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In our previous blog post, we discussed common pain generators of the spine and their relation to the four main patterns of low back pain.  Those 4 main pain generators are the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the nerve root, and the surrounding musculature. With this information, we discussed the four main patterns of low back pain. They are: Flexion Intolerant Low Back Pain: pain coming from the disc causing flexion intolerant back pain Extension Intolerant Low Back Pain: pain coming from the facet joints causing extension intolerant back pain Radiculopathy: pain coming from compressed nerve roots causing flexion intolerant back [...]

80% of people experience some form of general back pain at some point in their life, with 90% of that pain being specifically low back pain. The most common form of back pain is designated nonspecific or mechanical because it lacks a specific pathology that has caused the pain. The good news is that nonspecific back pain cases are typically self-limiting, resolving in 4-6 weeks. Although low back pain is common, it can greatly affect our day to day life preventing us from playing sports, doing regular work, affecting our sleep or preventing us from going on regular walks. When people [...]

Low back pain is extremely common with up to 80% of people experiencing it at some point in their life. The prevalence of low back pain in the adult population is 30% with the most common form being designated as mechanical or nonspecific. This name is given to low back pain that lacks specific tissue damage. Thankfully, this type of back pain is self-limiting and usually resolves in 4 to 6 weeks. However, more than 2/3 of people with low back pain experience a recurrent episode within 12 months and complete relief takes some time to achieve. Lastly, the economic costs [...]

Have you ever  had a ringing noise in your ear that only you could hear? Well you are not the only alone. This is known as tinnitus, an inner ear ringing without the presence of an external wave source, and 10-15% of adults will experience it at some point in their life. Besides a high pitch ringing noise, tinnitus can also present as hissing, static, buzzing, whooshing, pulsing or dial tones. It can be present in one ear or both ears, be constant or sporadic, and caused by various conditions such as a mild traumatic brain injury. Different types of tinnitus [...]

What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and is one of the most common types of arthritis. Often people think of this disease as a ‘wear and tear’ arthritis. In OA, the smooth cartilage between the joints starts to break down and is no longer able to regenerate. This can lead to a decrease in space between joints. OA affects the entire joint, involving the bones, the muscles, ligaments, and capsule that surround the area. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, decrease in function, and can greatly affect a person’s quality of life.  OA can affect anyone; however, [...]