Psoriatic spondylitis is the medical term for a type of psoriatic arthritis that affects the spine and the joints in the pelvis. The symptoms may develop anywhere between the pelvis and the neck. People with psoriatic spondylitis may experience pain, inflammation, and stiffness in their neck and lower back. It can also affect the sacroiliac […]
Back Pain
What to know about lower right back pain
Mechanical problems with the spine, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are the most common causes of lower right back pain. Other causes may include infections, kidney stones, or appendicitis. The treatment for these issues varies depending on the cause, but it may involve physical therapy or surgery. The lower back carries a significant amount of weight […]
Top 10 stretches for shoulder tightness
Shoulder stretches can help relieve muscle tension, pain, and tightness in the neck and shoulders. Stiff or tight shoulders can cause discomfort and limit a person’s range of motion. If the tightness goes unchecked, it can lead to neck pain and cause tension headaches. In this article, we describe 10 shoulder stretches and their benefits. […]
What are synovial cysts?
Synovial cysts are small, fluid-filled lumps that tend to form on the lower spine. These cysts are not cancerous and often do not cause any symptoms. However, they can sometimes lead to problems such as sciatica. Treatment options for synovial cysts include taking pain medication and seeking physical therapy. If a cyst is causing severe […]
What can cause back pain while breathing?
If back pain occurs when a person breathes, it can signal an underlying medical condition. In some cases the pain is sharp, and possible causes range from inflammation or infection of the chest to spinal curvature and lung cancer. Back pain while breathing can also indicate a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or […]
What to know about back pain in pregnancy
Along with nausea, fatigue, and swollen feet, most women experience back pain at some points during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related back pain typically affects the lower back. According to one review that looked into the complaint, low-back pain affects more than two-thirds of women during pregnancy. Back pain can also arise near the center of the back […]
What is the cause of back pain and shortness of breath?
The back is prone to injury because it works hard to keep the body in an upright position and support the basic daily movements. When back pain occurs alongside shortness of breath, causing difficult or painful breathing, some people may worry that the cause is more serious. In most cases, back pain and shortness of […]
Chronic pain relief: Mindfulness may be just as good as CBT
New research appearing in the BMJ journal Evidence-Based Mental Health suggests that mindfulness could be a promising alternative to cognitive behavioral therapy for relieving some of the psychological and physical symptoms of chronic pain. Mindfulness may be a useful alternative to CBT for easing chronic pain, new research shows. According to the most recent survey […]
How to tell if contractions are real
Real contractions follow a consistent pattern, while Braxton-Hicks contractions vary in duration and frequency. Braxton-Hicks contractions also tend to be less painful and usually only cause discomfort in the front of the abdomen. Braxton-Hicks contractions simulate real contractions to prepare the body for labor. However, they do not lead to labor. Real contractions only occur […]
Safe exercises for a herniated disk
Gentle exercises, stretches, and activities can all help relieve the pain of a herniated disk. Exercises can also strengthen and improve flexibility in the spine, neck, and back. A herniated disk, or a slipped or ruptured disk, occurs when some of the soft jelly in the center of the disk slips out past the tough […]