Last updated 1 year ago
Our recent blogs have discussed prevention and diagnosis of common injuries and conditions that might have you in pain. Read the related articles listed below to get more information that will help you stay healthy. If you do sustain an injury or you want to learn more about spinal health, contact Carolina Back Institute at (919) 781-9950 or visit our website today.
- See the effects of degenerative disc disease for yourself with this article from Spine-Health.com.
- SpineUniverse.com explains the anatomy of spinal discs with this helpful diagram.
- Choose the right supportive shoes for your favorite activities with these tips from WebMD.com.
- This MedicineNet.com article explains the importance of warming up your muscles before exercise.
- Find out how you can prevent some common sports injuries with the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders.
Last updated 1 year ago
The vertebral discs are an important part of the spinal anatomy because they provide a supportive cushion between each of the vertebrae. In doing so, they offer stability and shock absorption to protect the more delicate structures of the spine. As you get older, the discs lose some of their supportive qualities because of physiological changes that occur naturally. Injury can also alter your disc anatomy and cause you pain or discomfort. Your spine specialist can help you assess the health of your spinal discs with a discogram so that proper care and treatment can be recommended.
What is a discogram?
A discogram is not a tool that is used in the initial diagnosis of back pain, but it is used when back pain has not responded to medication, physical therapy, or other treatments. Getting a discogram is painless, as it is simply a high definition X-ray that focuses on the tissue of the spinal discs. Using this screening tool, your doctor can determine whether the vertebral discs have lost any mass and whether they are in the proper position. During the discogram, dye may be injected into certain discs, and it will show whether or not the wall of the disc has broken. Below are a few of the conditions that may be diagnosed with this test.
- Disc degeneration. Flattening of the discs due to loss of water content. Severe disc degeneration will cause vertebrae to grind against each other.
- Herniated disc. Protrusion of the disc caused by outward pressure on the center of the structure. Nerves may be irritated by the misplaced tissue.
- Ruptured disc. Breaking of the disc wall that results from extreme disc herniation. The inner contents of the disc will spill out and aggravate nearby structures.
You can find out what state your vertebral discs are in by scheduling a visit to Carolina Back Institute. We have two locations with a skilled staff dedicated to accurately diagnosing and treating back pain without surgery. Visit our website or contact us by calling us at (919) 781-9950 today!
Last updated 1 year ago
The spine is more than just another bone in the skeletal system; it is a complex structure comprised of vertebrae, discs, facet joints, and nerves.
This video shows an animated tour of the spine so that you can understand how this structure supports your body. One of the most interesting features of the spine is its unique shape, which features four distinctive curves. These curves allow the spine to carry the weight of the human body while the facet joints allow the body to move.
If you are experiencing back pain, it may be from a wide range of potential issues that can affect any one of the components of the spine. Find out what is causing your back pain today by visiting Carolina Back Institute. Contact us online or at (919) 781-9950 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
Last updated 1 year ago
Whether you are a professional athlete or you are just trying to get more exercise into your routine, playing sports can pose risks for your musculoskeletal health. Sports-related injuries are common in all types of activities, but there are a number of ways to reduce your risk. Here are some guidelines for playing sports that will help you stay healthy and pain-free:
Always stretch and cool down. When you jump into rigorous activity without stretching your muscles and warming up with a jog or quick walk, your muscles can tighten up and easily become strained. Always allow yourself the time for about 20 minutes of warm-up so that your muscles are loose and ready for any sporting event. Cooling down with more stretches after exercise is also helpful, as it gives your muscles the chance to relax.
Use proper posture. Repetitive injuries can occur when you are consistently putting pressure on one set of muscles due to unbalanced posture. Practice proper form and utilize the help of a trainer if you are experiencing difficulty during any of the activities you enjoy.
Wear appropriate safety gear. If you participate in contact sports, always use proper padding and clothing so that your body feels less impact from traumatic blows. It is necessary to wear appropriate footwear in any sport, so do your research on the best shoes for the sports you enjoy. When your feet are supported through quality shoes built for specific activities, you are less likely to suffer painful consequences.
Stay hydrated before and during activity. Dehydration is one of the most common issues for athletes, but it can be avoided easily with pre-game hydration and water breaks throughout your activity. As the body feels the effects of dehydration, it becomes weaker and more susceptible to injury.
Learn more about staying safe during sports and other activities with Carolina Back Institute. We offer non-surgical pain management with an emphasis on sports medicine. See what we can do for you by visiting our website or calling us at (919) 781-9950.
Last updated 1 year ago
Patients, remember that we are closed Friday, April 6 through Sunday, April 8. If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911. Have a wonderful weekend!
