Lower Back Pain and Constipation: How They Are Connected
Lower Back Pain and Constipation: How They Are Connected Lower back pain and constipation can occur together when stool buildup in the colon creates pressure that causes lower back discomfort. Constipation may also cause straining, bloating, and abdominal pain, which can increase discomfort. However, persistent pain and constipation may point to an underlying problem that […]
Sciatica During Pregnancy: What Is Safe and What Helps?
Sciatica During Pregnancy: What Is Safe and What Helps? Sciatica pain can be safely managed during pregnancy with gentle, pregnancy-friendly exercises, supportive sleep positions, and heat or cold therapy. Staying active within your comfort level may also help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and ease pain. At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our spine […]
Swimming for Back Pain: Which Strokes Help and Which Hurt
Swimming for Back Pain: Which Strokes Help and Which Hurt Backstroke may be easier to tolerate with back pain, while breaststroke and butterfly may worsen symptoms in some people. Backstroke helps you maintain a more neutral position and limits repeated strain on your lower back. In contrast, strokes that require greater arching or twisting may […]
Proper Lifting Technique: How to Protect Your Lower Back
Proper Lifting Technique: How to Protect Your Lower Back To protect your lower back while lifting, keep your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, tighten your core muscles, and maintain a neutral spine. Then, lift with your leg muscles while keeping the load close to your body. Using improper lifting techniques can strain your back […]
Who Is a Candidate for SI Joint Fusion Surgery?
Who Is a Candidate for SI Joint Fusion Surgery? You may qualify for SI joint fusion if chronic lower back, buttock, hip, or groin pain persists after at least six months of conservative treatments. Degenerative sacroiliitis, joint instability, trauma, or persistent pain after prior lumbar spinal fusion can also support the need for surgery. At […]
Piriformis Syndrome vs Sciatica: Same Pain, Different Cause
Piriformis Syndrome vs Sciatica: Same Pain, Different Cause Sciatica and Piriformis syndrome cause similar pain, but they may involve different sources of nerve irritation. Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle irritates the nearby sciatic nerve. In contrast, spinal sciatica usually starts when a nerve root in your lower back becomes irritated. Because both can […]
What Causes Tailbone Pain When You Sit?
What Causes Tailbone Pain When You Sit? Backward falls, prolonged sitting, poor posture, pelvic floor tension, and inflammation can cause tailbone pain when sitting. Other common causes include childbirth, repetitive strain, a tailbone fracture, and pressure from sitting on hard surfaces. In some cases, pregnancy, excess body weight, joint degeneration, or infection can also contribute […]
Herniated Disc vs Pinched Nerve: Cause and Effect
Herniated Disc vs Pinched Nerve: Cause and Effect A herniated disc affects the structure of a spinal disc, while a pinched nerve affects nerve function. A herniated disc occurs when disc material extends beyond its normal boundary through a weakened or disrupted outer layer. This disc material may press against nearby nerve roots, causing a […]
Workers’ Comp Herniated Disc Settlement: What Affects the Value
Workers’ Comp Herniated Disc Settlement: What Affects the Value The workers’ comp settlement value depends on several key factors, including injury severity, surgery, permanent impairment, work restrictions, and lost wages. Similarly, your disability rating, future medical needs, and earning capacity can also affect the final payout. Other than that, your medical records, imaging results, and […]
Back Pain During Pregnancy: What Is Normal and What Is Not
Back Pain During Pregnancy: What Is Normal and What Is Not Back pain during pregnancy is a common symptom that occurs when the uterus expands, gravity shifts forward, and hormonal changes loosen ligaments. The extra weight of the baby also places more strain on the back muscles. Although mild, occasional lower back pain is normal, […]