How Stress Affects Back Pain

Illustration showing how stress contributes to and worsens back pain

April is National Stress Awareness Month, meaning it’s the perfect time for us to talk about how stress affects back pain. Stress is incredibly common among working adults in the US. A recent study found that on average over 60% of working adults feel stressed three or more workdays each week. This finding means that […]

Sleeping With Back Pain

Person lying in bed clutching lower back in pain while trying to sleep

Many of our patients complain of difficulty sleeping with back pain. This fact alone is to be expected. Many studies have found that back pain not only interferes with falling asleep, but staying asleep as well. What many of our patients don’t realize is that lack of quality sleep can actually contribute to their pain. […]

All About Spine Fusion Surgery

Illustration of spine fusion surgery showing vertebrae, hardware, and surgical instruments

Spine fusion surgery is when a surgeon fuses two or more vertebrae together using a bone graft. The bone tissue will continue to grow and permanently lock the vertebrae together. A spine fusion limits movement of the spine, which may help to relieve back pain. And while the spine may not be as flexible as […]

Acute Or Chronic Back Pain

Person holding lower back in pain, illustrating acute or chronic back pain symptoms

What is acute back pain? Acute back pain is back pain that lasts less than 3-6 months. What causes acute back pain? Acute back pain is often directly related to tissue damage, whether it be a muscle strain or the residual effects of a traumatic event. What is chronic back pain? Chronic back pain is […]

Resolve To Maintain A Healthy Spine

Person stretching outdoors, representing tips for maintaining a healthy spine.

Welcome to 2020! Who’s determined to make this their best year yet? We know we are! To kick off the year with a bang, we decided to provide you with some reasonable resolutions to make if you’re suffering from back or neck pain. Resolutions can be difficult to maintain throughout the year, but we believe […]

Follow-Up Appointment After Spine Surgery

Doctor reviewing spine X-ray with patient during follow-up appointment after spine surgery.

Our primary goal here at Nebraska Spine Hospital is to provide each and every patient with the best care possible. We take great care in monitoring our patients before, during, and after their stay with us. One way in which we go above and beyond for our patients is informing them of what to expect […]

Bone Grafts in Spine Surgery

Illustration of bone graft material used to promote fusion in spine surgery

Frequently asked questions about bone grafting How big is the incision for a bone graft taken from my hip? The incision for a bone graft can vary but is generally 1½ – 2 inches long. Are there any alternatives to having a bone graft taken from my hip? The alternatives to using a bone graft […]

Recovery From Spine Surgery: Preparing Your Home

Home hallway cleared of clutter to help someone recovering safely after spine surgery

We’ve often found that recovery from spine surgery is the last thing on our patients’ minds, especially any preparations that will have to be made at home. Because of that, we try to bring it to their attention during pre-operative visits by asking questions. We’ll ask about the setup of their home. Is it a […]

Scary Facts About Poor Posture

Illustration of poor posture effects on the spine and body health

With Halloween right around the corner, we thought we’d get into the spirit and spook you with some facts about poor posture. The side effects of poor posture aren’t pretty but before we get into the scary details, let’s cover what proper posture is.[bctt tweet=”Over time, poor posture can change the anatomical structure of your […]

Sciatica: Know The Facts

Illustration of sciatic nerve pain radiating from lower back down the leg

Millions of people in the United States suffer from sciatica. Sciatica is a term used to describe the symptoms of leg pain, tingling, and numbness or weakness originating in the lower back to the sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. What surprises most of our patients is that sciatica is not a medical […]