Your general health and wellness is just as important as your spine’s health. Learn more about healthy habits, ways to reduce back or neck pain, and more below!
Spinal cord compression occurs when pressure is put on your spine. It can occur anywhere between your neck down to your lower back. Some of the signs of spinal cord compression are numbness, pain, and weakness. One of the most common causes of spinal cord compression is the gradual wear and tear on your spine. Otherwise known as osteoarthritis. Spinal cord compression can be caused by a multitude of things and can happen at any age.
Stretching is an important activity for your spine because it helps to relieve tension in your muscles and improve your spine’s flexibility. Here are some stretches you can do to help improve your back flexibility:
Staying active is very important for your spine health. There are many activities that you can do to stay active and keep your spine healthy. Here’s a few:
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition that causes pain in the musculoskeletal system. The pain usually tends to be in a certain area of your body which could be your neck, shoulders, or back. The pain is typically around trigger points in your muscles. Some of the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome are muscle stiffness, fatigue, and headaches. This can be diagnosed through a physical test or imaging and diagnostic tests. There are lots of treatments for myofascial pain syndrome such as electrical stimulation and massages.
Have you ever thought about why joints crack? It’s actually an interesting process. The cartilage that covers the ends of your bones rubs against each other and creates a vacuum. You will probably want to crack your bones at this point. Some people say it helps to relieve pain, but that has not been proven.
It’s no secret that warmer weather can leave many of us feeling achy and in pain. For those living with chronic neck and back pain, the summer months can bring about not only soreness but also an exacerbation of their existing symptoms. This is due to changes in barometric pressure caused by the rising heat combined with humidity. While it may be tempting to stay inside where the air conditioning will provide some relief, there are ways you can minimize your discomfort by taking proactive steps to prevent further back pain during the summer season. Firstly, it’s important to take extra care when lifting heavy items or engaging in strenuous activities – lift with your legs and use proper posture so you don’t strain your back muscles even more. Additionally, if you have an outdoor job or hobby that requires long periods of standing or moving around, take regular breaks and ensure your footwear is supportive to avoid any additional strain on your feet, legs, or back. Stretching regularly can also be beneficial in keeping the muscles limber and prevent tightness. Yoga poses such as cat-cow stretches will help increase mobility and flexibility in the spine. Finally, for anyone who has found relief from pain with heat therapy in the past – using a hot water bottle before bedtime may be helpful in easing soreness during the night. Overall it’s important to remember that when it comes to coping with neck and back pain, prevention is key! Taking extra steps to protect yourself from any unnecessary pains during the summer months is essential to ensure you can enjoy the season without feeling held back by your discomfort. Take care and enjoy your summer with minimal pain!
Back pain is very common to get and almost always comes with inflammation. Inflammation can often be triggered by what we eat. Foods that increase or trigger inflammation are known as pro-inflammatory foods. Some foods that are pro-inflammatory are saturated fats (red meat), trans fats (crackers), Omega 6 (Sunflower oil), and sugar. If you have back pain, you should try to avoid them. Some foods that are non-inflammatory that are good for back pain are Omega 3 (walnuts), fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
If you have back pain, these are some things you should stop doing:
It’s important to exercise so you can keep your body healthy and your muscles strong. Here are a few exercises you can do that will help you to strengthen your spine:
Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano is the principal Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at Montesano Spine & Sport. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Siena College and a medical degree from New York Medical College.
With extensive postgraduate training, Dr. Montesano has earned multiple awards, including the Volvo Award in Clinical Science (1998) and the Howmedica Spinal Fixator Grant (1989). He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Spine Surgery Society, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and a Member of the American College of Forensic Examiners.
Helping patients regain function and comfort from serious spine conditions.
We’ll review your medical history, receive a neurological exam, and explore treatment options with a clear understanding of risks and benefits.
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Sarasota Laser & Spine Center Office and Montesano Wellness Center
903 Osborne Drive Sarasota, FL 34234
Venice Office
1872 Tamiami Trail S, Suite C
Venice, FL 34293
4362 Northlake Blvd
Suite 209
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Tel: (561) 345-2299
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10161 Park Run Drive, Suite 150
Las Vegas, NV 89145
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