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The information contained on this page is not endorsed by Action In Maturity.  The information is intended to assist in locating services or information only.  AIM recommends that you consult a health care professional before making alterations to your health.

Common Diagnoses for Back Pain

The following conditions all mean back pain. But which is causing yours?

 

Osteoarthritis
This is a degenerative joint disease, in which the cartilage surrounding the vertebrae gradually wears away. The main cause of osetoarthritis is the damage that comes with overuse. Other causes of osteoarthritis are obesity and the genetics of the patient's joints and cartilage.

 

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis - loss of bone density - can weaken vertebrae, causing them to fracture or collapse. This can be a source of back pain, but doctors typically only operate on osteoporotic compression fractures that threaten the stability of your spine or cause pain that doesn't respond to other measures.

 

Herniated/Slipped Disc
Between your vertebrae are pads of cartilage called discs. Natural use or strain can cause a disc to bulge or rupture (herniate). When a disc weakens, parts of it can shift and put pressure on a nerve or even the spinal cord. It may result in pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.

 

Infections/Tumors

Although rare, an infection in your body may spread to your spine and produce an abscess or tumor that may require surgical treatment.

 

Sciatica

Shooting pain that starts in your back and travels into a leg is called sciatica. It's an irritation of the sciatic nerve that travels from your buttocks through your legs.

 

Spinal Stenosis

This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, sometimes caused by bone growth (a.k.a. bone spurs). When nerves or the spinal cord are pinched by these disruptions, the bone may need to be removed surgically.

 

Vertebral Compression Fracture

An injury to the spine may cause a bone fracture in any vertebrae. Surgery may be required if the spine is unstable or the spinal cord or nerves are compressed.

Need a Physician? Call our Doctor's Directory at 443.444.4100.

 Information Courtesy of Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

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Cataracts

 

What are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. When a cataract forms, light cannot pass easily through the lens, so vision becomes blurred. Cataracts usually develop with aging, but they can also be caused by:

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Hereditary

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Eye injuries and certain diseases

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Overexposure to ultraviolet light

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Smoking

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Certain medications

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Previous Eye Surgery

Most cataracts are associated with aging develop over a period of years. Other cataracts, especially in younger people and in people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a few months and cause vision to worsen quickly.

If your vision is only slightly blurry, a change in your eyeglass prescription may improve your vision for a while.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

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A painless blurring of vision

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Glare or light sensitivity

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Frequent eyeglass prescription changes

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Double vision in one eye

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Need for brighter light to read

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Poor night vision

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Fading or yellowing of colors

A through examination by your opthalmologist can detect the presence and degree of cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or discomfort.

How are cataracts treated?

Surgery is the only way to remove the cataract. Sometimes, however, if symptoms are mild, a change of eyeglasses may be all that is needed for you to function more comfortably. There are no medications, dietary supplements, exercises or optical devices that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.

Wearing sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or wearing regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating that offers protection from excessive sunlight may help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts.

Surgery is performed when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with daily activities.

Advances in cataract surgery start at Krieger

In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens of the eye is surgically removed, and a new, clear plastic lens is inserted in the eye. Until recently, local anesthesia was injected into the tissue around the eye, and the incision was made in the white part of the eye. Patients wore an eye patch for a day, and then vision would slowly clear.

At Sinai Hospital's Krieger Eye Institute, our physicians use an advanced surgical technique that  reduces the operating time, healing time, and offers immediate improvement in vision. It's called Topical Clear Corneal Cataract Surgery.

Less risk, faster healing

With Topical Clear Corneal Cataract Surgery, a small incision is made in the cornea (clear part) of the eye. Only drops are required to anesthetize the eye. The cataract is removed, and a plastic lens is inserted that unfolds inside the eye. Because the incision is so small, no stitches are usually required. You can see right away and can go home with a clear shield to protect your eye.

After cataract surgery, you may return almost immediately to all but the most strenuous activities. You will use eye drops as your ophthalmologist directs. Several postoperative visits are needed to check on the progress of your eye as it heals.

Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure. The risk of any serious complications from the surgery is extremely low.

Is cataract surgery right for you?

Every case is different, but most cataract patients can benefit from this type of treatment. While this technique requires more surgical skill, it's far better for the patient.

Krieger Eye Institute brings a special perspective to your vision

Our physicians at The Krieger Eye Institute are not only specialists in ophthalmology, each of them also has additional specialized training. Our specialists work together to cover all aspects of eye treatment. So you have the convenience of one community location with access to a nationally-recognized team of board-certified physicians. Using the most advanced technology, combined with compassionate care, the entire staff of Krieger Eye Institute is here to help you realize the best vision possible.

For an appointment
The Krieger Eye Institute is located in the Morton Mower, M.D., Medical Office Building at Sinai Hospital. To make an appointment, please call 410-601-5991.

Department of Ophthalmology
The Krieger Eye Institute
Morton Mower, M.D., Medical Office Bldg., 6th Floor
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
2411 W. Belvedere Ave
Baltimore, MD 21215

Need a Physician? Call our Doctor's Directory at 410.601.WELL (9355).

 

This information is a courtesy of the Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

 

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Medical Links

Hospitals
BON SECOURS BALTIMORE HEALTH SYSTEM

FRANKLIN SQUARE HOSPITAL CENTER

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL OF MARYLAND

GREATER BALTIMORE MEDICAL CENTER

HARBOR HOSPITAL CENTER

THE JOHNS HOPKINS BAYVIEW MEDICAL CENTER

THE JOHNS HOPKINS HEALTH SYSTEM

KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE

JAMES LAWRENCE KERNAN HOSPITAL

LEVINDALE HEBREW GERIATRIC CENTER AND HOSPITAL

MARYLAND GENERAL HOSPITAL

MERCY MEDICAL CENTER

ST. AGNES HEALTHCARE

ST. JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER

SHEPPARD & ENOCH PRATT HOSPITAL

SINAI HOSPITAL OF BALTIMORE

UNION MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL SYSTEM

VA MARYLAND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
 

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