Shingles

Shingles is a rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox called the varicella-zoster virus. After someone has chicken pox, the virus remains inactive and may reactivate in adulthood to cause a painful rash. Why some people develop shingles and others do not is unknown at this time. Unlike chickenpox, shingles is not transmitted through contact with an infected ...

Sciatica

Sciatica is also called lower extremity radiculitis or radiculopathy, and refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. As the longest and largest nerve in the body, it controls and innervates many of the muscle groups in the legs and feet. It also provides sensation to the thighs, legs and feet. Due to its size, many ...

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Sacroiliac Joint Pain can be debilitating. The sacroiliac joint is located where the spine meets the pelvis. Irritation to or inflammation of this joint is one of the major causes of low back pain. If the joint is inflamed, the surrounded nerves can become irritated and cause pain. Common sources of pain in this joint include bursitis and arthritis. While ...

Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff tear affects approximately two million American athletes and non-athletes each year. This type of injury can cause a nagging, aching pain that can limit daily activity. Other symptoms include pain in the shoulder when at rest, weakness in the arm when rotating the limb, pain when lifting or lowering the arm or a crackling noise when the arm ...

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is another, older name for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is a chronic pain and sensory condition that mainly affects the arms and legs. Two types of CRPS exist: Type I is characterized by persistent pain and swelling caused by trauma to an area that produces vasomotor disorders and Type II is caused by a ...

Prolapsed Disc

The discs located between vertebrae create and form the spine, allow for movement and bear the weight placed on the spine. Discs are made up of a tough outer layer and a gel-like inner layer. When a disc is compressed, pressure builds up in the inner layer, causing the disc to bulge. In a prolapsed disc, this bulge presses on ...

Post Laminectomy Syndrome

Post Laminectomy Syndrome (PLS) is a chronic pain condition that affects some patients after back surgery. Also known as failed back syndrome, PLS is a general term for a variety of chronic pain syndromes experienced after back surgery. A doctor will diagnose PLS after recognizing a pattern of chronic pain and unexpectedly poor surgical outcomes. This physician may order imaging, ...

Postherpetic neuralgia

Postherpetic Neuralgia is the lasting skin and nerve pain associated with a shingles outbreak. The threat of developing this pain condition is often the biggest worry for those who have a shingles outbreak. The most common symptom of postherpetic neuralgia is a burning pain that may interfere with sleep and appetite. Other common symptoms include itching or numbness, muscle weakness ...

Heel Spur

A heel spur is a small deposit of soft calcium located on the heel bone near where the plantar fascia connects. Pain in this area is usually pain from plantar fasciitis, not from the bone itself. This type of bone spur is most commonly seen in middle aged men and women, and is most often diagnosed when the patient is ...

Hammer Toe

Hammer toe is a physical deformity that results from the muscle and ligament over the toe joint being out of alignment. An affected toe is forced into a bent position and remains fixed. Bending the toe can cause rubbing and irritation on the top of the toe joint that may lead to blisters and corns. High heels and ill-fitting shoes ...