Spine Universe Author Biography

As the Manager of Patient Content on SpineUniverse.com, Kamiah works closely with Editorial Board members to ensure that articles on SpineUniverse.com are straightforward, trustworthy, and helpful. Kamiah gets a kick out of grammar and proofreading, and she enjoys the challenge of taking a complex idea—like spine surgery—and making it understandable to people who don't have an MD after their name.

She's a published author of travel stories and various essays, in addition to being an avid runner and reader.

SpineUniverse articles from Kamiah A. Walker

• A Letter to Santa
  Dear Santa, we're worried about how your extra weight, your little round belly, affects your back. We think your weight problem may lead to back pain, and we want to help. We have lots of back pain prevention tips for you!
• Acupuncture vs. Injections for Neck Pain
  Patients in a SpineUniverse survey said they were more satisfied with acupuncture than with spinal injections for their neck pain. A bit surprising—especially since acupuncture isn’t widely accepted in mainstream medicine. Is it right for your pain?
• Alexander Technique for Chronic Back Pain
  The Alexander technique, a little known treatment option that teaches you how to move your body efficiently and painlessly, may help patients with chronic or recurring low back pain. That's what a study from Britain is saying.
• Alternative Treatments for Back Pain
  You may want to try alternative treatment options to relieve your back pain. Acupuncture, herbal remedies, or massage may be part of your treatment plan-- but always discuss treatment options with your doctor before beginning.
• Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain
  Many patients find chronic pain relief from complimentary and alternative medicines (CAM). Depending on your type of chronic pain, you may want to try acupuncture or herbal remedies. Massage is also a good treatment option for chronic pain.
• Alternative Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease: Acupuncture, Herbal Remedies, and Prolotherapy
  To treat degenerative disc disease, you may consider Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which offers alternatives to mainstream treatments. Reviews acupuncture, herbs, and Prolotherapy as DDD treatment options.
• Alternative Treatments for Neck Pain: Acupuncture, Herbal Remedies, Massage, Yoga, and Pilates
  Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, capsaicin cream, or yoga may be recommended by your doctor. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal reported acupuncture as an effective in treating neck pain.
• Alternative Treatments for Sciatica: Acupuncture, Acupressure, Biofeedback, and Yoga
  When you think of finding relief from sciatica, do you consider alternative therapies? Many sciatica patients have benefitted after acupuncture, acupressure, biofeedback, or yoga.
• Alternative Treatments for Spinal Stenosis: Acupuncture and Massage
  Alternative treatments for spinal stenosis are just that - alternatives to medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
• Alternative Treatments for Spondylosis
  You may try complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) as you deal with the pain and other symptoms of spondylosis. Article explains treatments such as acupuncture, herbs, and yoga, in addition to discussing the effectiveness of CAM treatments.
• Alternative Treatments for Upper Back Pain
  You may want to try alternative treatment to relieve upper back pain. Learn about acupuncture and massage and how they can deal with muscle strain, tightness, stiffness, and pain.
• Americans in Pain: Part 1
  When Americans were asked about back pain, a national health care issue, they responded along party lines. Who should fix this pervasive problem? Democrats say the government; Republicans respectfully disagree. Read other intriguing survey results.
• Americans in Pain: Part 2
  Survey results: Americans say that work is the #1 cause of back and neck pain. Our career-focused lifestyle seems to promote poor posture and a lack of good ergonomic principles. Includes tips on how to avoid back pain and neck pain at wo
• Americans in Pain: Part 3
  Survey results: America should invest in more research in order to prevent back and neck pain. Other ideas include universal health coverage (that's what Democrats think would fix our backs) and encouraging weight loss (so say Republicans).
• Americans in Pain: Part 4
  Survey results: who should pay to fix America's pervasive back and neck pain issues? The country is split. Some say the government; some say insurance companies. Any other ideas?
• Americans in Pain: Part 5
  Will we ever be able to entirely prevent back pain? You can do your best to avoid back and neck pain by following these simple tips in your day-to-day life. And if we all follow these suggestions, more of us can prevent pain.
• Anatomy of a Herniated Disc
  Why do most herniated discs happen in the low back or lumbar spine? Classic symptoms include low back and leg pain.
• Anatomy of Ankylosing Spondylitis
  A solid understanding of your spinal anatomy will help you understand how ankylosing spondylitis affects your spine. Learn about the different spinal regions where AS can cause inflammation and fused bones.
• Anatomy of Back Pain
  Understanding why you have back pain starts with understanding the parts of your spine. Informative overview of the vertebrae, joints, muscles, and nerves that make up your backbone.
• Anatomy of Chronic Pain
  Nerves are what enable us to feel pain, so if you have chronic pain, there's probably something wrong with your nerves. Learn the basic anatomy of the body's nervous system to understand how chronic pain can develop.
• Anatomy of Degenerative Disc Disease
  If you want to fully understand how degenerative disc disease changes your spine, you should first understand the parts of your spine. Read about vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and where your spinal cord fits into all this.
• Anatomy of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
  The joints in your body: that's what you have to know to understand the anatomy of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Learn about the parts of joints, including how cartilage helps your bones move more easily (especially important to know for JRA).
• Anatomy of Kyphosis
  Easy-to-understand explanation of normal spinal anatomy and how kyphosis changes parts of the spine. Goes into why we have curves in our spine and the different complex components of the spine, such as vertebrae, discs, and nerves.
• Anatomy of Neck Pain
  The cervical spine (neck) supports the full weight of the head, which is usually about 15 pounds.
• Anatomy of Osteoporosis
  To understand osteoporosis, you should understand how bones grow and regenerate. Then you'll know why and how this bone disease weakens your bones, especially your spine's vertebrae.
• Anatomy of Sciatica
  The piriformis muscle is a narrow muscle located deep in the buttocks. In most people, the sciatic nerve runs beneath it. Sciatica can occur if the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve.
• Anatomy of Scoliosis
  Normal spinal curves are either kyphotic or lordotic and are important to spinal balance and flexibility.
• Anatomy of Spinal Fractures
  Spinal fractures can occur anywhere on the vertebrae, so to understand fractures, you should understand basic spinal anatomy. This article reviews the spinal regions and gives a thorough description of the vertebrae.
• Anatomy of Spinal Stenosis
  To better understand what can cause spinal stenosis, a quick anatomy review is essential.
• Anatomy of Spondylolisthesis
  To better understand why spondylolisthesis can cause low back pain and a change in body appearance such as swayback, it helps to know about basic spinal anatomy. Explains how vertebrae work together to help you move.
• Anatomy of Spondylosis
  Before you can understand why spondylosis causes pain, you should understand the parts of your spine and how they work together. This quick anatomy lesson shows you what spinal components are affected by spondylosis.
• Anatomy of the Upper Back
  Your thoracic spine (your mid-back or upper back) doesn't move as much as the other parts of your spine. That's because it's part of the rib cage, and it needs to protect your internal organs. Learn about the various parts of the thoracic spine.
• Anatomy of Whiplash
  Because your neck is so moveable (it has the most range of motion of any spinal region), it's also highly susceptible to whiplash. Article explains the basic anatomy of your cervical spine and how the parts work together.
• Avoid Back Pain While Leaf Raking
  Leaf raking can leave you with back pain, and no one wants that on a glorious fall day. Before heading gout to rake, read these quick tips on taking care of your spine and preventing back pain.
• Back Pain and Its Impact on Sexual Satisfaction
  In February 2008, SpineUniverse conducted a national survey on how back pain affects sexual satisfaction. Hint: it doesn't make sex better. Another hint: back pain doesn't mean you can't have sex anymore. Read the full survey results here.
• Back Pain Exercises and Stretches
  Keeping your back healthy is a daily commitment. It helps to do daily stretches and exercises specifically designed for your back. Follow these easy instructions on how to prevent back pain or find pain relief.
• Back Pain Prevention and Relief
  Many helpful tips about body mechanics and posture are presented to help back pain patients prevent injury.
• BlackBerry Neck? High-tech Can Be a Pain in the Neck
  Neck pain from work? It could be the BlackBerry. Poor posture from hunching over and craning your neck could lead to tech neck. For handheld device-related neck pain relief and prevention, try these simple exercises.
• Botox for Chronic Back and Neck Pain
  Botox isn't a panacea or the perfect quick fix for back or neck pain. However, it does seem like a wonder drug.
• Bracing for Osteoporosis
  A spinal fracture is a serious thing, and as your body heals, your doctor may recommend a back brace. It will support your spine and back muscles as the vertebrae heal.
• Bracing for Spondylolisthesis
  Depending on the severity of your spondylolisthesis, your doctor may have you wear a brace or corset to help support your spine. You won't have to wear it all the time; your doctor will create a treatment plan just for you.
• Bracing for Spondylosis
  For some cases of spondylosis, especially cervical spondylosis, the doctor may recommend wearing a brace. It will provide support to your spine and help limit your spine's motion. Controlling motion may help reduce your pain.
• Bracing for Whiplash
  For whiplash, the typical first treatment is a cervical collar or brace. That will support your spine and head as the soft tissues heal. Read this article to know how long you'll have to wear a brace and how exactly it will help relieve your pain.
• Bracing: A Treatment Option for Scoliosis
  Spine specialists consider the scoliosis patient's age, number of growing years that remain, curve pattern and size, and likely rate of progression when developing a treatment plan.
• Bracing: A Treatment Option for Kyphosis
  A doctor may recommend a brace for treating kyphosis. Several factors come into play, including how much growth the patient has left to do and how severe the kyphotic curve is. Bracing may help stop the curve from getting worse.
• Bracing: A Treatment Option for Spinal Fractures
  After a spinal fracture, your doctor may recommend that you wear a brace. It will support your spine and muscles as the bone heals. The most important thing with a brace is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly about when and how to wear it.
• Calcium and Vitamin D to Build Bone
  Preventing osteoporosis involves getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is what helps you build new bones, and vitamin D is what helps you absorb calcium from food or supplements. Find out what you should be eating to build bones.
• Causes of a Herniated Disc
  Not every herniated disc happens suddenly. In fact, it’s more likely the pain is caused by normal, daily stress on the spine. Over time, the disc can degenerate and start to bulge. Here, see illustrations of the 4 stages of a herniating disc.
• Causes of a Spinal Fracture
  Trauma, such as a car accident or a sports injury, can cause spinal fractures. However, they're also related to conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis. Weakened bones are more susceptible to fracture.
• Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis
  Researchers aren't exactly sure what causes ankylosing spondylitis, but they believe that heredity and a certain type of bacteria play a role in the development of this spinal condition. Inflammation also plays a part in causing the spine to fuse.
• Causes of Back Pain
  Back pain has a variety of causes: sprains and strains, poor posture, obesity, and aging. Before you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan, you need to figure out what's causing your pain. Read this article for some common back pain causes.
• Causes of Chronic Pain
  Chronic pain can be caused by so many things: injury, disease, infection. But often, the exact cause isn't known. Read this article to learn the general categories of chronic pain causes.
• Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease
  Aging—and what that does to your body—is the most common cause of degenerative disc disease. However, did you know that long before proof of DDD is seen on CT or MRI, parts of your spine have already started to change?
• Causes of Kyphosis
  What's causing kyphosis depends on what type of kyphosis you have: postural or structural. Postural, not surprisingly, is caused by poor posture, but structural kyphosis is related to problems with parts of the spine. Review typical causes.
• Causes of Neck Pain
  The cause of pain impacts how it can be treated. Neck pain may be mild or severe, cause numbness or burning feelings in your neck or hand. Several common causes for neck pain are explained.
• Causes of Osteoporosis
  Osteoporosis has many causes, including family history and certain medical conditions. There are also many lifestyle factors that could lead to osteoporosis, such as lack of exercise and smoking. How can you decrease your chance of having weak bones?
• Causes of Sciatica
  The 8 most common causes of sciatica are explained, including piriformis syndrome. Symptoms of sciatica and piriformis syndrome are similar are include low back and leg pain.
• Causes of Scoliosis
  There are many different types of scoliosis including idiopathic, congenital, adult or degenerative, and neuromuscular.
• Causes of Spinal Stenosis
  Primary spinal stenosis is caused by a birth defect. Acquired spinal stenosis results from spinal disease or injury.
• Causes of Spondylolisthesis
  There are different types of spondylolisthesis. It all depends on the original cause: what made your vertebra slip forward? It could be a fracture or a tumor or even surgery. Basic article explains spondylolisthesis classification system.
• Causes of Spondylosis
  Spondylosis is caused primarily by aging: as you age, the parts of your spine wear out, perhaps causing pain. Spondylosis can put the body through a cause and effect process. One anatomical change causes another-—and maybe more pain.
• Causes of Upper Back Pain
  Upper back pain, or mid-back pain, is most often caused by muscle sprain, strain, or fatigue. Other soft tissue injuries can also cause pain. There are a couple other common causes: learn what they are in this overview article.
• Causes of Whiplash
  Most of us think of one main cause of whiplash: car accidents. There are other ways to injure your neck in that fast back and forth motion, including certain sports. Article explains why aging makes us more susceptible to whiplash.
• Chiari Malformation: A Basic Overview
  A Chiari malformation is a condition that causes part of the brain to settle into the spinal canal. It shouldn't be there, and it can cause symptoms such as headaches. Article covers treatments, including surgery.
• Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica
  Many patients visit a chiropractor for treatment of sciatica. Chiropractic care is more than spinal manipulation and may include cold therapy, TENs, and ultrasound to help relieve low back and leg pain.
• Common Ankylosing Spondylitis Questions
  Quick answers to the most common questions about ankylosing spondylitis. What is it? What causes it? What can you do for the pain and other symptoms?
• Common Back Pain Questions
  This article helps to answer the question, "I just injured my back, but it doesn't hurt enough to go into the doctor. What can I do?"
• Common Chronic Pain Questions
  Chronic pain can drastically change your life. Get answers to the most common chronic pain questions here.
• Common Degenerative Disc Disease Questions
  Although degenerative disc disease usually is the result of aging affecting people over 50, younger people can experience symptoms too.
• Common Herniated Disc Questions
  Common questions most people ask about herniated discs.
• Common Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Questions
  Reference sheet for the most common juvenile arthritis questions. Find answers to the most important questions, including when surgery is needed and what non-surgical treatment options are used.
• Common Kyphosis Questions
  If you've been told you have kyphosis, you probably have a lot of questions. Can it be treated without surgery? Don't all spines have a kyphotic curve? Use this quick reference for answer to the most common kyphosis questions.
• Common Neck Pain Questions
  Just the FAQs about neck pain. For example, what can you do if you wake up with neck pain? When is cervical spine surgery necessary? What types of non-surgical treatments are available to relieve neck pain?
• Common Osteoporosis Questions
  Many of the most common questions people ask about osteoporosis are answered here.
• Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Questions
  There are a few main questions when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis: What is it? What causes it? How is it treated? Brief answers to the most common questions so that you can get info fast.
• Common Sciatica Questions
  Quick FAQs answers your questions about sciatica. Will over-the-counter medications reduce pain? Will you need surgery? Learn what sciatica is, the symptoms, and causes.
• Common Scoliosis Questions
  Scoliosis is a complex disorder. Presented here are many common questions patient ask and the answers.
• Common Spinal Fracture Questions
  Come here for quick answers to the most common questions about spinal fractures. Includes information about surgical and non-surgical treatment options for fractures caused by trauma.
• Common Spinal Stenosis Questions
  Many people, aged 50 and older suffer from spinal stenosis. Here, we present the top 5 questions most patients ask and the answers.
• Common Spondylosis Questions
  Read these concise answers to frequently asked questions about spondylosis: they'll help you quickly understand your treatment options and pain.
• Common Upper Back Pain Questions
  Need to know the basics about upper back pain (or mid-back pain, as it's also called) fast? Review these commonly asked questions. Covers symptoms, treatments, and who needs surgery.
• Common Whiplash Questions
  Four of the most common questions people ask are presented here along with the answers.
• Degenerative Disc Disease Prevention and Relief
  Lifestyle changes are the best road to health. These tips can help you recovery better from degenerative disc spine surgery and become healthier overall.
• Drugs and Medications for Chronic Pain
  For chronic back pain, you will probably try several medications. There are many types, and your doctor will work with you to find the right one (or ones) for your particular pain. Article explains typically prescribed drugs and how they help.
• Drugs and Medications for Kyphosis
  To help you deal with pain from kyphosis, the doctor may recommend drugs or medications. You may need to take painkillers or medications that reduce inflammation. Depending on how bad the pain is, you may start off with over-the-counter medications.
• Drugs and Medications for Osteoporosis
  To help control bone mineral density loss because of osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend a medication. There are several options, including drugs that slow down bone loss and one drug that speeds up bone formation.
• Drugs and Medications for Spinal Fractures
  Spinal fractures may cause pain, so to help you deal with that pain, you may need to take medications. Your doctor will work with you to figure out the best medications and dosages for your pain.
• Drugs and Medications for Spondylolisthesis
  A lot of the pain from spondylolisthesis can be handled with over-the-counter medications (such as Tylenol). If you need something stronger to relieve your pain, your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend an injection.
• Drugs and Medications for Whiplash
  When you first injure your neck, over-the-counter medications may help reduce your pain. However, if your pain continues, your doctor may prescribe something stronger, including an injection to relieve inflammation caused by whiplash.
• Drugs, Medications, and Injections for Spondylosis
  After diagnosing you with spondylosis, the doctor may suggest medications to deal with the pain and inflammation. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, usually the doctor starts with over-the-counter drugs. You may need something stronger.
• Drugs, Medications, and Injections for Upper Back Pain
  Drugs, medications, and injections work to control and relieve your upper back pain. Your doctor will help figure out what medication is right for you. Options include NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and Tylenol.
• Drugs, Medications, and Spinal Injections for Degenerative Disc Disease
  Medication for degenerative disc disease varies in strength, and what you take depends on the severity of your symptoms. This general article reviews basic medication options from over-the-counter to spinal injections.
• Drugs, Medications, and Spinal Injections for Spinal Stenosis
  If your spinal stenosis is severe, your doctor may recommend an epidural steroid injection.
• Drugs, Medications, and Spinal Injections to Relieve Back Pain
  Medications may be part of your treatment plan for back pain; your doctor may also recommend spinal injections. Learn the basics of what's prescribed and the different medications for acute and chronic back pain.
• Drugs, Medications, and Spinal Injections to Relieve Neck Pain
  Most people with neck pain do not need surgery. Often, muscle strain causes neck pain and time is may be the best prescription!
• Drugs, Medications, and Spinal Injections to Relieve Sciatica
  The best treatment to help relieve sciatica depends on the cause! Often, spinal injections and/ or medications help to relieve sciatic pain known to cause low back and leg pain.
• Ergonomics and Chronic Pain
  Chronic pain can make it difficult to get through a day at work, but ergonomics (the study of how we work) can help. Practicing good ergonomic principals on the job may enable you to control your pain.
• Ergonomics and Degenerative Disc Disease
  Since degenerative disc disease affects so many people, it's a guarantee that it's affecting work. Learn some very basic principles on how to adapt work to protect your spine and prevent pain from getting worse.
• Ergonomics and Kyphosis
  Ergonomics looks at how we work and the environment in which we work. It plays a big part in helping you get through the day without back pain, and if you have kyphosis, you should be thinking about ergonomics.
• Ergonomics and Sciatica
  If you have sciatia, you know low back and leg pain make working painfully difficult! These simple ergonomic priniciples can help you get through the work week, hopefully with less pain.
• Exams and Tests for a Herniated Disc
  Besides a physical and neurological examination, the spine specialist may order tests such as an MRI or discogram.
• Exams and Tests for Back Pain
  To diagnose the cause of your back pain, your doctor will need to do several tests. You'll have physical and neurological exams, and then you'll most likely need imaging studies, such as x-rays or CT scans. This will help confirm your diagnosis.
• Exams and Tests for Degenerative Disc Disease
  Diagnosing degenerative disc disease can be difficult because it develops so gradually. Your doctor will do physical and neurological exams and perhaps even order a MRI. All this should help him or her diagnose your condition.
• Exams and Tests for Kyphosis
  Making an accurate diagnosis of kyphosis involves several steps. The doctor will do physical and neurological exams, but he or she will also probably order imaging tests, such as x-rays or MRIs to help see how the kyphosis is affecting your spine.
• Exams and Tests for Neck Pain
  The doctor may order imaging tests (X-ray, MRI, CT scan) to help diagnose the cause of neck pain.
• Exams and Tests for Osteoporosis
  There's just one way to confirm an osteoporosis diagnosis: with a bone mineral density (BMD) test. You can also have a BMD test if you might be at risk for osteoporosis. It'll tell you how strong your bones are and your chances for a fracture.
• Exams and Tests for Sciatica
  Tests may be necessary to help diagnose sciatica or piriformis syndrome. If the spine specialist suspects a herniated disc or lumbar spinal stenosis, he may order an MRI.
• Exams and Tests for Scoliosis
  Early scoliosis diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent curve progression. If you suspect your child has scoliosis, see the doctor.
• Exams and Tests for Spinal Fractures
  Imaging tests are the best way to diagnose a spinal fracture. You may need to have x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. Each test shows particular details of the spine, vertebrae, fracture, and nerves.
• Exams and Tests for Spinal Stenosis
  Diagnosing spinal stenosis can be difficult because symptoms can mimic those of other conditions.
• Exams and Tests for Spondylolisthesis
  Most people find out they have spondylolisthesis when they have an x-ray for another problem, and it reveals a slipped vertebra. Doctors will then order other tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as a CT scan.
• Exams and Tests for Spondylosis
  Diagnosing spondylosis can be tricky since it develops gradually. To make an accurate diagnosis of spondylosis, your doctor will do physical and neurological exams. You'll need to have x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, too.
• Exams and Tests for Whiplash
  Even if you just have minor neck pain after an injury causing whiplash, you should see your doctor or a spine specialist. He or she will determine the extent of your injury through several exams and tests.
• Exams and Tests to Diagnose Chronic Pain
  Diagnosing chronic pain is a process. Your doctor will need to run several exams and tests, and through all of it, he or she will be trying to figure out what's causing your chronic pain.
• Exams and Tests to Diagnose Fibromyalgia
  Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult. The two criteria for fibromyalgia diagnosis are widespread pain lasting more than 3 months, and pain in 11 of the 18 fibromyalgia trigger points. Other tests may be necessary to rule out similar conditions.
• Exams and Tests to Diagnose Upper Back Pain
  You should make an appointment to see a doctor for upper back pain if the pain is severe or lasts more than a week. He or she will do several exams and tests, including a physical exam, to find the cause of your pain.
• Exercise and Chronic Pain
  Even if it doesn't sound appealing, you need to maintain an exercise plan if you have chronic pain. There are many benefits to exercise and physical activity. Staying active may prevent your pain from getting worse.
• Exercise for Chronic Back and Neck Pain
  The medical community generally agrees on this: exercise can help treat chronic back and neck pain. However, a study showed that exercise isn't prescribed as often as it should be. What can patients do about that?
• Exercise to Relieve Spondylosis Pain
  By following an exercise plan, patients with spondylosis can reduce their joint pain and increase their muscle strength. If possible, daily activity should be part of a spinal arthritis treatment plan because of the many benefits of exercise.
• Exercises for Spinal Stenosis
  If you have spinal stenosis, should you exercise? If so, what type of exercise is safe and won't cause you pain?
• Facts and Tips about Ankylosing Spondylitis
  Who gets ankylosing spondylitis more frequently: males or females? Is exercise a good idea if you have AS? Learn the answers to those questions, plus read other facts and tips about this spinal condition.
• Facts and Tips about Back Pain
  Quick facts and tips about back pain.
• Facts and Tips about Chronic Pain
  Quick facts and tips about chronic pain. Learn how it's defined, how it's treated, and whether or not you should exercise when you have chronic pain.
• Facts and Tips about Degenerative Disc Disease
  Interesting facts and information about degenerative disc disease that you may not know!
• Facts and Tips about Herniated Discs
  Facts and tips about herniated discs
• Facts and Tips about Kyphosis
  There are two kinds of kyphosis. Learn what they are, plus other facts about this extreme rounding of the spine.
• Facts and Tips about Neck Pain
  These 6 facts and tips about neck pain can help relieve pain and other symptoms.
• Facts and Tips about Osteoporosis
  Approximately 700,000 vertebral fractures occur each year. Many are caused by osteoporosis.
• Facts and Tips about Rheumatoid Arthritis
  Fast facts about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including how many people in the US have it. If you want to know the basic facts about RA, start here.
• Facts and Tips about Sciatica
  If you think sciatica is a modern malady, you'll be surprised to learn what the early Germans, Celts, anient Romans, and even Shakespeare thought caused sciatica. More interesting, is how it was then treated!
• Facts and Tips about Scoliosis
  Five interesting facts and tips about scoliosis.
• Facts and Tips about Spinal Fractures
  What is the leading cause of spinal fractures? Accidents? Sports? Find out here, plus learn other facts and tips about spinal fractures.
• Facts and Tips about Spinal Stenosis
  Years ago, spinal stenosis was called "creeping paralysis" because it gradually gets worse as you get older.
• Facts and Tips about Spondylolisthesis
  True or False? Spondylolisthesis is a common cause of back pain in teenagers.
• Facts and Tips about Spondylosis
  Spondylosis may be an effect of aging, but that doesn't mean we'll all have pain and other symptoms from this degenerative spinal process. Discover other facts and tips about spondylosis, which is also sometimes called spinal osteoarthritis.
• Facts and Tips about Upper Back Pain
  Read over this collection of facts and tips about upper back pain. Includes tips on what can cause pain so you know how to prevent upper back pain, also called mid-back pain.
• Facts and Tips about Whiplash
  Did you know the symptoms of whiplash may take a while to develop? It's true. That fact, along with other facts and tips, will help you to better understand whiplash.
• Fibromyalgia Anatomy
  Fibromyalgia has 18 specific tender points associated with it (often confused with trigger points). These tender points are small, painful areas located near certain joints in your body. Includes diagram of tender points.
• Fibromyalgia Study: It's a Real Disease
  A French study published in November 2008 suggests that there's a correlation between blood flow in the brain and how fibromyalgia patients experience pain. This could lead to a better understanding of fibromyalgia causes and how best to
• Herniated Disc Prevention and Relief
  Healthy lifestyle choices are important to building strong bones including your spine.
• Holiday Weight Gain: How the Holidays Can Cause Back Pain
  What's not to love about the holiday season? Well, how about the weight you put on, thanks to all that festive food...and the possible back pain from that extra weight? Avoid back pain this holiday season by following these tips.
• How Psychologists Help Chronic Pain Patients
  Chronic pain has an emotional component, and it can lead to depression and other mood disorders. Your doctor may refer you to a psychologist, but that doesn't mean he thinks the pain is all in your head. Get help for all aspects of chronic pain.
• How to Prevent Upper Back Pain
  Preventing upper back pain isn't too hard: watch your posture, stay in shape, use good body mechanics, and avoid osteoporosis. Learn other tips, including an exercise you can do every day, for upper back pain prevention.
• Inflammatory Arthritis Risk Quiz
  Will you develop a form of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis? Be proactive in your joint health and take our short risk quiz. You’ll find out what factors play a role in developing inflammatory arthritis.
• Interventional Pain Management for Chronic Pain
  Interventional pain management specialists offer an array of treatment options for chronic pain sufferers. Learn about injections, spinal cord stimulation, and more. Pain management treatments can help you handle your pain and get your life back.
• Interventional Pain Management for Chronic Pain: Rhizotomy, Spinal Cord Stimulation, and Spinal Pumps
  There are several interventional pain management techniques you can try to deal with chronic back pain. Article gives a good overview of radiofrequency rhizotomy, spinal cord stimulation, and spinal pumps.
• Intervertebral Disc Infection: Discitis and How it Affects Children
  Discitis, an infection of the intervertebral disc, is more common in children than in adults. Article explains causes, symptoms, and treatment options for the childhood form of discitis.
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Facts and Tips
  Get a quick overview of key details about juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), including that it's also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
• Kyphosis Prevention
  You can prevent some types of kyphosis, especially kyphosis caused by poor posture. Help from a physical therapist to learn what good posture feels and looks like may be all you need to prevent kyphosis.
• McKenzie Method for Spinal Stenosis
  To treat your spinal stenosis, you may go to a McKenzie Method clinician. The Method emphasizes patient education and self-treatment to help you find pain relief. For example, you'll learn positions that make it less painful for you to walk.
• Memo to Airlines: Travelers Would Pay More to Avoid In-flight Back Pain
  Most people have back or neck pain (or both) after a flight. A SpineUniverse survey found that 75% of people are willing to pay more for a more spine-friendly seat. Will the airlines listen and create a seat that gives support, not back pain?
• Neck Pain Prevention and Relief
  Neck care and injury prevention include eating healthy, regular exercise, not smoking, and good posture and body mechanics (ergonomics).
• Non-surgical Treatments for a Herniated Disc
  Seldom does a herniated disc require surgical treatment. A combination of several therapies including medication and physical therapy help most patients.
• Non-surgical Treatments for Kyphosis
  The treatment plan depends on the cause of the kyphosis. When kyphosis is caused by a structural problem, wearing a special brace can help control back pain and slow or stop curve progression.
• Obesity and Degenerative Disc Disease
  Learn why extra pounds put extra strain on the spine—and why the symptoms of degenerative disc disease may be worse if you're significantly overweight.
• Osteoporosis: Not Just an Elderly Disease
  Many people confuse osteoporosis with arthritis and wait for swollen joints and discomfort before being tested.
• Physical Exam
  The physical exam is one way the doctor will try to assess your pain and condition. In this examination, he or she will feel your spine, check how well your joints move, and ask you questions about your pain and other symptoms.
• Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain
  Going to physical therapy when you have chronic pain can teach you how to maintain an active life while taking good care of your body and dealing with your pain. A physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you manage pain.
• Physical Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease
  Physical therapy for degenerative disc disease can include exercises to stretch and strengthen your spine and related muscles. That's just what your spine needs because DDD can weaken it.
• Physical Therapy for Kyphosis
  Physical therapy is an effective way to deal with kyphosis, especially postural kyphosis. Read what a physical therapist can help you learn about correcting your posture and strengthening your back muscles. Also covers PT for structural kyphosis.
• Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis
  For osteoporosis, a physical therapy treatment plan may include weight-bearing exercises, strengthening exercises, and balance and posture work. It will help you maintain bone mass while preventing falls and possible fractures.
• Physical Therapy for Spinal Fractures
  After a spinal fracture, physical therapy can help you strengthen your bones and muscles. The physical therapist will develop an individualized plan that helps you return to normal and/or work around your limitations.
• Physical Therapy for Spinal Stenosis
  Physical therapy includes passive treatments to relax you and your body. They also prepare your body for therapeutic exercise.
• Physical Therapy for Spondylolisthesis
  Physical therapy is an often-used treatment option for spondylolisthesis. You'll strengthen the muscles that support the spine, and you'll learn how to keep your spine safe. If you have pain, though, the first goal will be to relieve that.
• Physical Therapy for Spondylosis
  A physical therapist can help you learn how to control your pain from spondylosis. A PT program is individualized, but it may include passive treatments such as heat/cold therapy, and it may include active treatments, such as an exercise program.
• Physical Therapy for Whiplash
  Physical therapy is an effective way to deal with the pain and other symptoms of whiplash. A physical therapist will use passive treatments to help your body heal, and you'll probably learn exercises to help strengthen your neck muscles.
• Physical Therapy to Relieve Back Pain
  Physical therapy has two components: passive and active treatments. Read about what your physical therapist may use as he or she works to reduce your back pain. Also explains why you may need to do aerobic exercise as part of the healing process.
• Physical Therapy to Relieve Neck Pain
  Physical therapy is an important component of many neck treatment plans. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist to help relieve your neck pain, restore movement, and teach you ergonomic tips for pain prevention.
• Physical Therapy to Relieve Sciatica
  Physical therapy includes treatments that not only reduce pain, but help to prepare you for active therapeutic exercise.
• Physical Therapy to Relieve Upper Back Pain
  Physical therapy is an important part of avoiding more upper back pain in the future. A physical therapist can help you learn good posture, strengthen your spinal muscles, and improve your overall health. Learn how here.
• Posture and Kyphosis
  Postural kyphosis is caused by poor posture, so if you've been diagnosed with that, you need to make a conscious effort to improve how you stand and sit. Follow these quick tips to get you started.
• Rest as a Treatment Option for Spondylolisthesis
  Doctors no longer recommend extensive bed rest for back pain caused by spondylolisthesis. They may suggest two to three days, and you may need to take a break from activities that cause pain or make it worse.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Test Your Knowledge
  Think you understand rheumatoid arthritis? Test how much you know about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this type of inflammatory arthritis. Take our rheumatoid arthritis knowledge quiz and prove what you know.
• Sciatica Prevention and Relief
  These 8 wellness tips may help you to prevent an episode of sciatica or piriformis syndrome.
• Scoliosis Prevention and Relief
  Scoliosis can be difficult to detect. Knowing what to look for is helpful. Listed are 5 physical characteristics associated with scoliosis.
• Second Opinion on Spine Surgery: Rude or Smart?
  Most people don't dare to ask for a second opinion?" Although patients may want to get a second opinion, many feel it is being disrepectful. Is it?
• Smoking and Osteoporosis
  That cigarette could be putting you at risk for osteoporosis. Find out how smoking affects your bones and why you should stop if you want to have healthy bones, especially if you're a woman.
• Spinal Fracture Prevention
  Spinal fracture prevention is about taking precautions when doing certain activities. For example, you should always wear your seat belt when driving. Learn other tips about protecting yourself from spinal fractures.
• Spinal Stenosis Prevention and Relief
  Facing surgery to treat spinal stenosis? Answers to common inquiries about hospitalization and recovery provided.
• Spine Treatments in the News
  Can you trust what you hear on the TV about back pain treatment options? Research and cutting edge treatments do make the news, so it's up to you to do your own research after hearing a news segment about spine treatments.
• Spondylolisthesis Prevention and Relief
  These 10 tips can help you to prevent spondylolisthesis and aid during your recovery.
• Spondylosis Prevention and Relief
  Whatever your age, regular exercise and healthy eating are two ways to maintain a healthy spine. Plus 7 other spine healthy tips.
• Surgery for a Herniated Disc
  Five common surgical procedures performed to treat herniated discs are presented. Plus, helpful tips how to get in good physical shape for your surgery!
• Surgery for Back Pain
  Less than 5% of people with back pain need spine surgery. But if you're in that 5%, your doctor will make the best recommendation for the type of surgery. This is a list of typical surgical procedures used to treat back pain.
• Surgery for Chronic Pain
  Surgery is a last resort option for chronic pain, but in some cases, it may be necessary. Learn when doctors recommend surgery for chronic pain patients.
• Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease
  If you need surgery to deal with the pain and other symptoms from degenerative disc disease, your surgeon will recommend the best procedure. Read this article to learn about several common procedures and how a new technology is changing surgery.
• Surgery for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
  Surgery is rarely used in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) cases, although there are a few scenarios where it may be recommended. Find out when surgery is possible.
• Surgery for Kyphosis
  Surgery is rarely used in cases of kyphosis, but there are some instances where the doctor will recommend it. When? What are the risks and benefits? How long will it take to recover? Find answers here.
• Surgery for Neck Pain
  Generally, neck surgery is performed to treat degenerative disc disorders, trauma or spinal instability.
• Surgery for Osteoporosis
  Vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty are minimally invasive surgical procedures used to treat spinal fractures.
• Surgery for Sciatica
  The 4 signs patients should be alert to when sciatica, piriformis syndrome, or low back and leg pain persists are presented. Fortunately, most patients respond well to non-surgical treatment and surgery is seldom considered.
• Surgery for Scoliosis
  The goal of scoliosis surgery is to stop the curve from getting worse, and restore the spine to a more normal alignment and appearance.
• Surgery for Spinal Fractures
  Spinal fractures do not always require surgery. Article outlines basic surgical goals that surgeons take into consideration when recommending surgery for a traumatic spinal fracture.
• Surgery for Spinal Stenosis
  Only a small percentage of patients with spinal stenosis require surgery. Information about 3 common surgical procedures is presented.
• Surgery for Spondylolisthesis
  Not very many patients will need surgery for spondylolisthesis. Read what circumstances can lead to surgery. Also explains the various surgical options.
• Surgery for Spondylosis
  Most patients with spondylosis will not need spine surgery-- which is good news to people affected by degenerative process. Lists scenarios where surgery is recommended and details types of surgery used.
• Surgery for Upper Back Pain
  Surgery for upper back pain is a last resort treatment option. The exact procedure is determined by your diagnosis, but this article explains several common procedures, including decompression and fusion.
• Surgery for Whiplash
  Very few patients with whiplash end up needing cervical spine surgery. If your doctor recommends it, though, there are several options. What kind of surgery you have depends on what parts of your cervical spine have been injured.
• Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
  Symptoms of a herniated disc may include dull or sharp pain, muscle spasm or cramping, weakness, tingling, or referred pain.
• Symptoms of a Spinal Fracture
  Spinal fractures don't always cause pain, although that is a possible symptom of a vertebral fracture. If the fracture is causing nerve problems, you may have weakness or tingling. Get a full list of spinal fracture symptoms.
• Symptoms of Back Pain
  There are various ways to feel back pain and your symptoms depend on what is causing your pain.
• Symptoms of Chronic Pain
  Chronic pain is much more than pain. It can lead to other physical, social, and emotional problems that can feel overwhelming. However, by honestly looking at how the pain is affecting your life, you can deal with it.
• Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
  Back or neck pain is a common symptom of degenerative disc disease. Where pain is felt depends on the region of the spine affected by DDD.
• Symptoms of Kyphosis
  The easiest-to-recognize symptom of kyphosis is a rounded back. The extreme curve in your upper spine will cause you to hunch forward, but there are other symptoms, including potentially severe back pain.
• Symptoms of Neck Pain
  More than 15 different symptoms are associated with neck pain. Some suggest immediate medical care.
• Symptoms of Osteoporosis
  Osteoporosis is sometimes called the "silent disease" and with good reason.
• Symptoms of Sciatica
  To get the best treatment for sciatica, it is important to recognize and understand the symptoms. This will help you communicate with your doctor more effectively.
• Symptoms of Scoliosis
  The symptoms of scoliosis are not always easy to spot, and you may not notice the symptoms until the school nurse detects something.
• Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
  The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on "where" the spinal cord or nerve pathways are narrowed.
• Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
  Some people live with a spondylolisthesis without knowing it! Listed here are the common symptoms associated with a forward slip of a vertebra.
• Symptoms of Spondylosis
  The symptoms of spondylosis vary depending on where your spine is affected. This degenerative process can cause pain that ranges from mild to severe. One very noticeable spondylosis symptom is joint stiffness in the morning.
• Symptoms of Upper Back Pain
  Upper back pain is often related to muscle or soft tissue problems, such as sprains, strains, or tension. Common symptoms are muscle stiffness, tightness, and tenderness. You may also have pain in your shoulders and/or neck.
• Symptoms of Whiplash
  When you get whiplash, you'll know what caused it. But you may not feel the symptoms of it until sometime later.
• Thanksgiving and Back Pain
  Thanksgiving is just a warm-up for a month of celebrating. Take care of your back that Thursday and establish good habits for the rest of the holidays. Tips for avoiding back pain in the kitchen, at the table, and on the couch.
• The Economic Crisis and Back Pain
  Americans aren't good at dealing with stress, and with the current economic crisis, we're all stressed out. Stress leads to more back and neck pain as we start to feel that we're carrying the weight of the world. Learn stress-relieving tips.
• The Effect of Flying on Back and Neck Pain: Survey Results
  Read the full SpineUniverse survey results on airplane travel and its effect on back and/or neck pain. Basic result: it hurts to fly, but what can travelers do to make themselves more comfortable -- and less likely to step off the plane in pain?
• The Olympics Caused My Back Pain
  I didn't know watching the Olympics could be so painful...for my spine. For four hours I sat slumped on the couch, and my bad posture led to back pain. Here's some back stretches and exercises I should've done to help prevent muscle tension.
• Tips for Better Sex ... even with Back Pain
  A SpineUniverse survey showed that back pain does not make your sex life better. Usually, it makes it worse. Use these three helpful tips (including tips on positions) to maintain a sexually satisfying relationship even if you have back pain.
• Tips to Avoid Back Pain at the Table
  The meal is the highlight of Thanksgiving, so it makes sense that we spend hours around the table. Watch your posture as you're sitting and talking. Also, find out why it's best to pace yourself while eating the big meal.
• Tips to Avoid Back Pain in the Kitchen
  Many of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen getting ready for Thanksgiving. Hours of cooking can lead to back pain and general soreness. Get tips on how to avoid back pain in the kitchen.
• Tips to Avoid Back Pain on the Couch
  After eating Thanksgiving dinner, the majority of us end up on the couch napping. Sleeping on the couch isn't the best thing for your spine, but neither is watching hours of TV with poor posture. How should you approach the couch on Thanksgiving?
• Trusted Osteoporosis Resources on the Web
  When first diagnosed with osteoporosis, many people turn to the Internet to find out more information. What websites do you trust? Who has the most thorough information? Recommendations for good osteoporosis resources.
• Types of Chronic Pain
  Chronic pain has two main categories: pain that comes from injured nerves (neuropathic pain) and pain that comes from anything besides the nerves (nociceptive pain). Includes examples of each type of chronic pain.
• Types of Kyphosis
  Kyphosis, an extreme outward curve in the spine, has several types. The doctor will need to determine what type you have because that influences treatment options. Learn the difference between postural and structural kyphosis.
• Types of Spinal Fractures
  The type of spinal fracture you have determines the treatment you receive. There are many ways to classify fractures, and this article goes through the typically used classifications.
• Vitamin D Can Reduce Back Pain
  Recent research shows that patients with chronic back pain almost always have a vitamin D deficiency, too. Taking vitamin D supplements may eventually bring pain relief-- when used in conjunction with other treatments. Find out why.
• What is a Herniated Disc?
  Could your neck or back pain be a herniated disc? Five warning signs of when you need immediate help.
• What is a Spinal Fracture?
  Your vertebrae (the bones in your spinal column) can break, just like other bones in the body. However, spinal fractures can cause problems with the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Article is a basic description of spinal fractures.
• What is Back Pain?
  If you have back pain, you're in good company: about 3 in 4 adults will have back pain at some point. Low back pain is the most common. Learn about the types of back pain, from muscle strains to pain caused by more severe spinal conditions
• What is Chronic Pain?
  Chronic pain is hard to define because it affects people so differently and can come in so many forms. One basic definition: pain that won't go away or pain that lingers, even after the injury or disease has been treated.
• What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
  Degenerative disc disease is more common in older people, but people as young as 20 can develop this disc-related spine condition. But is usually occurs because of the effects of the natural aging process on your lumbar or cervical spine.
• What is Kyphosis?
  Everybody should have kyphosis in their thoracic spine, but when the spine starts to curve outward too much, there's a problem. Brief overview of two types of kyphosis and why this spinal condition is more than just slouching.
• What is Neck Pain?
  Neck pain caused by an injury may cause numbness, weakness and tingling sensations. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
• What is Osteoporosis?
  Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken as you grow older, making them more brittle and prone to fractures. Often, you don't know that you have osteoporosis until you break something, but if you start early enough, you can prevent osteoporosis.
• What is Sciatica?
  Sciatica is the common term for mild to intense leg pain that starts in the low back. The technical medical term is radiculopathy, and it’s caused by an underlying low back disorder. Sciatica is considered a symptom of another condition.
• What is Scoliosis?
  For children especially, it can be frightening to learn they have scoliosis.
• What is Spinal Stenosis?
  Spinal stenosis symptoms can vary. Why do some patients suffer, while others experience little pain or no symptoms at all?
• What is Spondylolisthesis?
  Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the spine's vertebrae slips forward over the vertebra beneath it. Most commonly, that happens in the low back (the lumbar spine). Learn the basics of this spinal condition.
• What is Spondylosis?
  Spondylosis is spinal arthritis, sometimes called osteoarthritis. It's a degenerative disorder, meaning that it's another part of aging. However, not everyone will feel the effects (mostly pain) of spondylosis.
• What is Upper Back Pain?
  The upper back, also known as the mid-back or thoracic spine, isn't as prone to pain as the neck and low back are. Find out why in this brief introduction to upper back pain.
• What is Whiplash?
  Whiplash is often associated with car accidents, but there are other causes. Whiplash is a sprain or strain, and symptoms may not develop right away. Brief overview article explains why you should see a doctor after a neck injury.
• What Really Gets Rid of Back Pain?
  Using a scale ranging from Very Dissatisfied to Very Satisfied, patients rated how happy they were with the outcome from each back pain treatment they tried.
• Whiplash Prevention
  You can do a few things to prevent whiplash, even if you can't protect yourself from being rear-ended while in your car. You can, for example, always wear your seat belt. Read other tips for whiplash prevention.