Conditions

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system, which normally protects the body from infections, mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. This can cause widespread inflammation and damage in areas such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Because lupus affects multiple systems, its symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but common signs include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Managing lupus often requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing organ damage. Treatments may include medications like anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids, along with lifestyle strategies such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding triggers like excessive sun exposure. While there is no cure for lupus, early diagnosis and consistent care can help people lead active, fulfilling lives and minimize the disease’s impact on overall health.  

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. It typically occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, most often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort or tingling to sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or muscle weakness in the affected leg. Sciatica usually affects one side of the body and can worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements. Treatment for sciatica often begins with conservative approaches such as physical therapy, stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modifications to relieve pressure on the nerve. In cases where pain is severe or persistent, more targeted interventions like epidural steroid injections or minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. Maintaining proper posture, strengthening core and back muscles, and avoiding prolonged positions that irritate the nerve can help prevent flare-ups. With appropriate care, most individuals experience significant relief and improved mobility over time.

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in its tougher outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This can irritate or compress nearby spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs, depending on the location of the herniation. Herniated discs are most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine) and can result from age-related degeneration, sudden injury, heavy lifting, or repetitive strain. Treatment for a herniated disc often starts conservatively with rest, physical therapy, pain-relief medications, or targeted injections to reduce inflammation. Most people experience gradual improvement over several weeks, but in severe or persistent cases, surgical intervention may be needed to remove or repair the damaged portion of the disc. Maintaining good posture, core strength, and proper body mechanics can help prevent further injury and support long-term spinal health. With appropriate care, many individuals regain mobility andreturn to normal activities.

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within the spine narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This narrowing can occur in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine) and is most often caused by age-related changes such as arthritis, bone spurs, or thickening of ligaments around the spine. The result is irritation or compression of the nerves, which can lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, legs, or back. In some cases, people may also experience problems with balance or walking, especially when standing upright for long periods. Although spinal stenosis can’t always be reversed, its symptoms can be effectively managed. Treatments often include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted injections to reduce pain and inflammation. For severe cases, surgery may be considered to create more space for the nerves and relieve pressure. Staying active, maintaining good posture, and strengthening the muscles that support the spine can also help improve mobility and reduce discomfort. With proper care, many people with spinal stenosis can return to an active and fulfilling lifestyle.  

Occipital neuralgia is a type of headache disorder that occurs when the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, become irritated or compressed. This irritation can cause sharp, stabbing, or electric shock–like pain at the base of the skull, behind the eyes, or along the back of the head. The pain may come in sudden bursts or persist as a throbbing ache, often affecting one side of the head but sometimes both. Because these nerves are closely linked to the muscles in the neck and upper back, tension or injury in those areas can contribute to the condition. The exact causes of occipital neuralgia vary and may include trauma, pinched nerves, muscle tightness, or underlying conditions such as arthritis in the cervical spine. Along with pain, people may experience scalp tenderness, sensitivity to light, or discomfort when moving the neck. Since its symptoms can resemble those of migraines or other types of headaches, occipital neuralgia can be difficult to diagnose without a thorough medical evaluation. Recognizing the nerve-based origin of the pain is

Phantom limb pain is a condition in which a person feels pain or other uncomfortable sensations in a limb that has been amputated. Even though the limb is no longer physically present, the brain and nervous system still send and receive signals as if it were there. This happens because the nerves in the area of the amputation continue to transmit messages, and the brain’s sensory map of the body does not immediately adjust to the loss. As a result, individuals may experience burning, cramping, tingling, or sharp pain in the missing limb. The exact cause of phantom limb pain is complex, but it is believed to involve both the nerves near the amputation site and changes in the brain’s processing of sensory information. When the brain no longer receives expected signals from the missing limb, it can create misfiring or “confused” signals that are interpreted as pain. Emotional factors, such as stress or anxiety, can also intensify the sensation. This condition shows how strongly the mind and body are connected, as the brain can continue to generate real feelings of

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, become damaged. These nerves are responsible for transmitting signals related to movement, sensation, and automatic functions such as digestion or circulation. When they are impaired, communication between the central nervous system and the body is disrupted, leading to a variety of symptoms depending on which nerves are affected. People with peripheral neuropathy may experience numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or sharp pain, often starting in the hands and feet. In some cases, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, or difficulty with balance can develop. If the autonomic nerves are involved, issues such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or sweating may occur. The condition can range from mild to severe and may significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually affects an arm or a leg, often following an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The pain experienced is typically disproportionate to the original injury and can be severe, burning, or throbbing. CRPS is believed to involve dysfunction in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, causing abnormal responses to pain signals. In addition to intense pain, the affected area may show changes in skin color, temperature, and texture, and may become swollen or sensitive to touch. CRPS can also affect movement and function. The affected limb may become stiff, weak, or prone to spasms, and in some cases, the joints may begin to stiffen or deteriorate over time. The condition can fluctuate, with periods of increased symptoms followed by relative calm, and it can have a significant impact on daily activities, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Because it is complex and variable, CRPS is often challenging to understand and diagnose, requiring careful attention to the combination of pain, sensory changes, and functional limitations.

A compression fracture occurs when one of the bones in the spine, called a vertebra, collapses or is crushed under pressure. This usually happens in the front portion of the vertebra, which causes it to lose height and take on a wedge-like shape. Such fractures are most often the result of weakened bones, commonly due to conditions like osteoporosis, but they can also happen from significant trauma, such as a fall or accident. The change in the shape of the vertebra can alter the alignment of the spine and affect how weight is distributed across it. People with a compression fracture may notice sudden or gradual back pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits movement. Over time, multiple fractures can cause the spine to curve forward, leading to a hunched posture known as kyphosis. These fractures don’t just affect physical structure—they can also impact mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life.