Conditions

Ulnar tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through a narrow space in the wrist called the ulnar tunnel (or Guyon’s canal). This nerve is responsible for sensation in the ring and little fingers as well as controlling some of the small muscles in the hand. When it is compressed, it can disrupt normal nerve signaling, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain that results from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system, rather than from an injury to tissues like muscles or joints. It occurs when nerves themselves are injured, irritated, or not working properly, sending incorrect pain signals to the brain. This can happen due to conditions such as diabetes, shingles, nerve compression, spinal injuries, or certain neurological diseases. People often describe neuropathic pain as burning, stabbing, shooting, tingling, or electric shock–like sensations,

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, causing a misalignment in the spine. This shift can happen anywhere along the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar region). It may be caused by a stress fracture, degenerative changes from aging, congenital spine abnormalities, or injury. When the vertebra slips, it can narrow the spinal canal or press on nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as lower back pain, stiffness,

Dealing with flare-ups—whether from chronic pain, inflammation, or conditions like back or joint issues—starts with recognizing early warning signs and responding quickly. A flare-up is a temporary increase in symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or fatigue, often triggered by overactivity, stress, poor posture, or lack of rest. The key is to strike a balance: avoid pushing through intense pain, but also don’t become completely inactive. Gentle movement, stretching, and maintaining proper body mechanics can help keep the body from stiffening

Kyphosis is a condition where the upper spine develops an exaggerated forward curve, giving the back a rounded or “hunched” appearance. While the spine naturally has a slight curve in the thoracic (mid-back) region, kyphosis refers to when that curve becomes more pronounced than normal. It can develop from several causes, including poor posture (postural kyphosis), structural abnormalities in the vertebrae (such as Scheuermann’s kyphosis), or conditions like osteoporosis that weaken the bones. In mild cases, it may cause little

Facet syndrome is a condition that affects the small joints located between the vertebrae of the spine, called facet joints. These joints help guide and stabilize spinal movement while absorbing some of the stress from twisting and bending. In facet syndrome, these joints become irritated, inflamed, or degenerated, often leading to localized pain in the neck or lower back. The pain can sometimes radiate to nearby areas, such as the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs, depending on which part of the

The nervous system is central to how we perceive pain, acting as the body’s communication network for detecting and responding to harmful stimuli. When you experience an injury, specialized nerve endings called nociceptors detect tissue damage or potential harm and send electrical signals through peripheral nerves to the spinal cord. From there, the signals travel to the brain, where they are interpreted as pain. This process allows the body to react—like pulling your hand away from a hot surface—protecting tissues

Lordosis is a term used to describe the natural inward curve of the spine, typically in the lower back (lumbar region). Everyone has some degree of lordosis, which helps the spine absorb shock and maintain balance. However, when the curve becomes exaggerated—sometimes called hyperlordosis or “swayback”—it can place extra pressure on the vertebrae, discs, and surrounding muscles, leading to discomfort, stiffness, or even chronic lower back pain. Causes can include poor posture, weak core muscles, obesity,

Varus and valgus describe the alignment of your joints, usually the knees, in relation to the body’s midline. A varus alignment means the joint angles inward, causing the knees to bow outward—commonly called “bow-legged.” This shifts more weight to the inner (medial) part of the knee, which can increase stress on cartilage and lead to pain or arthritis over time. Varus can result from genetics, injury, or conditions that affect bone or joint structure.