Opioids are a type of drug derived from the opium poppy plant that is used to relieve pain. Not only do opioids alleviate pain, but they also create a euphoric or "high" sensation, which has been found to be highly…

An annular tear is an injury to the annulus fibrosus, which is the outer ring of fibers that make up the intervertebral discs in the spine. If a tear of the disc occurs, and the nucleus of the disc pushes…

A bulging disc, also called a herniated or slipped disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a weak spot in its surrounding, outermost layer. When a disc becomes compressed and bulges out, it may…

A large majority of spinal surgeries are vastly complex, making them some of the most difficult surgeries to perform and recover from. Now, with advanced modern technology, minimally invasive spinal surgery has completely revolutionized the way doctors are able to…

Trauma, smoking, incorrect posture, aging, and inactivity can all significantly injure your spine. As the leading cause for doctor visits, back pain affects millions every year. Fortunately, a majority of back problems can be solved with non-invasive treatments that do…

History of Opiate Misuse  For decades, misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids has been rampant across the United States. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency on the opioid crisis, as…

Back pain is a multifaceted problem that affects millions of Americans every year. As a result of our modernized society, the majority of Americans have adopted a sedentary way of life. From commuting in the car, to sitting at the…

One of the most common causes of back pain is a herniated disc. Between each vertebrae are intervertebral discs, flat, thin discs that serve as shock absorbers for your spine. While these intervertebral discs are incredibly sturdy, they can weaken…