A slip disc, also known as a herniated or prolapsed disc, occurs when the soft, jelly-like material inside a spinal disc pushes through a weakened or damaged outer fibrous ring. The disc lies between the vertebral bodies and normally helps cushion the spine. When the disc becomes damaged due to injury, strain, or age-related changes, the inner material may protrude…

Several nearby muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as the shoulder joint itself, can cause shoulder pain. When shoulder pain originates from the joint, it typically gets worse when the arm or shoulder is used or moved. Shoulder pain is one of the common musculoskeletal problems. Sometimes, shoulder pain may be confused with pain arising from other medical conditions, such…

Small joint pain can affect the hands, fingers, wrists, feet, toes and other smaller joints. The pain may be occasional or persistent and can be associated with stiffness, swelling, tenderness or difficulty moving the affected joint. Joint pain can have many causes, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, previous infections or injuries. Identifying the underlying cause is important, especially when pain…

Sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots become irritated or compressed. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and travels from the lower back through the buttocks and down the legs. The pain commonly begins in the lower back or buttock and radiates through the back of the thigh and leg, sometimes reaching…