The spinal canal is like a tunnel along your spine that contains the nerves that travel along the spinal column and carry messages to other parts of the body. When the spinal canal narrows, the condition is called spinal stenosis. This painful condition may occur in each section of the spine,...

Spinal nerve compression is a term referring to any condition that places pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots along the spine. It may lead to pain, weakness or other neuromuscular problems, some of which can be severe. When the spinal canal narrows for any reason, it can cause painful...

Spinal fusion surgery has been a staple for patients needing surgery to correct chronic spinal pain or immobility. Fusing vertebrae together stabilizes the spine and can be very effective for relief, but medical experts are performing more and more artificial disc replacements as an alternative to...

One of the most common spinal surgeries, microdiscectomy targets patients with painful herniated discs. The goal of surgery is to remove the protruding or herniated disc fragment and any other tissues that might be compressing a nerve. Previously this was a major spine surgery that entailed a...

Arthritis is a condition that involves pain, stiffness and inflammation of the joints in various places in the body. This may include the spinal joints or areas along the spine where tendons and ligaments attach to the vertebrae. Although spinal arthritis can occur anywhere on the spine, the lower...

Pain in your lower back can be very bothersome over time, especially if you do not change your habits to help prevent this type of discomfort. Lower back pain may be acute with intense, sharp pain that comes on suddenly and diminishes after a short time. It might be chronic pain instead, with...

The cervical spine is the top portion of the spine that makes up the neck. Cervical myelopathy is a condition in which the spinal cord becomes compressed. If untreated, it can cause the cervical spine to deteriorate and become even more painful or immobile. The more you know about cervical...

Spinal fusion is a serious spine surgery that permanently connects two or more vertebrae in your spine. If you must have spinal fusion, it is likely that you have tried other treatments for your condition first and you and your physician have decided surgery is the best choice. With the care of a...

You may not realize that things you do every single day can contribute to the health of your back. If you are having back pain, start by considering your daily habits and whether any of them could be making your back ache. Here are some unhealthy practices that may adding to your back pain. Poor...

If nerves become compressed in your spine or other body parts, you may experience pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling. This condition is commonly called a pinched nerve. It is possible with time, rest, and home care to recover from a pinched nerve. Sometimes the symptoms are more significant or...