Common Disorders FAQ

What Causes Neck and Arm Pain?

Common causes include:

• Herniated Disc – Presses on nerves, causing pain and weakness.
• Cervical Radiculopathy – “Pinched nerve” leading to radiating pain.
• Degenerative Disc Disease – Wear and tear on spinal discs.
• Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing nerves.
• Muscle Strain – Poor posture or overuse injuries.
• Osteoarthritis – Joint inflammation causing stiffness and pain

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

• Sharp, burning pain radiating down the arm
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand
• Limited neck movement

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical care if you experience:

• Persistent pain lasting weeks
• Numbness, weakness, or coordination issues
• Pain worsening at night or with movement

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis: Physical exam, X-rays, MRI, or nerve tests.

Treatment:

• Non-Surgical – Physical therapy, medications, injections, posture correction.
• Surgical (if needed) – Discectomy, spinal fusion, or artificial disc replacement.

Prevention Tips

• Maintain good posture and take breaks from screens.
• Strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
• Use ergonomic pillows and chairs.
• Avoid heavy bags on one shoulder.

What Is Thoracic Back Pain and Chest Radiculopathy?

Thoracic back pain refers to discomfort in the upper and mid-back (thoracic spine). Chest radiculopathy occurs when nerves in this region are compressed or irritated, causing pain that may radiate around the chest or ribs.

What Causes Thoracic Back Pain and Chest Radiculopathy?

• Herniated Disc – A bulging or ruptured disc pressing on spinal nerves.
  Degenerative Disc Disease – Wear and tear on spinal discs causing pain and stiffness.
• Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing nerves.
• Muscle Strain or Poor Posture – Overuse, injury, or prolonged sitting.
• Osteoarthritis – Joint inflammation leading to stiffness and discomfort.
• Fractures or Trauma – Common in osteoporosis or accidents.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain in the upper or mid-back, sometimes wrapping around the chest.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations along the ribs.
• Muscle weakness in the back or chest.
• Pain worsening with movement, deep breathing, or prolonged sitting.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the chest or back.
• Difficulty breathing or loss of bowel/bladder control (emergency symptoms).

How Is It Diagnosed?

A doctor may perform a physical exam and order tests such as:

• X-ray, MRI, or CT scan – To check for disc or spinal issues.
• Electromyography (EMG) – To assess nerve function.

What Are the Treatment Options?

• Non-Surgical – Physical therapy, medications, posture correction, injections.
• Surgical (if needed) – Discectomy, spinal fusion, or decompression surgery.

How Can I Prevent Thoracic Back Pain?

• Maintain good posture and avoid prolonged sitting.
• Strengthen back muscles with regular exercise.
• Use ergonomic chairs and supportive bedding.
• Avoid heavy lifting without proper technique.

What Causes Low Back and Leg Pain?

Low back pain and leg pain are often linked to spinal conditions affecting nerves, muscles, or discs. Common causes include:

• Herniated Disc – A bulging or ruptured disc can press on spinal nerves, leading to back pain and radiating leg pain (sciatica).
• Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy) – Compression of the sciatic nerve causing sharp pain, tingling, or weakness in the leg.
• Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Degenerative Disc Disease – Wear and tear on spinal discs leading to chronic pain.
• Spondylolisthesis – When a vertebra slips out of place, pinching nerves and causing pain.
• Muscle Strains or Sprains – Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements leading to back discomfort.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Dull or sharp pain in the lower back
• Radiating pain, tingling, or numbness down the leg (sciatica)
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Increased pain with prolonged sitting, standing, or movement
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance

When Should I See a Doctor?

Seek medical care if you experience

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks
• Numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (may indicate a serious condition)
• Pain that worsens at night or disrupts daily activities

How Is Low Back and Leg Pain Diagnosed?

• Physical Exam – Evaluating movement, reflexes, and nerve function.
• Imaging Tests – X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess spinal issues.
• Nerve Studies (EMG) – To determine nerve compression or damage.

What Are the Treatment Options?

• Non-Surgical Treatments:
  • Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
  • Pain relief with anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants
  • Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation
  • Lifestyle changes, including posture correction and weight management
• Surgical Treatments (if needed):
  • Microdiscectomy – Removal of part of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve
  • Spinal Decompression – Relieves pressure on nerves in cases of stenosis
  • Spinal Fusion – Stabilization of the spine to prevent movement-related pain

How Can I Prevent Low Back and Leg Pain?

• Maintain good posture while sitting and standing.
• Strengthen core and back muscles through regular exercise.
• Avoid heavy lifting or use proper techniques when lifting objects.
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress.

What Is a Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A concussion is a mild form of TBI caused by a blow or jolt to the head, leading to temporary brain dysfunction. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from mild to severe, affecting brain function, memory, coordination, and cognition.

What Causes Concussions and TBIs?

• Falls (most common cause)
• Car accidents or whiplash injuries
• Sports-related impacts
• Workplace or military-related trauma
• Physical assaults or sudden jolts to the head

What Are the Symptoms?

Mild TBI (Concussion):

• Headache, dizziness, or nausea
• Confusion, memory problems, or brain fog
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Fatigue or trouble sleeping
• Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, or depression)

Moderate to Severe TBI:

• Loss of consciousness (seconds to minutes for moderate, hours for severe)
• Repeated vomiting or worsening headache
• Seizures or slurred speech
• Weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination
• Difficulty waking up or extreme confusion

When Should I See a Doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly
• Persistent headache, dizziness, or nausea
• Memory loss or confusion
• Vision problems or trouble speaking
• Unusual behavior, agitation, or drowsiness

How Is a Concussion or TBI Diagnosed?

• Neurological Exam – Checking reflexes, balance, and cognitive function.
• Imaging Tests – CT scan or MRI to detect brain swelling or bleeding.
• Cognitive Testing – Assessing memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.

What Are the Treatment Options?

• Rest and Recovery: Limit physical and mental activity to allow the brain to heal.
• Pain Management: Use doctor-approved medications for headaches and discomfort.
• Physical & Cognitive Therapy: Helps regain lost motor skills, memory, or cognitive function.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Avoid screens, bright lights, and stressful environments during recovery.

How Can I Prevent a Concussion or TBI?

• Wear helmets for sports, cycling, and motorcycling.
• Use seat belts and follow safe driving practices.
• Fall-proof your home with proper lighting and handrails.
• Follow workplace and sports safety guidelines.

 

What Is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain, leading to increased pressure inside the skull. This can affect brain function and cause a variety of symptoms. It can occur at any age but is most common in infants and older adults.

What Causes Hydrocephalus?

• Congenital Hydrocephalus – Present at birth due to abnormal brain development.
• Acquired Hydrocephalus – Develops later due to injury, infection, tumor, or bleeding in the brain.
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) – Occurs in older adults and progresses gradually.

What Are the Symptoms?

In Infants:

• Rapid head growth or bulging soft spot (fontanel)
• Vomiting, irritability, or poor feeding
• Downward gaze (sunsetting eyes)
• Developmental delays

In Adults:

• Headaches, nausea, or blurred vision
• Difficulty walking or balance issues
• Cognitive decline or memory problems
• Loss of bladder control (in NPH cases)

When Should I See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you or a loved one experiences:

• Sudden or severe headaches
• Vision changes or difficulty walking
• Unexplained cognitive decline
• Symptoms of increased pressure in the head

How Is Hydrocephalus Diagnosed?

• Neurological Exam – Evaluating symptoms and motor function.
• Brain Imaging – CT scan or MRI to detect fluid buildup.
• Spinal Tap (for NPH) – Helps determine if draining CSF improves symptoms.

What Are the Treatment Options?

• Shunt Placement – A small tube is inserted to drain excess fluid into another part of the body.
• Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) – A minimally invasive procedure to improve CSF flow.
• Medication (in some cases) – Helps manage symptoms but does not cure hydrocephalus.

Can Hydrocephalus Be Prevented?

While not always preventable, risk can be reduced by:

• Seeking prompt treatment for infections affecting the brain.
• Wearing helmets to prevent head injuries.
• Managing conditions like bleeding in the brain or tumors early.

What Is a Brain Tumor?

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or near the brain. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may affect brain function by pressing on surrounding tissues.

What Causes Brain Tumors?

The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include:

• Genetic mutations or family history of brain tumors
• Radiation exposure
• Certain inherited conditions

What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?

Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size and location but may include:

• Persistent headaches, especially in the morning
• Seizures or sudden muscle jerking
• Vision or hearing changes
• Difficulty with balance, speech, or coordination
• Memory problems, confusion, or personality changes
• Nausea and vomiting

When Should I See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Frequent or worsening headaches
• Unexplained seizures
• Sudden cognitive or neurological changes

How Is a Brain Tumor Diagnosed?

• Neurological Exam – Tests for reflexes, coordination, and cognitive function.
• Imaging Tests – MRI or CT scans to detect abnormal growths.
• Biopsy – A sample of tumor tissue may be taken to determine if it is cancerous.

What Are the Treatment Options?

• Surgery – To remove as much of the tumor as safely possible.
• Radiation Therapy – Uses high-energy beams to target tumor cells.
• Chemotherapy – Drug treatment to destroy cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy – Advanced treatments that attack specific tumor cells.

Can Brain Tumors Be Prevented?

While not entirely preventable, lowering risk factors may help:

• Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Monitor and manage genetic risk factors with regular check-ups.

What Is Chiari Malformation?

Chiari malformation is a structural defect in the brain where part of the cerebellum (the lower part of the brain) extends into the spinal canal. This can disrupt the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and put pressure on the brain and spinal cord, leading to a variety of symptoms.

What Causes Chiari Malformation?

Chiari malformation is often congenital (present at birth) but can sometimes develop later due to other factors, such as:

• Genetic factors or inherited conditions
• Spinal cord abnormalities or structural defects in the skull
• Acquired Chiari malformation, which may be caused by trauma, tumors, or a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid

What Are the Symptoms of Chiari Malformation?

Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and severity, and may include:

• Headaches, particularly at the back of the head
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Vision problems, including double vision or blurred vision
• Sleep disturbances or snoring

When Should I See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent or severe headaches
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Weakness or numbness in the limbs
• Unexplained dizziness or coordination issues
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking

How Is Chiari Malformation Diagnosed?

• Neurological Exam – A thorough assessment of reflexes, motor skills, and coordination.
• Imaging Tests – MRI is commonly used to detect Chiari malformation and determine the extent of the condition.
• CT Scans – In some cases, may be used to assess bone structures and abnormalities.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the type of Chiari malformation:

• Conservative Management:
  • Pain management with medications for headaches and discomfort
  • Physical therapy to improve balance and coordination
  • Lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers and improve posture
• Surgical Treatments:
  • Decompression Surgery: A procedure to remove a small portion of the skull or vertebrae to relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord.
  • Spinal Fusion: In cases where spinal stability is affected, a fusion procedure may be done to stabilize the area.
  • Shunt Placement: In some cases, a shunt may be used to divert cerebrospinal fluid if it’s building up and causing pressure.

Can Chiari Malformation Be Prevented?

Since Chiari malformation is often congenital, it is not generally preventable. However, genetic counseling may help if there is a family history of the condition.