A pinched nerve can occur anywhere in the spine: neck (cervical spine), mid back (thoracic spine), and low back (lumbar spine). From the anatomy stand point, we called “foraminal stenosis” where the nerve gets pinched in the neuro-foramen or the hole that the nerves leaving the spine. From the clinical standpoints, we called radiculopathy or radicular symptoms which describing the pattern of pain starting from the spine and radiating do wot arms/hands or Read more…

The degenerative disc is believed to be a natural process when we are getting older. The disc is the “cushion” between the bone and the surrounding by a capsule. This is probably the most common cause of back pain. When we are getting mature (as I hate to say we are getting older), the water content and chemical contents of the cushion are diminished, meaning that the disc is no longer “juicy” or Read more…

Spinal stenosis means narrowing of the spinal canal and therefore the is not enough signal down the nerve that running to your arms or legs. The most common lumbar stenosis symptom is difficult to walk and limited walking distance(a medical term called neurogenic claudication) as the legs and feet do not get enough nerve signals. Other symptoms are tingling, numbness, and weakness. Back pain is usually not the most common complaint. Classic history Read more…

It is important to understand what the sciatica is and what causes sciatica. The most common cause is herniated disc. The good news is that this usually gets better over time and with non-surgical treatments. The bad news is some patients state that “sciatica is worse than having a child-birth”. Tips that you can do to get some relief are: Avoid prolonged sitting: The disc pressure is highest with sitting Alternate your position Read more…