Does Spinal Stenosis Always Get Worse with Age? May 3rd, 2023
Stenosis is a term that describes a narrowing, and when it’s used in conjunction with your spine, it refers to a condition in which your spinal canal has become narrower. In most cases, spinal stenosis is a degenerative disease, and these changes occur over time and with age, which is...

Occipital Neuralgia vs. Migraine Pain Apr 2nd, 2023
You're experiencing throbbing pain in your head, perhaps just on one side, or your head is tender to the touch. These attributes help us distinguish between the different types of headaches — and there are 150 types of headaches to sort through! The team here at Spinal Diagnostics has considerable experience helping our patients...

Can Weight Gain Cause Sciatic Pain? Mar 9th, 2023
There are many risk factors for sciatica — that singular lower back pain that can shoot down into your buttock and leg. While age is one of the most influential factors, carrying extra weight plays no small role. As spine health experts, the team here at Spinal Diagnostics specializes in...

Tips to Prepare for Back Surgery Feb 12th, 2023
You’re tired of the constant battle you’ve had to wage against back pain, not to mention the limits the problem has placed on your life. So, you’re taking the next step and opting for back surgery to help you move freely and without pain. Each year in the United States, about half a...

The Link Between Hormone Shifts and Migraines Jan 15th, 2023
Migraines affect nearly 30 million people in the United States; three out of four are women. There’s still much we don’t understand about migraines, but the enormous gender disparity has led researchers to the link between migraines and hormones. Here at Spinal Diagnostics, our team includes headache specialists who work with patients to help...

How Neuromodulation Can Relieve Your Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Dec 7th, 2022
More than 37 million people in the United States have diabetes, and another 96 million are considered prediabetic. Now, consider that nearly 50% of people with diabetes develop diabetic peripheral neuropathy at some point during their lifetimes. What these numbers tell us is that millions of people are struggling with...

When Telehealth Is the Best Choice Nov 4th, 2022
When COVID-19 struck, Americans quickly adapted and learned to perform various functions remotely, from working and going to school to receiving healthcare. The use of telehealth increased 38 times pre-COVID levels. Here at Spinal Diagnostics, the skilled team of spine health experts answered the call for remote healthcare and established...

How to Know If You Have Spinal Stenosis Oct 7th, 2022
In the simplest of terms, spinal stenosis describes a narrowing in your spinal canal. The condition is fairly common, especially as you age — 20% of adults over the age of 60 in the United States show evidence of spinal stenosis. The good news is that more than 80% don’t...

A Closer Look at Pelvic Pain in Women Sep 13th, 2022
The prevalence of pelvic pain in women in the United States is nothing short of eye-opening — 15% of women of childbearing age report problems with pelvic pain that lasts for six months or more. Unfortunately, diagnosing pelvic pain can be tricky since there are many potential causes which can...

Healthy Habits That Can Help Relieve Neck Pain Aug 7th, 2022
It’s not until you have real pain in your neck that you begin to understand the expression, “Pain in the neck.” Discomfort in your neck can affect almost everything you do, from driving your car to sitting down to watch TV. If you’d like to avoid neck pain down the road, there...

What Many People Don't Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Jul 12th, 2022
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) isn’t all that common — it affects about 200,000 people yearly in the United States. For those who do develop CRPS, however, life can be challenging for many reasons — primarily the pain and discomfort. The lack of information about the condition can be frustrating, as well....

How Weather Changes Are Related to Migraines Jun 1st, 2022
The temperatures suddenly rise, and you have a migraine attack. Or, perhaps your migraines are tied to humidity levels or barometric pressure. These types of changes in the weather have long been cited as a driver of migraine attacks among some of the 35 million people in the United States who suffer...

Your Treatment Options for Sciatica May 1st, 2022
You need to roll out of bed, quite literally, or you can’t stand up straight without pain searing through your lower back and leg. Sciatica can make even the most simple movement a teeth-gritting affair, and you want to be able to move without pain again. The team of spinal health...

Lesser Known Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy Apr 7th, 2022
Peripheral neuropathy is often only associated with diabetes, for a good reason — up to 70% of those who have diabetes develop some degree of nerve damage. Yet, diabetes is far from the only driver of peripheral neuropathy, which can stem from a wide range of issues from alcoholism to...

Understanding the Trial Period of Spinal Cord Stimulation Mar 1st, 2022
Approximately 34,000 spinal cord stimulators are implanted each year in patients around the world, and this number is growing thanks to the many benefits of this approach to pain management. If you’re keen to try neuromodulation, you first need to undergo a trial period to determine whether spinal cord stimulation...

When to Consider an Epidural Injection for Back or Neck Pain Feb 1st, 2022
You’re unable to drive comfortably, as turning your head has become painful, or you can’t sit for long periods at your desk to get work done because of pain in your lower back. These scenarios are typical results of back and neck pain and send millions of people each year...

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine Jan 20th, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

Living With a Spinal Cord Stimulator: What You Should Know Jan 1st, 2022
You’re shying away from invasive surgical solutions or potentially risky medications to manage your chronic pain, and you think that a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) may be your best option for meaningful relief. However, you want to know more, such as what your life will be like once we implant...

Are You Suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome? Dec 1st, 2021
Thankfully, regional complex pain syndrome isn’t all that common — the National Council for Rare Disorders estimates about 200,000 cases annually in the United States. We’re grateful that this disorder is rare because complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can lead to moderate to severe discomfort that can have a significant...

Prolonged Sitting Could Be Ruining Your Back Nov 2nd, 2021
You spend hours behind a desk each day or in a seated position, and your back is becoming increasingly achy. There are many reasons why prolonged sitting can lead to back pain (and more), and it pays to take a few simple steps to protect your spine. As our name...

How Can I Stop My PTSD Symptoms? Oct 6th, 2021
The numbers surrounding trauma in the American population are nothing short of eye-opening. Consider that more than 70% of adults in the United States have experienced at least one traumatic event at some point in their lives, and you can see just how widespread the problem is. While not everyone...

4 Common Migraine Triggers Sep 8th, 2021
For the nearly 40 million men, women, and children in the United States who suffer from migraines, it should come as no surprise that migraines are the 6th most disabling illness in the world. These painful and debilitating headaches can lay you out for days at a time, which makes...

When to See a Doctor About Arm Pain Aug 9th, 2021
While there are many conditions that can lead to arm pain, there are times when the source of the pain (and other symptoms) isn’t obvious, leaving you to wonder what’s causing the discomfort. As the spine and nervous system specialists, the team here at Spinal Diagnostics understands all too well...

Radiofrequency Neuroablation: What to Expect Jul 26th, 2021
You’re struggling with pain due to a nerve group in your spine that’s compromised, causing it to send pain signals to your brain. Medications have proven ineffective, so you want to take the next step with radiofrequency ablation. The good news is twofold: First, this procedure is highly effective for...

Which Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease is Right for You? Jun 17th, 2021
Contrary to its name, degenerative disc disease (DDD) isn’t a disease but rather a condition in which age, wear-and-tear, and injury break down the discs along your spine. Without the support, space, and cushioning of your discs, DDD leaves you more vulnerable to painful conditions along your spine that can...

Do You Have These Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? May 17th, 2021
Lower back pain is widespread and affects most of us at some point in our lives. However, ongoing back pain issues may signal a larger, potentially degenerative problem, such as lumbar spinal stenosis. At Spinal Diagnostics, our team believes in collaborating with patients — after all, you’re the one feeling...

The Many Benefits of Accessing Your Doctor Via Telehealth Apr 5th, 2021
There hasn’t been much good news to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the increasing acceptance of telehealth as a way to get medical care may be one. Since you’ve had to stick closer to home, your health care may have taken a backseat. Thanks to our telehealth services,...

Are You a Candidate for the Vertiflex Procedure? Mar 4th, 2021
The incidence of lower back pain in the United States is growing thanks to an aging population. Experts predict that 65 million elderly adults will develop lumbar spinal stenosis by 2025, which is just a few years away. The team here at Spinal Diagnostics is pleased to offer the FDA-approved,...

CRPS: When Limb Pain Remains After an Injury Feb 9th, 2021
When your body sustains damage in an injury or after surgery, recovery can be a long haul. For most, this patience is well rewarded as the body heals and the pain fades away. For the unfortunate few, complex regional pain syndrome can set in, making you even more miserable than...

Can Sciatica Cause Leg Pain? Jan 7th, 2021
You wake one day and find that certain movements send shooting pain down one of your legs. After testing which movements lead to pain, you realize that the problem seems to originate in your lower back even though the pain is in your leg. The team of spine experts at...

Childhood Trauma and PTSD: Warning Signs and Seeking Support Dec 7th, 2020
Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) has long been associated with combat veterans, but trauma affects millions of adults and children in the United States. Whether it’s child abuse or a school shooting, children are no strangers to trauma, and the effects can be long-lasting and continue into adulthood. At Spinal Diagnostics,...

What to Expect from Facet Joint Injections Nov 9th, 2020
Does your back or neck hurt when you turn, bend, or even try and get up out of a chair? While many conditions can lead to this type of pain and stiffness along your spine, your facet joints may play a role. If this is the case, facet joint injections...

How Nerve Blocks Can Restore Pain-Free Movement Oct 6th, 2020
The numbers surrounding pain in the United States are eye-opening. To wit, more than 20% of the population reports chronic pain, and 8% experience high-impact pain. If you find yourself in either of these groups and you’re hobbled by pain, nerve blocks may be the solution. At Spinal Diagnostics, our...

When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option Sep 13th, 2020
The numbers surrounding back pain are eye-opening. First, 80% of adults in the United States report experiencing lower back pain at some point during their lives. Diving a little deeper, 20% of those who encounter acute lower back pain develop chronic issues. At Spinal Diagnostics, our team of highly trained...

Understanding Pelvic Pain Aug 21st, 2020
While most people experience aches and pains from time to time, these usually go away after some rest or with the help of a little aspirin or ibuprofen. Chronic pain sticks around for much longer and doesn’t respond to common treatments. Pelvic pain is a widespread condition experienced by both...

The Complications of Degenerative Disc Disease Jul 15th, 2020
Back pain is a widespread ailment. About 30% of American adults have some type of back pain. It can be caused by several things, from incorrectly lifting heavy objects to chronic pain conditions such as degenerative disc disease. Sometimes the pain responds to over the counter pain relievers and goes...

Occipital Neuralgia Explained Jun 25th, 2020
Most people are familiar with common headaches that respond to over the counter medications and typically go away after a few hours. However, there are more severe types of headaches that can affect people much more intensely. Occipital neuralgia is a condition that causes a kind of headache that occurs...

The Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy May 27th, 2020
Your nerves perform many essential functions in your body, including controlling muscle movement, regulating body functions, and delivering sensory information. Many illnesses and injuries can disrupt your nerves’ normal functioning, causing uncomfortable symptoms and significant long-lasting issues. At Spinal Diagnostics, with offices in Tualatin and Newberg, Oregon, our focus is...

Common Causes of Headaches and Ways to Treat Your Pain Apr 22nd, 2020
Headaches are a very common ailment, one that most people experience from time to time over their lifetime. Headaches typically go away on their own after a period, but chronic headaches can be excruciating and persistent and disrupt normal activities.  There are over 300 different types of headaches, but only...

8 Nonsurgical Treatments for Chronic or Complex Arm Pain Mar 10th, 2020
Chronic or complex arm pain can be uncomfortable, distressing, and debilitating. You may require treatment for your pain but wonder if surgery is your only option. Many nonsurgical treatments can relieve your symptoms and allow you to move more comfortably again. At Spinal Diagnostics in Tualatin and Newberg, Oregon, our...

When Incontinence Disrupts Your Life: Here's What to Do About It Jan 31st, 2020
Many people experience mild incontinence from time to time. Perhaps a sneeze causes you to leak a little urine, or diarrhea makes you need to dash to the bathroom. These types of incontinence are not very serious health issues, don’t last very long, and the cause of the issue is...

DRG Stimulation Is Today's Innovative Treatment for Neuropathic Pain Jan 1st, 2020
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 20% of adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain, and 8% have high-impact chronic pain. If you’re suffering from severe, chronic neuropathy that’s compromised your quality of life, you may have tried multiple treatments to control your pain in...

The Dangers of Tech Neck Dec 1st, 2019
When neck pain strikes, you just want it to go away. But how can you solve your pain if you don’t know the root cause? Whether you call it tech neck or text neck, using your favorite tech gadgets can cause pain in your neck. And, even though it may...

Is Back Pain Normal as You Age? Nov 1st, 2019
Because our backs bear the brunt of so much movement, it’s probable that you’ll have some back pain in your lifetime. Yet for many people a low-grade back pain stays with them for months or years. While some degeneration is an inevitable part of aging, chronic back pain is not...

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Risk of Migraines Oct 1st, 2019
Migraines can be an incredibly frustrating condition to deal with — and one out of every four households in the United States has someone who suffers from these debilitating headaches, including children. While there’s no silver bullet when it comes to a cure, we do know that many migraines can...

Everything You Need to Know About MILD® For Spinal Stenosis Sep 1st, 2019
You’ve had chronic pain in your lower back that hasn’t resolved in months. Tests reveal that you have lumbar (lower back) spinal stenosis (LSS). Stenosis means your spinal canal has narrowed, putting pressure on your spinal nerves.  Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis The following symptoms characterize LSS:  Numbness or tingling...

How Spinal Cord Stimulators Provide Ongoing, Drug-Free Relief from Chronic Back Pain Aug 8th, 2019
Chances are, you or someone you care about lives with chronic back pain. The leading cause of disability and one of the top reasons for missed work, low back pain affects 31 million adults in the United States at any given time. For many people, back pain lingers, interfering more...

Physical Therapy Can Help You Overcome Your Sciatica Pain Jul 22nd, 2019
Sciatica is a condition caused by a damaged, irritated, or pinched sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body and affects your buttocks, feet, legs, and hips. Sciatica develops for many reasons, ranging from medical conditions like lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal) and degenerative...

Are Epidural Steroid Injections Safe? Jun 20th, 2019
Back pain can sideline you for weeks, months, or years. Depending on what’s causing your pain, you may be able to treat it with an epidural steroid injection. Our team of doctors at Spinal Diagnostics specializes in identifying the source of your back pain and helping you manage or eliminate...

New Interspinous Spacers Provide Drug-free Pain Relief From Spinal Stenosis May 22nd, 2019
If you’re living with back pain, it can be hard to find effective relief, especially when you have spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis develops when your spine grows narrow in certain areas, which puts pressure on the nerves traveling through your spinal canal. While it doesn’t always cause symptoms, spinal stenosis...