SI Joint Dysfunction: A Common Cause of Low Back Pain
About the Sacroiliac (S) Joint The sacroiliac joints are strong joints (or articulations) between the bottom-most triangular bone of your spine, called the sacrum, and the ilium sections of the pelvis (the sections of the pelvis you put your hands on when you “put...
Ask for Help From an Advocate
Consider involving a trusted family member or friend in your care. You may want an advocate to: Come with you to doctor appointments. Stay with you in the hospital. Ask questions of healthcare professionals. Review consent forms for treatment. Remember healthcare...
Educate Yourself About Your Condition
Ask your doctor to give you easy-to-read brochures or other patient-friendly literature so you can learn about your diagnosis, medical tests, and treatment. Make sure you understand everything. If you don't understand something, keep asking questions until you do....
Participate in Decisions About Your Health Care
Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes. The more information patients have about health care, the better they can make decisions about what is best for them. Work with your doctor and...
Orthopaedic Evidence-Based Medicine
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) helps doctors incorporate the best available scientific evidence into their individual patient care decisions. Today's doctors face a serious challenge trying to keep up with the vast amounts of new information on the latest available...
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
In transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) a special device transmits low-level electrical charges into the area of the body that is in pain. A TENS system consists of a small, battery-powered machine connected by wires to a pair of electrodes. The two...
Alternative Methods to Help Manage Pain After Orthopaedic Surgery
After orthopaedic surgery, your doctors and nurses will make every effort to control your pain. While you should expect to feel some discomfort, advancements in pain control now make it easier for your doctor to manage and relieve pain. Surgeons and their patients are...