Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Search Results
Your searched on: Neck Pain
Back and Neck Pain
Includes links to info on back and neck pain. Also includes links to info on drugs used to treat back and neck pain, and guides to help you decide among treatment options.
Neck Pain
What is neck pain? Neck pain is pain that can occur anywhere in your neck, from the bottom of your head to the top of your shoulders. It can spread to your upper back or arms. It may limit how much you can move your head and neck. Neck pain is common, especially in people older than 50. What causes it? Neck pain can be...
Manual Therapy for Neck Pain
Manual therapy is a general term for treatment done mostly with the hands. The goals of manual therapy include relaxation, less pain, and more flexibility. Manual therapy can include: Massage. Pressure is applied to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. Massage can help relax muscles, increase circulation...
Spinal Decompression for Neck Pain
Spinal decompression surgery reduces pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. Surgery is only done to relieve severe symptoms caused by pressure on the nerve roots. This pressure may cause neck pain, but it can also cause arm pain, numbness, or tingling; leg pain, numbness, or tingling; or problems with...
Neck Problems and Injuries
Briefly discusses causes of neck problems or injuries, including common activities, sudden injuries, overuse, and health conditions that may cause problems. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Chronic Pain
Discusses chronic pain caused by problems other than cancer. Covers symptoms and how chronic pain is diagnosed. Covers conditions that can be treated, like neck pain, low back pain, and arthritis. Info on treatment with medicine and lifestyle changes.
Neck Exercises
Provides step-by-step instructions and photos for exercises to strengthen the neck and help relieve pain.
Shoulder and Neck Massage
A shoulder and neck massage can help you relax, reduce muscle tension, and reduce stress. You will need a friend to exchange massages. Use these steps to give your friend a shoulder and neck massage. Have your friend sit straight but comfortably in a chair. Place your hands on your friend's shoulders. Knead the two...
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Neck Symptoms
When rheumatoid arthritis affects the neck joints, particularly those located at the top of the spine, complications can occur. Bones and joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis may dislocate and press on the spinal cord or on the nerve roots. Pressure can cause numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, loss of bowel or...
Chronic Myofascial Pain
What is myofascial pain syndrome? Most people have muscle pain from time to time. But the pain from myofascial pain syndrome is an ongoing or longer-lasting pain. With myofascial pain, there are areas called trigger points. Trigger points are usually in the connective tissue (fascia) or in a tight muscle. Myofascial...
Upper and Middle Back Pain
Covers the causes and symptoms of upper and middle back pain. Looks at treatment with rest, pain medicine, and surgery. Includes steps to prevent back pain from returning, such as practicing good posture and getting regular exercise.
Low Back Pain
Covers the causes and symptoms of low back pain. Looks at treatment with rest, over-the-counter pain medicine, and heating pads. Includes steps to prevent low back pain from returning, such as practicing good posture and getting regular exercise.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Covers causes and symptoms of changes in your spinal discs as you age. Includes changes that can result in back or neck pain, osteoarthritis, herniated disc, and spinal stenosis. Looks at treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Chronic Pain Syndrome
In some people who have long-lasting pain, biochemical changes are triggered in the body, causing a different type of chronic pain (neuropathic pain) that doctors currently find difficult to diagnose and treat. Pain signals are somehow triggered by the nervous system and continue to fire for months or even years. (It is...
Back Pain in Children and Teenagers
In most cases, there isn't a clear cause for back pain. Children can have back pain after an injury or sports event. It can also be caused by an overuse injury. An overuse injury can happen when a child uses one part of their body in the same way over and over again. This may cause pain, swelling, or tenderness in that...
First Aid for Low Back Pain
For the first day or two of back pain, take it easy. Being less active and avoiding movements that hurt might be enough to help your back feel better. As soon as you can, ease back into your normal routine. Lying down or sitting for too long can make back pain worse. If you must sit for long periods of time, take...
Botulinum (Botox) Injection for Low Back Pain
Treating long-term low back pain with botulinum toxin A has been tried. But there have not been enough studies done to know how well it works.
Low Back Pain: Exercises to Reduce Pain
Covers exercises that may help reduce low back pain. Provides step-by-step instructions for each exercise. Groups the exercises based on whether pain is relieved by standing, sitting, or neither.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pain Management
Covers using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and change behaviors that can make pain worse. Includes why it's used, how well it works, and any risks.
Chronic Pain: Using Healthy Thinking
Living with pain can be hard, especially if it's long-term (chronic) pain. Chronic pain is pain that lasts for 3 months or longer. It can make you sleep poorly, feel tired and irritable, and have a hard time being active or working. It may strain your relationships with loved ones too. You may feel stressed or get...
Pain Management
What is pain? Pain is your body's way of warning you that something may be wrong. Pain can affect your emotions as well as your body. For example, if you put your hand on a hot stove, the pain lets you know right away that you're hurt and need to protect yourself. Pain can also make you feel irritable, anxious, or...
Back Pain During Pregnancy
Offers tips and exercises for easing back pain during pregnancy. Explains when to seek help for back pain during pregnancy.
Low Back Pain: Easing Back Into Your Daily Activities
For the first day or two of pain, take it easy. But as soon as you can, ease back into your normal activities. Lying down for too long can make back pain worse. Sitting can make it worse too. Here are some tips that can help. When you're resting, change positions every 30 minutes. Try to avoid too much bending, heavy...
Stress and Back Pain
Stress is your body's response to a hard situation. Your body can have a physical, emotional, or mental response. Some stress is normal and even useful. Stress can help if you need to work hard or react quickly. But if stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can cause health problems. What is the connection...
Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain
Covers using an electrical current to treat chronic pain. Explains how peripheral nerve and spinal cord stimulation is done, why it is done, and how well it works. Includes possible risks related to the treatment.
Returning to Work With Low Back Pain
Getting back to work with back pain depends on what your day is usually like. But there are some basics that apply to everyone. Moving keeps your back muscles strong, which can help your back. And avoiding activity for more than a day or two can make back pain worse. Sit with good posture. Adjust your chair so your feet...
Pain: Getting Help at Home
If pain is making it hard to do daily tasks, let people know that you could use some help. Ask family members or friends to help out with physical tasks you can't do right now. Or look for help in your community. Here are some ideas. Divide up chores. You could do the "mental" chores, like paying bills. Ask others to do...
Use Heat or Ice to Relieve Low Back Pain
There is some evidence that heat will help decrease low back pain. There is little proof that cold will help. But some people do find that heat or cold help them. Follow these suggestions if you would like to try heat or cold for low back pain. Heat to relieve low back pain Apply heat for 15 to 20 minutes at a time...
Low Back Pain: Should I Have an MRI?
Guides through the decision to have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for low back pain. Discusses the problems an MRI can find and why it may not show the source of pain. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Get Chores Done Without Making Your Pain Worse
It's a sad fact: You have back pain, and you also have housework to do, children to take care of, and errands to run. When you can't find someone else to do a chore for you, keep in mind these important rules. Bend forward carefully. When you must bend forward to empty the dishwasher, pick up clothes, make the bed, or...
Low Back Pain: Should I Have Spinal Manipulation?
Guides you through decision to have spinal manipulation. Describes treatment and how well it works for low back pain. Lists benefits and risks of both spinal manipulation and home treatment. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Pain Management Clinic
Chronic pain often requires both counseling and medical treatment, because it can have a wearing effect on both the body and the mind. At a pain management clinic, you can get multidisciplinary treatment from a team of specialists, including: Physiatrists. These medical doctors specialize in physical medicine and...
Patty's Story: Using Positive Thinking to Help Back Pain
Patty's Story: Using Positive Thinking to Help Back Pain Sometimes Patty doesn't know whether to laugh or cry when one of her three kids runs at her for a flying hug. She loves the affection, but picking up her kids all the time is one reason the 33-year-old third-grade teacher has back pain. She tries to smile and...
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs for Low Back Pain
Comprehensive rehabilitation (rehab) programs offer treatment for low back pain. They may use physical therapy, pain management with medicine and coping skills, and other medical treatments. These programs teach you how to care for your back and how to prevent reinjury. If you have long-term pain, they teach you how to...
Back School for Low Back Pain
A back school teaches you practical information about back care, posture, body mechanics, back exercises, and how to prevent long-term back problems. Back school gives you the tools for self-care, which may improve how well you manage low back pain. Back school works only as well as you make it work. Research has...
Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) for Low Back Pain
Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a treatment for chronic low back pain. Your doctor may suggest IDET if they think the pain in your back is coming from the disc itself. Your doctor may also suggest IDET if other treatments have not helped. There is no strong evidence that IDET works for most people. Before...
Prolotherapy for Low Back Pain
Prolotherapy involves injecting a substance in or near the joint. The injection is intended to cause inflammation. The body responds to the inflammation by increasing blood flow to the area and stimulating repair in the area. This may reduce pain. Usually a person has a series of treatments. Prolotherapy injections...
Pain in a Spinal Cord Injury
Pain in an SCI can be complicated and confusing. You may feel pain where you have feeling. But you may also feel pain in an area where otherwise you have no feeling. The pain may be severe at some times. But at other times it may disappear or bother you only a little. Don't ignore your pain. Talk to your doctor about...
Getting Support When You Have Low Back Pain
When your back hurts all or most of the time, it can affect more than just your body. There's an emotional side to chronic pain. You may need a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to. You need support. Support groups—where you meet or talk to people who are dealing with the same issues you are—can be a great source of...
Ravi's Story: Coping With Back Pain and Depression
Ravi thought he was coping well with his back pain. He had gotten used to having pain most days since he hurt his back in college while playing rugby. He figured some amount of pain would always be part of his life. But over a couple of months, Ravi stopped going out with friends after work. He didn't go on bike rides...
Physical Therapy for Back Pain
Physical therapy may help you when back pain makes it hard to move around and do everyday tasks. This treatment helps you move better and may relieve pain. It also helps improve or restore your fitness level and how well you function. The goal is to make daily tasks and activities easier. For example, physical therapy...
Low Back Pain: Should I Try Epidural Steroid Shots?
Guides you through the decision to use epidural corticosteroid shots to relieve back pain. Explains risks and benefits of epidural steroid shots. Compares steroid shots with other treatment for back pain.
Pregnancy: Belly, Pelvic, and Back Pain
Pelvic pain and problems urinating may mean you have a bladder infection. Flank pain with fever and urinary symptoms may mean you have a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Flank pain is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist. It can be on one or both sides of the back. If you have pelvic or flank pain and...
Aspirin for Pain, Fever, and Inflammation
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Cathy's Story: Dealing With Stress
It was a week to forget. Cathy was working hard and training a new employee. She was enduring long meetings. She and her husband had just moved into a new house. And they were getting ready to go on a vacation trip in 2 weeks. "I had too much to do and too little time," Cathy says. "That means stress. And when I start...
Cervical Collars
Cervical (neck) collars are sometimes used to support the neck. Hard collars are rigid and are usually made from plastic. They hold the head and neck very still. They are usually only used after major surgery or a serious injury, such as a broken neck. Soft collars may be made from felt, foam, or rubber. They allow some...
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Covers narrowing of spinal canal in the neck. Looks at symptoms like pain or numbness in neck, shoulders, arms, hands, or legs caused by squeezing of nerves and cord. Discusses treatment with medicine, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery.
Whiplash
What is whiplash? Whiplash is pain and stiffness in the neck after an injury that has caused the neck to move suddenly or beyond its normal range. It occurs when the head is suddenly forced backward or forward and is then snapped in the other direction. This kind of motion most often happens to people in a car that is...
Sciatica
Covers causes of sciatica such as a bulging or ruptured disc, spinal stenosis, and bone spurs. Looks at symptoms such as pain in your back or buttocks. Includes treatment with a cold pack, medicines, and exercises to relieve pain.
Cervical Disc Herniation
What is cervical disc herniation? The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by round, flat discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. If they become damaged, they may bulge abnormally or break open (rupture), in what is called a...
Cervical Spondylosis
What is cervical spondylosis? Spondylosis is age-related change of the bones (vertebrae) and discs of the spine. These changes are often called degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. When this condition is in the neck, it's called cervical spondylosis. These changes don't always cause symptoms. But they are a...
Spinal X-Ray
Spinal X-rays are pictures of the spine. They may be taken to find injuries or diseases that affect the discs or joints in your spine. These problems may include spinal fractures, infections, dislocations, tumors, bone spurs, or disc disease. Spinal X-rays are also done to check the curve of your spine ( scoliosis) or...
Prone Buttocks Squeeze
This exercise strengthens the buttocks muscles, which support the back and help you lift with your legs. Lie flat on your stomach with your arms at your sides. Slowly tighten your buttocks muscles and hold the position (not your breath) for about 6 seconds. Relax slowly. Repeat 8 to 12 times. You may need to place a...
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Discusses ankylosing spondylitis, a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the spine. Covers causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment.
Injury to the Tailbone (Coccyx)
Injuries to the tailbone (coccyx) can occur when you slip or fall and hit your tailbone (impact injury). The most common symptom of a tailbone injury is pain when you sit, especially if you slump or sit on a hard seat. Straining to have a bowel movement also can be very painful. Home treatment often eases pain. You have...
Myelogram
A myelogram uses X-rays and a special dye called contrast material to make pictures of the bones and the fluid-filled space (subarachnoid space) between the bones in your spine (spinal canal). A myelogram may be done to find a tumor, an infection, problems with the spine such as a herniated disc, or narrowing of the...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine
An MRI is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the spine. In many cases, an MRI gives different information than an X-ray, an ultrasound, or a CT scan. An MRI also may show problems that can't be seen with other imaging tests. For an MRI, your body is placed inside a...
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
What is lumbar spinal stenosis? Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, known as the lumbar area. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. The spinal cord runs through an opening in the bones called the spinal canal. Sometimes bones and tissue grow into this canal and press on...
Lumbar Spondylosis
What is lumbar spondylosis? Spondylosis is age-related change of the bones (vertebrae) and discs of the spine. These changes are often called degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. When this condition is in the lower back, it's called lumbar spondylosis. These changes don't always cause symptoms. But they are a...
Log Roll Method for Safe Movement
If you've had surgery on your back or belly, an injury to your trunk, or pain in your back, then you know that bending and twisting can cause more pain or injury. You can use the log roll method to get in and out of bed safely. To get into bed, you first need to sit on the side of the bed. To sit down safely: Stand with...
Spondylolisthesis
What is spondylolisthesis? In spondylolisthesis, one bone in your back ( vertebra) slides forward over the bone below it. It most often occurs in the lower spine ( lumbosacral area). In some cases, this may lead to your spinal cord or nerve roots being squeezed. This can cause back pain and numbness or weakness in one...
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis is a defect or fracture of one or both of the wing-shaped parts of a vertebra. It most often happens in the vertebrae of the lower spine. The wing-shaped parts help keep the vertebrae in place. When they are missing or damaged, a vertebra can slide forward or backward over the bone below it, sometimes...
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Covers symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica, which include muscle pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Covers how this condition is treated.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Covers why it is done, how to prepare, and how it is done.
Decompressive Laminectomy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Discusses decompressive laminectomy, the most common type of surgery to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. Looks at how surgery may reduce pressure on nerve roots to relieve pain. Covers risks.
Lumbar Herniated Disc
Discusses herniated disc, which is also called a slipped or ruptured disc. Covers symptoms like back pain, numbness, and weakness. Looks at sciatica and bulging disc. Discusses nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. Offers prevention tips.
Office Ergonomics
Explains ergonomics, common office injuries due to poor ergonomics, and how to help prevent injuries, including setting up your workstation. Gives self-care tips for relieving muscle aches and provides step-by-step instructions for stretches to relieve aches.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Spine
A CT scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of the spine and vertebrae. During the test, you will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine. The CT scanner sends X-rays through the body. Each rotation of the scanner takes a second and provides a picture of a thin...
Good Posture for a Healthy Back
Learn how to use good posture to protect your back while sitting, standing, and walking. And learn about comfortable sleep positions for your back.
Interactive Tool: Should I Consider Surgery for My Low Back Problem?
Asks questions that help you find out if your low back problem might be helped by surgery. Results help you talk with your doctor about back pain or other symptoms like leg pain. Helps you talk with your doctor about surgery and other treatment options.
Percutaneous Discectomy for a Lumbar Herniated Disc
Covers surgical removal of herniated disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord. Discusses why it may be done such as for a bulging disc, to relieve pain, or help prevent serious nerve damage. Looks at how well it works and risks.
Nerve Function Tests for Evaluating Low Back Problems
Nerves carry messages back and forth from your low back and legs. By testing how well your muscles, reflexes, and sense of feeling are working, your doctor can tell whether there is pressure on a nerve root in your spine. Your doctor often can also tell which nerve root is involved. Muscle strength tests Muscle strength...
Self-Massage
Massage is something many people use for back pain. And you can do it yourself with a tennis ball. To help you relax, you could take a hot bath or shower first, or do a few stretches. But that's up to you. Lie on your back. Keep your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Put the tennis ball against your back...
Spinal Manipulation
Learn the basics about spinal manipulation as a treatment option for back pain.
Opioids
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Expert: Be Active to Help Your Back Heal
What is low back pain all about? Dr. Robert Keller, an orthopedic surgeon, shares his thoughts about the basics. Dr. Keller, many people have low back pain. When someone sees you about low back pain, what do you tell that person? Dr. Keller: This really depends on the cause. If it appears the pain is because of a strain...
Moving From Sitting to Standing
When you have low back pain, try these steps to help you move from sitting to standing: If you are in a chair with arms, scoot forward until you are on the edge of the seat. Bring your feet in toward the chair. Then stand up. Use the arms of the chair to push yourself up while keeping your back straight. If your seat...
Lumbar Spinal Fusion (Arthrodesis)
Covers a surgical procedure that joins, or fuses, two or more vertebrae to treat low back pain. Looks at why it is done and what to expect after surgery. Includes how well it works and possible risks.
Acetaminophen
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is an approach to health care that tries to relieve pain through spinal manipulation. It is most often used for back or neck pain, and sometimes it is used for headaches or for pain in the arms or legs. Spinal manipulation involves working on the head, shoulders, neck, back, or hips to help relieve pain. It...
Severity of Back Injuries
Most back injuries are caused by lifting or twisting and are not serious. Minor injuries can also result from overuse of the muscles and ligaments in the back. Back pain caused by a minor injury will usually go away by itself within 1 to 4 weeks. Moderate back injuries may result from tripping or falling short...
Back Problems and Injuries
Briefly discusses causes of back problems or injuries, including common activities, sudden injuries, overuse, and health conditions that may cause problems. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Discectomy for a Lumbar Herniated Disc
Discectomy is surgery to remove lumbar (low back) herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve root. It's often done as microdiscectomy, which uses a special microscope to view the disc and nerves. This larger view allows the surgeon to use a smaller cut (incision). And this causes less damage to surrounding...
Lorna's Story: There's No Fast Cure
Is housework bad for you? Ask Lorna what she thinks. You'll get a lesson in how to tackle those chores—and how not to. "I never had back problems, and then one Saturday I bent over to scoop out the cat box," she recalls. "When I tried to straighten up, I could hardly do it." Lorna didn't have a severe episode. She...
Robert's Story: Getting and Staying Active
Just keep moving, even if it's only a few steps. That's what Robert learned is a key to helping his low back pain. "I discovered that what you have to do is this: You do as much as you can." Robert has been suffering with low back pain for more than 15 years. There have been several times when his back went out and he...
Back Problems: Proper Lifting
Explains basic rules to protect your back when lifting. Includes image of proper lifting technique and tips for thinking ahead before you lift.
Jack's Story: Will I Need Surgery?
Jack remembers it well—and not in a good way. "I'll never forget the first time I had back pain. I couldn't move. I had to crawl to the car and push and pull myself into the seat. The drive to the doctor's was hard. The pain was unreal." When Jack got to his doctor's office, he had questions. "What can you do? Will I...
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Should I Have Surgery?
Guides you through treatment choices for lumbar spinal stenosis. Covers tests used to diagnose and guide treatment. Discusses treatment with medicines, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or surgery. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Interactive Tools
These Interactive Tools are easy-to-use personal calculators. Use any of them to start learning more about your health. Health and Fitness Tools Do Your BMI and Waist Size Increase Your Health Risks? How Bad Are Your Urinary Symptoms From Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)? How Many Calories Did You Burn? What Is Your...
Lumbar Herniated Disc: Should I Have Surgery?
Guides you through the decision to have surgery for a herniated disc in the low back. Describes the types of surgery available, as well as nonsurgical treatment. Lists the benefits and risks of both types of treatment. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Physical Therapy for Spinal Stenosis
The purpose of physical therapy is to decrease your pain and help you slowly return to your normal activities. It may reduce pain in the soft tissues, such as your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It may also improve function and build muscle strength. A physical therapist provides these treatments. Treatments may...
Worried About Using Opioids?
Opioids are used to relieve moderate to severe pain. They may be used for a short time, such as after surgery, or for long-term pain when safer options don't help. Opioids don't cure a health problem. But they may help you manage the pain and help you function better. Opioids or other medicines that contain them...
Cervical Spinal Fusion
Cervical spinal fusion is surgery that joins two or more of the vertebrae in your neck. When these bones are joined together, it's called fusion. After the joints are fused, they can no longer move. During the surgery, the doctor uses bone to make a "bridge" between your vertebrae. This bridge may be strengthened with...
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty (say "VER-tuh-broh-plas-tee") is done to relieve pain from compression fractures of the spine. The doctor will make a small cut in your back and insert a hollow needle or tube. When the needle is in place, the doctor injects a type of cement into the vertebra. The entire procedure can take about an hour...
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty (say "KY-foh-plas-tee") is a procedure for your back. It is done to relieve pain from compression fractures of the spine. It can return your vertebrae to a more normal shape. Your doctor may numb the area, or you may get medicine to make you sleep. The doctor makes a small cut in your back. Then the doctor...
Head Injury, Age 4 and Older
Briefly discusses common causes of minor and serious head injuries. Discusses possible head injury emergencies. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce fever and inflammation and relieve pain. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Be sure to follow the nonprescription medicine precautions. Ibuprofen (such as Motrin or Advil) Adults: The initial dose is 400 mg. Follow-up doses are 200 mg to 400...
Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger
Briefly discusses head injuries in those age 3 and younger. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers tips on what to watch for during home treatment.