Author: Dr. Stephen Courtney

Spinal discs, comprised of a soft inner core with a tough outer wall, are located in between the spinal vertebrae. They help keep the spine more flexible, but over time, these discs begin to break down. This is a natural part of the aging process; however, pain should not accompany this breakdown. If pain is…

Primary care physicians are usually the first to see patients with symptoms of spinal stenosis. However, when painful symptoms continue or progress, it’s important to see a spine specialist who can diagnose and treat this condition.   What is Spinal Stenosis? Spinal stenosis is when the spaces in a person’s spine narrow. This can add…

If you experience a pain that starts on either side of your lower back and shoots down your buttocks and down the back of your thigh, you may be having sacroiliac joint pain. The sacroiliac joint is actually two joints that are found on either side of your spine. They connect the sacrum, which is…

When your doctor says your discomfort is due to something called cervical radiculopathy, it is natural for you to ask, “What is cervical radiculopathy?” This is a condition that happens when a nerve in your neck is injured or inflamed. This can result in symptoms such as numbness, weakness and tingling that can be vague,…

That numbing tingling feeling that you have in your legs and lower back could be degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease is caused by the naturally occurring wearing down of discs along the vertebrae. These discs allow you to move, bend and twist in different directions. As we age, the discs wear down, and even…

  Constant or recurring neck and back pain should be something you talk to your doctor about since it can be a sign of degenerative disc disease. This article will give you an overview of the disease and what course of action you can take to help with the discomfort.   What is Degenerative Disc…