If you suffer from upper back pain, it’s time to reclaim your comfort and regain control of your daily life. Relief from this debilitating condition is within reach. Here, you will learn about the causes of upper back pain and strategies to alleviate your discomfort. What is upper back pain? Imagine discomfort that takes residence between your shoulder blades, affecting your daily life, and keeping you from doing many of the things you love. That’s just what upper back pain entails — a sensation of pain or discomfort from the base of your neck to the bottom of your ribcage. According to Dignity Health, this form of back pain can vary in intensity, ranging from a mild annoyance to a debilitating ache, and it can either be persistent or surface only during certain activities. While back pain is widespread, upper left back pain and upper right back pain are less common than their counterparts in the lower back. The bones in your upper and middle back form a sturdy connection with your ribcage, limiting their mobility compared to the more flexible bones in your neck and lower back. This unique skeletal structure contributes to the distinctive nature of upper back pain, requiring specific attention and care. What is causing my upper back pain? If you are experiencing upper back pain, you want to understand what…  read on >  read on >

New York-based physical therapist Brittany Garrett, now 33, was sidelined by excruciating hip pain for close to eight years before she got an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. She tried physical therapy to improve her flexibility, among other treatments, but nothing seemed to help. The former volleyball player’s pain was so intense that it was getting in the way of her career and her active lifestyle. “I have to be able to demonstrate exercises, do lunges, be on my feet, get on and off the floor and lift heavy things, and I couldn’t,” Garrett recalled. She eventually underwent imaging exams, including an MRI that showed she had femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), an underdiagnosed condition that occurs when abnormal growths at the hip joint cause painful friction and set the stage for hip osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear form of the disease. “It was a relief to have the diagnosis and know that it was an anatomical issue, and there was also relief in knowing that I could have surgery to get rid of pain and get my life back,” Garrett said. In the past, this type of surgery involved huge incisions and dislocating the hip, but now some surgeons can treat FAI with minimally invasive hip surgery via tiny incisions and instruments guided by a small camera, reducing risks and downtime. Garrett underwent two minimally invasive surgeries to…  read on >  read on >

Whiplash — an often underestimated injury that can strike in the aftermath of a collision — inflicts injury and pain on its unsuspecting victims. If you find yourself grappling with the relentless effects of whiplash, you’re not alone. Numerous legal websites estimate that at least 3 million Americans per year sustain whiplash injuries. Here’s what you should know about a whiplash injury, including what it is, and its causes, symptoms and treatments. What is whiplash? “Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when an individual’s head is jerked backward and then forward suddenly, similar to the cracking of a whip. It commonly happens during motor vehicle accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, but it can also occur during sports activities or falls,” said Dr. Jeremy Smith, an orthopedic spine surgeon and director of the spine surgery fellowship at Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Southern California. The unfortunate truth is that whiplash neck is no joke. The Cleveland Clinic indicates that whiplash is often dismissed as fleeting pain, soreness or stiffness. However, the ramifications can be far-reaching, leading to long-term pain and complications. In the most extreme cases, whiplash has the potential to unleash severe spinal injuries, causing permanent disability or even proving fatal. What causes a whiplash injury? “The primary cause of whiplash injury is the sudden and forceful movement of the head and neck,” Smith…  read on >  read on >

“Oh, my aching back!” Everyone has uttered these words at some point, in response to the sharp, sudden pain that comes with back spasms. This article will explore the causes of back spasms, their symptoms and, most importantly, effective treatments. Whether you’re experiencing your first spasm or seeking ways to prevent future episodes, understanding the triggers and what to do is key. What is a back spasm? According to the Cleveland Clinic, back spasms can range from tiny twinges to crippling contractions that leave you unable to move. They occur when the muscles in your back contract involuntarily and intensely. The sensation can vary widely from person to person. For some, it may come on as a mild, dull ache or an occasional twitch; for others, it can escalate into sharp, excruciating pain that becomes debilitating. What causes back spasms? Many factors can contribute to these sudden and often painful muscle contractions. Understanding the underlying triggers is essential in both preventing and addressing back spasms. The Cleveland Clinic provides this list of common back spasm causes. Insufficient muscle usage — Prolonged periods of sitting, poor posture, lack of exercise and underutilizing back and abdominal muscles can result in weakness, making the muscles prone to spasms and discomfort. Overexertion and excessive use of muscles — Athletes and individuals involved in heavy lifting activities may experience spasms…  read on >  read on >

The phrase “pain in the neck” is a tongue-in-cheek way to describe annoying situations or people that test our patience, but for those who experience genuine neck pain, it’s no laughing matter. Neck pain can be a debilitating condition that affects daily life and leaves sufferers longing for relief. This article will explore some practical strategies to alleviate neck pain and provide self-care tips, neck pain exercises and other helpful treatments to try. Neck pain causes Neck pain, also called cervicalgia, is the discomfort experienced in or around the spinal area beneath the head. The Cleveland Clinic says neck pain is common, affecting 10% to 20% of adults. And it should come as no surprise that your neck, medically known as the cervical spine, plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of your head and facilitating its movements. But various injuries and medical conditions can give rise to neck pain. Left untreated, neck pain can become a persistent hindrance, interfering with your daily activities and diminishing your overall quality of life. In an article, Dr. Zacharia Isaac, medical director of the Comprehensive Spine Care Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and director of interventional physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, writes that neck pain usually builds over time. “Neck pain rarely starts overnight,” he writes in a school web page.…  read on >  read on >

Imagine a life where even the simplest movement becomes a painful endeavor. Back pain, a pervasive ailment affecting millions, can turn daily routines into exhausting and painful challenges. Back surgery emerges as a potential solution when conventional treatments fall short, offering hope for those trapped in chronic pain. What are the most common back surgery types, and how do they bring relief? This article will explore the purpose of these surgeries, their benefits, the conditions they can help address and recovery times. Most common back surgery types According to StatPearls, 23% of adults worldwide endure chronic low back pain. While the majority of back pain resolves naturally within three months, there are instances where back surgery can provide relief for specific types of back pain. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, back surgery is rarely necessary and should be considered only when other treatment options have been exhausted and the pain becomes debilitating. However, a handful of different approaches can be taken for back surgery, depending on your level of pain and the severity of symptoms. Here are the four types of back surgeries: Diskectomy According to the Mayo Clinic, a diskectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged portion of a herniated spinal disk. It offers relief by alleviating pressure on irritated or compressed nerves. Typically, it is most effective in treating pain…  read on >  read on >

Let’s talk about menopause and its impact on your sex life. We all know that this phase of life can bring about some changes, like a lower sex drive and vaginal dryness. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to suffer through it. In this article, we will break down how menopause affects your sexual experiences, share some medications and self-care tips that can make a real difference, and give you a glimpse into how sex may be different postmenopause. So, buckle up and get ready to take control of your sexual well-being during this transformative time. Let’s dive in! Sex and Menopause “Menopause can bring about a range of effects on sexual function—some positive and some not so great. However, what’s crucial to understand is that sexual satisfaction plays a significant role in multiple aspects of our overall health. It is directly linked to life satisfaction, quality of life, marital happiness, and overall well-being,” says Dr. Catherine Hansen, MD, MPH, a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner and the head of menopause for Pandia Health, a doctor-led birth control delivery service founded and led by women. “In fact,” Hansen says, “Sexual dysfunction can be just as debilitating as other chronic diseases such as IBS or arthritis.” And as most adults know, maintaining a healthy sex life is paramount for leading a happy and healthy life. This…  read on >  read on >