UCI Orthopaedic Department - Spine Surgery

08/17/2026

Burning Sensation in Upper Back: What Could It Be?

A burning sensation in your upper back can happen due to muscle strain from lifting or exercise, stress-related muscle tension, spinal misalignment, herniated discs that compress nerves, or inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

08/10/2026

10 Side Effects of Sitting Down All Day.

Sitting down for too long can increase your risk of numerous health conditions, including muscle pain, blood clots, and diabetes. It can also affect your mental health.

08/03/2026

Spinal Stenosis: 6 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Falling.

Lumbar spinal stenosis increases the risk of injury from falling because the stenosis compresses the nerves that control leg strength, balance and coordination. Here are recommendations for fall prevention if you have lumbar spinal stenosis:

07/27/2026

Exercises to Avoid with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

If you have lumbar spinal stenosis, the goal while exercising is to keep the spine in a "neutral" or slightly flexed (forward-leaning) position. However, many standard exercises do the exact opposite, forcing the lower back into an arch that can trigger a flare-up.

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July!
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day! Thank you to all the wonderful fathers!

06/12/2026

Tight Quad Muscles and How They Relate to Low Back Pain.

Tight quads can cause lower back pain by pulling the pelvis down and creating an excessive arch in the lower back.

05/29/2026

Rheumatoid arthritis and back pain.

RA is an autoimmune condition that causes joint swelling and pain throughout the body. Usually, it affects small peripheral joints, such as those in the hands and feet, rather than the spine. However, RA can also affect the C1 and C2 vertebrae, which sit at the very top of the neck. RA can potential...

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

05/22/2026

How to Take Control of Your Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic condition in which the spine and surrounding areas of the body become inflamed. This can lead to pain that is often described as sharp, shooting, or burning. There are many ways to manage ankylosing spondylitis pain. Some people may find medications effective...