Rod Melvin, D.C.

Spondylosis is a term used to describe degeneration in the spine. Two specific conditions may develop from this degeneration – degenerative disc disease and spinal osteoarthritis – depending on if the degeneration occurs in the discs or in the facet joints, respectively. The development of bone spurs may also occur as part of the degeneration of the spine with spondylosis and with either of the degenerative conditions.

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When the sciatic nerve is irritated by a contraction of the piriformis muscle, it is called piriformis syndrome. The symptoms caused by piriformis syndrome are similar to many spinal conditions that also affect the sciatic nerve and cause radiating leg pain (sciatica). Most treatments deal with reducing the tightness in this muscle to remove pressure on the sciatic nerve.

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Whiplash is an injury to the cervical region of the spine when a great force causes the neck to go beyond its normal range of motion. The spinal vertebrae, ligaments, and muscles may be injured by this force, causing neck pain, headaches, neck stiffness, and/or cognitive difficulties such as dizziness or trouble concentrating. These symptoms may appear immediately or after a few days.

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November 23, 2011
By: Stephanie Burke

Surgery Videos

The news that you may need spinal surgery can create many emotions — hope that you may find more pain relief, fear about the procedure and recovery, and confusion about what to do next. One thing you might wonder is what you can do as a patient to make the decision-making process about whether to have spine surgery a… Continue reading

November 16, 2011
By: Stephanie Burke

To help you manage your back or neck condition, here are several straightforward things you can do to help keep your back and neck healthy and minimize painful episodes.

Sit with Support

Sitting is stressful for your spine, but the right setup can help – make sure your knees are slightly higher than your hips, push your office chair right up to the desk… Continue reading

November 2, 2011
By: Stephanie Burke

Age brings many advantages—wisdom, independence and experience. Unfortunately, it can also be pretty tough on our bodies. Spine experts know that by age 40 most people will have some level of disc degeneration, and for some this will become degenerative disc disease, the symptoms of which can range from very mild, to significant, debilitating pain.

If you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc… Continue reading

October 14, 2011
By: Stephanie Burke

There is a wide range of back problems – from simple back strain to serious injury – but the one thing almost all of them have in common is that part of the cure involves exercise and fitness. A good exercise routine is important on an ongoing basis to reduce the chances of recurring pain. The good news is… Continue reading

October 5, 2011
By: Stephanie Burke

Your back pain doesn’t take a vacation just because it’s summer time. There are a number of back pain relief remedies that you can easily incorporate into your summer routine to help manage your pain (and some of the heat). Learn about a number of relatively simple back pain relief tips.

Cool it–with Ice

Even with all the high tech medical… Continue reading