Spinal discs act as shock absorbers, and sit between the bones of the spine (called vertebrae). The discs help the spine stay flexible as you move, bend, and twist. As we age, the discs become less able of providing the necessary cushioning and support to the bones of the spine. The breakdown of the discs
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When Do You Need to Worry About Lumbar Pain?
Lumbar (lower back) pain is the fifth most common reason people seek medical attention – this, despite the fact that most low back pain is benign and will eventually subside with rest, over-the-counter medications and physical therapy. But what if it doesn’t? What if your lumbar pain is a symptom of a more serious condition?
Read MoreSurprising Things an Orthopedic Surgeon Can Treat
The specialty of orthopedics covers all things musculoskeletal, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons – so an orthopedic surgeon treats myriad conditions. Following an orthopedic injury, an orthopedic surgeon will diagnose conditions, perform surgery if necessary, and assist with rehabilitation. Orthopedic surgeons are now specializing further, devoting their practice to specific areas
Read MoreHow Does Physical Therapy Benefit Arthritis Patients?
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Typical symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited mobility in one or several joints. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis, and there is no cure. However, there are plenty of options for treatment and management of its symptoms, and physical therapy is one of the most popular
Read MoreWhat Do Orthopedic Doctors Treat
An orthopedic doctor treats musculoskeletal conditions. Musculoskeletal refers to bones, ligaments and tendons; therefore an orthopedic doctor treats an injury or condition affecting ligaments, tendons or bones. It is feasible that an orthopedic doctor can treat nearly every area of the body, since there are few areas where ligaments, tendons and certainly bones aren’t located.
Read MoreWhat Is Physical Therapy?
Independence and functional movement are central to good health and a desirable quality of life. Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, is a medical discipline with many subspecialties. A physical therapist (PT) can help a person regain their independence and their ability to move after various types of trauma and health conditions. A physical therapist is a
Read More5 Reasons to Visit an Orthopedic Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room
Watauga Orthopaedics recognizes that there are specific health conditions that require an emergency room visit. In those cases, we advise our patients to dial 911 immediately. However, when the issue is nonlife-threatening, it is a good idea to visit an orthopedic urgent care facility, rather than the local hospital emergency room. Here are five good
Read MoreDifferent Types of Orthopedic Immobilization Techniques
Immobilization is necessary for an orthopedic injury to heal properly. Injured bones, ligaments, tendons, and more will incur further damage if the affected areas aren’t immobilized. Keeping the area from moving also helps reduce pain. Immobilization is accomplished through different procedures that your doctor will determine, depending on the location and severity of the traumatized
Read MoreIs Physical Therapy Necessary After an Injury?
Any reputable doctor will look for conservative rehabilitation methods as the first approach to treating an injury when possible. One of the most commonly prescribed rehabilitation techniques is physical therapy (PT) – touted by physicians for its myriad benefits. Millions of patients are referred to physical therapists every year, but the patients oftentimes don’t follow
Read MoreWhat are the Different Types of Orthopedic Doctors?
Orthopedics is the medical subspecialty that focuses on the diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, the interconnected and multifaceted structure comprised of the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, joints, and tendons. The name is rooted in Greek terminology – coming from “ortho” or straight, and “paes” or child; however, today the medical field features doctors
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