should place a pillow under their knees for good sleep posture. Roll a small towel and place it under your lower back for even more support. If you sleep on your stomach, use a pillow under your pelvis. Stomach sleepers may find it more comfortable to sleep without a pillow for their heads.
No matter what the cause of your back pain, Suburban Orthopaedics can help with pain management, physical therapy, and orthopaedic surgery. Let us get to the root of your pain and start treatment today. Make an appointment by calling (888) 876-0017.
Last updated 8 days ago
Sciatica and piriformis syndrome cause every similar symptoms. In both cases, pain radiates though the sciatic nerve, which runs from your spine down the back of your legs. Although the sciatic nerve is involved in both cases, it’s crucial to distinguish between these conditions so that the right pain management techniques and treatments can be used. Here is what you need to know about the differences between these two common back pain complaints:
Causes
The root causes are what differentiate these conditions. With piriformis syndrome, the piriformis muscles that surround the sciatic nerve spasm and squeeze the nerve. With sciatica, a degenerative disc or back injury puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. The exact cause of piriformis syndrome is unknown. Sciatica can result from a number of factors, including excess weight and improper lifting.
Symptoms
Piroformis syndrome and sciatica both cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttocks and down the backs of the legs. Piriformis syndrome usually only causes pain in one leg, while sciatica can be experienced in both legs. In both cases, the pain may get worse when climbing stairs or sitting for long periods of time.
Treatments
The first step in treatment is correctly diagnosing the problem. An orthopaedic specialist will ask you about your symptoms and may apply pressure to your lumbar spine and piriformis muscles to see which are tender. If sciatica is diagnosed, physical therapy and orthopaedic surgery may be used to resolve the issue. For piriformis syndrome, steroid shots may be used to ease the pain. In some cases, Botox is used to reduce the spasms in the piriformis muscles.
If you’re experiencing the telltale signs of piriformis syndrome or sciatica, let the team at Suburban Orthopaedics help. We will correctly diagnose your condition and treat you with the right combination of pain management and orthopaedic surgery. Call us at (888) 876-0117 and make an appointment.
Last updated 13 days ago
Carpal tunnel syndrome can interfere with your life and your livelihood. This condition results from compression of the median nerve that runs from your forearm and into your wrist through the carpal tunnel. Pain, tingling, and numbness can occur. Eventually, everyday activities, like typing and grasping things, can be become painful, making work difficult. A range of pain management techniques, including orthopaedic surgery, can help resolve carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are the facts about this increasingly common syndrome:
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Several different factors play into the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. People who must do repetitive motions as part of their jobs – for instance, assembly line workers – have an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some people are pre-disposed to carpal tunnel syndrome, thanks to a smaller-than-usual carpal tunnel. Being pregnant or having thyroid disease, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis can also increase susceptibility to this condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome experience pain and numbness in their index, middle, and ring fingers, as well as their thumbs. Pain in the wrist may also be present. As the condition progresses, trouble grasping items and performing manual tasks is common.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?
In its early stages, rest and physical therapy may be effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Over-the-counter pain medications and oral steroids can help with pain management. If more conservative treatments don’t work, an orthopaedic surgeon can perform a carpal tunnel release surgery. The procedure can be performed as an open or endoscopic surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will release the pressure on your median nerve by cutting the traverse carpal ligament. After surgery, swelling is common for several weeks, but the symptoms are completely relieved.
Don’t let carpal tunnel syndrome interfere with your ability to work and do the things you love. Call Suburban Orthopaedics and let one of our surgeons or physical therapists help. Call us at (888) 876-0117 to learn more.
