Blog Archive
Have you noticed thigh, hip, or buttocks discomfort, weak muscles, tingling sensations or numbness, and even challenges with your balance? These symptoms are all linked to sciatica, which is more than just back pain. It’s a neurological condition brought on by sciatic nerve compression. Your sciatic nerve runs from your...
A herniated disc — when the soft, jelly-like center of your disc (the shock absorber of the spine) pushes through its tough exterior at a certain point — can cause considerable pain and affect your mobility. You’re not alone if you suspect you may have a herniated disc. Up to...
For something the size of a pea, your pituitary gland does an immense amount of work. It’s connected to your hypothalamus (your brain’s base) and is situated directly behind your nose. It’s made up of an anterior (front) and posterior (back) lobe, and each releases different hormones. Your endocrine system...
Our spines are nothing short of incredible. They enable us to stand, walk, run, twist, bend, and savor our favorite activities, from gardening or playing soccer to dancing the tango. Your discs — the gel-filled structures between your vertebrae — act as your spine’s shock absorbers, and provide both spinal...
Scoliosis — a condition where a C- or S-shaped spinal curvature develops — affects 6-9 million people. Scoliosis most often emerges in children and adolescents, and it’s an idiopathic condition, meaning its root cause can’t be found. Adults are diagnosed with scoliosis, too, but in much smaller numbers. Many cases...
Spinal stenosis occurs when the space surrounding your spinal cord narrows and causes pain and mobility problems. If you’re one of the 250,000-500,000 Americans living with this condition, you’re well aware of how it can alter your life for the worse. Spinal stenosis is linked to many causes, including osteoarthritis,...
Have you ever been stricken with a headache and worried that maybe it’s something more serious? Though chances are your headache is just a headache, it’s good to know what the symptoms of a brain tumor are and what should prompt a visit to a knowledgeable provider. Fortunately, our team...
Are you one of the many worldwide who cope with low back pain? Unfortunately, 2020 research found that this uncomfortable and life-limiting condition impacted 619 million people across the globe. Even more concerning? Numbers are expected to reach an eye-popping 843 million by 2050 — just 14 short years from...
A herniated disc can be a source of acute or chronic back or neck pain, but not all disc herniations require surgery. In Ventura, California, board-eligible neurosurgeon Dr. Katherine Wagner specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of herniated discs, using advanced technology to customize care plans. Here is a breakdown...