Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative condition occurring in over 19% of the American population over 45 years old (Del Amo, 2022). The condition frequently affects the knee joint in the body resulting in pain, weakness, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion (ROM). How Do You Know If You Have Osteoarthritis? A diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
Lumbar degenerative changes are commonly found in spine imaging but often occur in pain-free individuals as well as those with back pain. Have you been told that you have a disc bulge at L4-L5? Are you scared that you may need surgery after reviewing your imaging results? Have you been told that you have to
1) Train Before Race Day Running a Thanksgiving 5k has become a tradition for many people. It can be a fun way to spend time with family and engage in physical activity. But, if this is one of the few races you participate in throughout the year, training beforehand is beneficial for preventing injury and
Do you feel pain in your back when you stand up from a chair? Are you taking uneven strides when you walk due to sacral discomfort? Back pain can be difficult to diagnose due to many conditions that cause it such as herniated discs, muscle strains, arthritis, spinal stenosis. However, sacroiliac joint dysfunction makes up
Many who are diagnosed with osteoarthritis will experience joint stiffness that is prominent in the morning. This article will discuss what factors contribute to this and what can be done to help manage these symptoms. Osteoarthritis and Aging As we age, the tissues inside our joints change. The cartilage that lines the end of the
There are a number of reasons why someone may develop muscle weakness. Inactivity, poor muscle activation, and compensatory movement patterns are just a few of these reasons. But can weakness lead to the onset of, or contribute to pain? The evidence suggests that it can. Specifically, weakness of the hips can be part of the
The ability to ascend and descend stairs is necessary for many people to be able to complete their activities of daily living. Several factors can contribute to difficulty with this seemingly-simple skill. Strength Stair negotiation requires adequate strength in several muscle groups in the hips and legs. The gluteal muscles and hamstrings must be able
Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, muscle weakness, joint mobility issues, and muscle tightness can all contribute to neck pain and have potential to cause headaches. The suboccipitals, a muscle group at the base of the skull, is a common cause of upper neck pain and headaches. What Are
Many people are familiar with the concept of keeping the shoulders “down and back” to improve their posture. But this is sometimes easier said than done. This article will identify possible causes of elevated shoulder posture and provide some simple solutions that can improve it. Causes of Elevated Shoulder Posture The muscles that are primarily