Sometimes called "wear-and-tear" arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common condition that many people develop during middle age or older. It can occur in any joint in the body, but most often develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the hip.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a neck condition that occurs when the spinal cord becomes compressed—or squeezed—due to the wear-and-tear changes that occur in the spine as we age. The condition commonly occurs in patients over the age of 50.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a "pinched nerve" occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This may cause pain that radiates into the shoulder, as well as numbness that travels down the arm and into the hand.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This animation describes how the many parts of the spine — including the vertebrae, intervertebral disks, and facet joints — work together to allow us to stand and move.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Spinal injections are used in two ways. First, they can be performed to diagnose the source of back, leg, neck, or arm pain (diagnostic). Second, spinal injections can be used as a treatment to relieve pain (therapeutic).| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues—the muscles, ligaments, and nerves—as well as in bones and disks of the spine. For many people, neck pain is a temporary condition that disappears with time.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
If you have pain, weakness or numbness in your back, neck or hands, measuring the speed and degree of electrical activity in your muscles and nerves can help your doctor make a proper diagnosis. This process is called electrodiagnostic testing.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The bones of your neck are connected to each other by ligaments and muscles. A sprain (stretch) or strain can occur in these soft tissues when a sudden movement, such as a motor vehicle collision or a hard fall, causes the neck to bend to an extreme position.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks multiple joints throughout the body. Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are a number of treatments that can help relieve joint pain and improve functioning.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and the major types that affect the knee are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatment options to help relieve pain and stay active.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Many people are not aware that smoking has a serious negative effect on your bones and joints. By avoiding or quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk for incurring many musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoporosis.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (pronounced en-saids), are the most prescribed medications for treating conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. Over-the-counter, nonprescription NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.| orthoinfo.aaos.org