Spine Archives | OrthoConnecticut

Sneezing Causing Back Pain? Understanding the Reasons and Remedies

Sneezing can be a surprising trigger for back pain, leaving many wondering why a simple reflex can cause such discomfort. Discover effective strategies to protect your back, learn about common causes, and find out when to seek medical care.

October 23, 2025

The Hidden Impact of Extra Weight on Your Bones, Joints, and Mobility

Learn how carrying extra weight impacts your bones, joints, and mobility. Discover expert tips and treatments from OrthoConnecticut for better joint health!

January 28, 2025

Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis: What You Need to Know

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are often used interchangeably but are distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the nuances of each helps you better manage your joint health.Arthritis, a comprehensive term, encompasses a spectrum of conditions characterized by inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, among others. The common denominator among these inflammatory conditions is joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis and typically develops with age or as a result of joint injury or obesity. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and pain. Osteoarthritis commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.Distinguishing between arthritis and osteoarthritis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. While arthritis encompasses a broad spectrum of joint disorders, osteoarthritis specifically refers to the degenerative wear-and-tear of cartilage.Treatment approaches for arthritis and osteoarthritis vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Non-surgical interventions such as lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medications, and injections may provide relief for mild to moderate cases. However, in severe or advanced osteoarthritis cases where conservative measures fail to alleviate symptoms, surgical options like joint replacement surgery may be considered to restore mobility and quality of life.At OrthoConnecticut, our team of orthopedic specialists is dedicated to diagnosing and treating arthritis and osteoarthritis with personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Whether you’re experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, we’re here to help you find relief and regain function.If you’re struggling with joint pain or suspect you may have arthritis or osteoarthritis, don’t hesitate to contact us. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthopedic providers to explore your treatment options and take

May 19, 2024

Kyphoplasty: A Swift Solution for Spinal Fractures

Medically reviewed by Justin C. Paul, M.D., Ph.D. Kyphoplasty is a revolutionary procedure for treating spinal fractures, providing both rapid relief and efficient recovery. At OrthoConnecticut, our skilled orthopedic specialists have extensive experience in performing kyphoplasty with a dedicated focus on precision and patient well-being. Prioritizing patient comfort and convenience, we offer kyphoplasty as an in-office procedure, ensuring a stress-free environment and recovery at home, which facilitates a positive experience throughout the entire process. Understanding Kyphoplasty Kyphoplasty is a specialized medical procedure designed for vertebral compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis or traumatic injuries. The process involves a small incision, inserting a balloon-like device into the fractured vertebra, gently inflating it to create space, and injecting medical-grade bone cement to stabilize and restore the bone’s height. Benefits of Kyphoplasty 1. Swift Recovery One of the primary advantages of kyphoplasty is its quick recovery period. Unlike traditional open surgeries, this minimally invasive procedure allows patients to resume normal activities sooner, promoting a faster return to a normal daily routine. 2. In-Office Convenience OrthoConnecticut takes pride in offering kyphoplasty as an in-office procedure. This means patients can receive expert care without the need for a hospital stay, ensuring the comfort of a familiar environment for the procedure and recovery at home. 3. Pain Reduction Kyphoplasty provides rapid relief from the severe pain associated with vertebral compression fractures. By stabilizing the fractured vertebra, most patients experience immediate alleviation of discomfort, enhancing overall quality of life. Why Choose OrthoConnecticut for Kyphoplasty Choosing OrthoConnecticut for kyphoplasty ensures access to highly skilled orthopedic specialists with extensive experience in performing this procedure. With a dedicated focus on precision and patient well-being, our commitment to providing exceptional care is unwavering. Orthoconnecticut Spine Specialist, Dr. Justin Paul, is excited to offer this procedure which helps so many of his

January 5, 2024

Cervical Radiculopathy or “Pinched Nerve”: Finding Relief at the Spine Center at OrthoConnecticut

Medically reviewed by Abiola Atanda, M.D. Have you ever experienced a shooting pain, tingling, or weakness in your neck, shoulder, or arm? If so, you might be suffering from cervical radiculopathy or more commonly the term: “Pinched Nerve”, a condition that can be both uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily life. Fortunately, there are solutions available to help you regain your quality of life, and the Spine Center at OrthoConnecticut is here to provide comprehensive care, including surgical and non-surgical options. Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a nerve in the neck, often due to compression or irritation, causes symptoms to radiate down the arm. This condition can be caused by various factors, such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative changes in the spine. The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected arm. Non-Surgical Options Surgical Options Why Choose the Spine Center at OrthoConnecticut? We are a premier destination for individuals suffering from cervical radiculopathy. Here’s why you should consider us for your spinal care: Cervical radiculopathy can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the expert care provided by the Spine Center at OrthoConnecticut, you can find relief and regain your quality of life. Whether you opt for non-surgical treatments or require surgical intervention, our team is here to guide you through the journey to recovery. Don’t let cervical radiculopathy hold you back – contact the Spine Center at OrthoConnecticut and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Related Resources:

September 25, 2023

Is Cracking Your Neck Bad For You?

Cracking or popping your neck occasionally is generally considered harmless for most people. It is commonly associated with the release of gas bubbles within the joints, specifically the facet joints in the neck. This release of gas can create a cracking sound. However, cracking your neck excessively or forcefully may have potential risks and should be avoided. What are some of the reasons people crack their neck? People may crack their neck for various reasons, including: What are the benefits of neck cracking? Can Cracking Your Neck Be Bad? How Can OrthoConnecticut Relieve Neck Pain? It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and what may be harmless for one person could cause issues for another. If you experience chronic neck discomfort or feel the need to crack your neck frequently for relief, it is recommended to seek professional help. OrthoConnecticut’s orthopedic specialists and chiropractors can assess your condition, provide appropriate treatment, and guide you on safe and effective ways to manage neck-related concerns. Related Resources:

August 22, 2023

Understanding Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. When looking at the spine directly from the back, it should appear as a straight line. With scoliosis, the spine appears to curve to one side, or both. The curving can involve twisting of the vertebrae which may be less perceptible to a nurse or a physician during a medical exam. A small percent of children are born with scoliosis (called congenital scoliosis), but a majority of scoliosis cases develop in children during their adolescent and teen years, particularly during their growth spurt (generally between the ages of 10 and 15). OrthoConnecticut has several orthopedic specialists who specialize in the treatment of congenital and idiopathic scoliosis. What Causes Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children? In about 80% of cases, there is no known cause for scoliosis. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. Most cases of scoliosis in adolescents and teens fall into this category, which is why it is often referred to as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Childhood Scoliosis Risk Factors Scoliosis is fairly common. Approximately 5-10 percent of the population has scoliosis. The total number of scoliosis cases in the United States is estimated to be greater than 4 million (National Scoliosis Foundation) and it is the most common spinal deformity in school-age children. Heredity is a risk factor for developing scoliosis. Among patients with relatives that have scoliosis, about 20 percent develop the condition. In addition, less common causes of scoliosis include certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, as well as birth defects affecting spinal development and spinal cord abnormalities. Spinal injuries or infections may also cause scoliosis in a few cases. While both boys and girls are equally at risk for scoliosis, girls are at a significantly higher risk of developing significant curving (more severe

August 14, 2022

Can Sciatica Cause Hip Pain?

Key Takeaways Many patients describe being unable to get comfortable at night due to burning pain in their hip, only to find out it’s actually a nerve issue in the back. This article is for those experiencing hip or leg pain who are unsure whether it might be sciatica. What is Sciatica? Your hip joints, like your knee and ankle joints, are highly active joints that debilitate with age, causing you pain. More often than not, hip pain may not be related to your hips but could be traced to a pinched nerve in your lower back leading to pain going down the leg, commonly referred to as Sciatica. Though you might experience a sharp and shooting pain in the hip for many reasons, sciatica is one of the most common. The pain which travels along the neural pathway, usually results from compression or irritation of the nerve in the spine either from spinal bone spur, herniated disk, or other soft tissues. Sciatic nerve pain, which radiates from the lower back to the hips, buttocks and all the way to your toes, can be unbearable. Hip pain can also be a referred pain from arthritis in your low back. Sciatic pain can sometimes be so oppressive and incapacitating that you may not feel like standing up if you’re sitting, or getting out of bed. The majority of cases and episodes of sciatica do not need surgical intervention as the severe pain subsides slowly and gradually either on its own, or through other conservative measures. Can Sciatica Cause Hip Pain? Pain or ache in the hip area occurs typically because of arthritis or wear and tear of the hip joint. Sciatic pain or irritation of the sciatic nerve could happen due to the nerve roots’ compression originating from the lumbar spine.

February 9, 2022

Text Neck, It’s a Real Thing!

Neck Pain? Texting too much at the wrong angle (15 to 60 degrees forward) for too long can lead to “Text Neck”. Also called “Tech Neck”, it’s a real, modern-age issue of neck muscle pain, headaches, and potentially “dowagers” hump. Less common symptoms are numbness, weakness, balance issues, and jaw pain. Adults have it. Children are now developing it, and worse still, it may impact how young bodies’ grow and develop – leading to prolonged neck, shoulder, curving of the spine, and low-back issues. Holding phones and mobile devices at different angles is linked to pounds of downward pressure exerted on the neck. Studies have shown how holding the phone at different angles varies this pressure: So, what can we do to prevent pain and inflammation associated with texting, or treat it if you already have it? Wear proper footwear. Athletic shoes or rubber soled shoes are preferred. Don’t wear sandals, open-toed shoes or shoes with slippery soles. Look for good traction. Watch out for long cords, toys, throw rugs, and other objects on the floor. Avoid wet floors and let your family members know when a floor was just mopped. OrthoConnecticut Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants are available to help you if you’re experiencing text neck or other spinal issues. Contact us today for an appointment and #getmovingCT.

March 18, 2020

mature couple raking autumn leaves in yard

Tips to Avoid Back Pain During Leaf Clean-Up

Fall in New England is synonymous with beautiful changing leaves, but it also a time for yard work, slippery leaves, and avoiding ticks. Here are some tips from OrthoConnecticut to protect you during leaf season. OrthoConnecticut Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants are available to help you if you’ve strained your muscles or back during Fall Leaf Season. Contact us today for an appointment and #getmovingCT.

November 7, 2019