A slipped disc in your spinal column can quickly bring your normal routine to a halt. This painful yet common orthopedic condition often warrants prompt medical attention. You can heal from a slipped disc in your back by learning what this condition is and how doctors treat it today. What is a Slipped Disc? A…
Consisting of 27 bones, 29 joints, 48 nerves, and an assortment of muscles and ligaments, each of your hands plays a key role in many of the daily tasks you perform. Anything that injures or irritates any of these parts can be an instant source of distraction, or even frustration if there are certain tasks…
Most adolescents go through puberty without any complications or prolonged side effects. In less common instances, however, children can develop a spinal condition called scoliosis. Learn what scoliosis is and how doctors address this condition in children today. What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that typically occurs as a child goes…
The human body has a remarkable ability to heal itself. When a bone breaks, referred to as a fracture, your body starts to make efforts to repair the damage and heal tissues immediately. How much assistance will be necessary to successfully complete this process will depend on the extent of the break, where it’s located,…
Sprains (affecting ligaments) and strains (affecting muscles), stress fractures, and dislocations are among the most common sports-related injuries. Often affecting children and teens, sports-related injuries can sideline anyone who plays sports occasionally or on a regular basis. While not all injuries are avoidable, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of…
Did you know that the principles of orthopedics were developed and used even during the ancient times? Ancient civilizations used these systems in describing the methods of recognizing and managing the most common orthopedic conditions. Additionally, the study of medicine in a systematic manner by Romans and Greeks significantly improved the understanding of surgical techniques…
Your musculoskeletal system is made up of all the bones and muscles in your body. It is easy to understand that keeping this system healthy is essential if you want to be active, flexible, and pain free. What isn’t so obvious is the way to achieve this healthy goal. You can influence your musculoskeletal system…
Osteoporosis is a chronic and progressive disorder that causes your bones to become increasingly brittle and weak. Your bones could be weakened so much by osteoporosis that coughing or a slip and fall in your home could cause a fracture. While some risk factors for osteoporosis cannot be controlled, such as your race and sex,…
Breaks in bones, also called fractures, can occur anywhere within the body where there’s a bone or joint. Bones can break completely, become fractured in specific locations or patterns, or break into multiple pieces. Treatment for broken bones depends on where the break occurs, the severity of the break, and whether or not other tissues…
Occurring when a bone slips out of alignment or position, dislocations are often the result of a sudden impact, such as a hard fall or direct hit to the body. Pain from a dislocation is usually instantly recognizable due to the stress placed on supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments—and sometimes on nearby nerves. Dislocations can…
Often affecting the lower back, neck, knees, wrists, and ankles, sprains can result from a sharp twist or turn, repetitive motions, or falling with little or no protection from the impact. Defined as a stretch or tear of a strong band of connective tissue called a ligament, a sprain is usually a temporary discomfort. Sometimes…
An abnormal curvature of the spine affecting about 3 percent of the population, scoliosis can be mild with little or no pain or severe enough to impact quality of life. Some forms of scoliosis advance during adolescence but not into adulthood. Surgery is rarely necessary unless the curvature is severe or causing debilitating pain. When…