Winter brings plenty to enjoy-snowy mornings, holiday gatherings, and cozy nights indoors. But colder temperatures, icy conditions, and seasonal activities can also place extra strain on your back and spine. From snow shoveling and travel to shopping and spending more time indoors, winter presents unique challenges that can increase stiffness, discomfort, and the risk of injury.
Source: Spine Health Foundation
Spinal cord compression—also called cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)— is caused by any condition that puts pressure on the spinal cord. Symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually and may include pain or stiffness in the neck or back, balance issues, or a burning pain in the arms or legs.
After a spinal cord injury, cells in the brain and spinal cord change to cope with stress and repair tissue. A new study from Karolinska Institutet, published in Nature Neuroscience, shows that this response is controlled by specific DNA sequences. This knowledge could help develop more targeted treatments.
A clinical practice guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain is being developed by a multidisciplinary guideline development group (GDG), including the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM).
Lower back spasms can be painful, but they are treatable. Certain remedies, stretches, and lifestyle changes can help reduce or get rid of back spasms.
