Patients from all over the US come to see Dr. Trapana due to his world class expertise in Spine
A herniated disc in the lumbar or cervical spine can immediately halt an active lifestyle. When an intervertebral disc tears or bulges, compressing adjacent spinal nerve roots, the resulting radiculopathy (sciatica or shooting arm pain) can make simple movements agonizing. For years, patients who failed conservative treatments like physical therapy or epidural injections were told […]
As the spine ages, long-term wear and tear on intervertebral discs and facet joints can cause more than localized back pain. In many adults, uneven degeneration leads to Adult Degenerative Scoliosis (ADS)—a complex spinal condition where the normally straight column develops a side-to-side curvature (often combined with a loss of natural lumbar lordosis, or “flatback” […]
Sciatica—sharp, burning, or shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttock, thigh, and calf—can transform daily living into an ongoing endurance test. Caused by mechanical compression or inflammation of the lumbar nerve roots, severe sciatica is often accompanied by tingling, numbness, and progressive leg weakness. When non-surgical measures like physical therapy, […]
Receiving a recommendation for spinal surgery can be an incredibly daunting milestone. Whether you are dealing with chronic lower back pain, severe spinal stenosis, or a complex degenerative disc issue, the prospect of a major spinal operation naturally brings up a wave of questions. Is surgery truly my only option? Are there less invasive alternatives […]
For years, the phrase “spine surgery” conjured images of extensive hospital stays, major muscle disruptions, and long, grueling recovery periods. Traditional open spine operations required large incisions, causing significant trauma to the surrounding tissues just to give the surgeon a clear view of the spinal column. Today, medical innovation has fundamentally shifted that narrative. At […]
Spinal arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is a leading cause of chronic back pain and stiffness as adults age. Characterized by the progressive breakdown of cartilage within the facet joints of the spine, this condition can cause bone to rub against bone, triggering localized inflammation, muscle spasms, and the development of bone spurs. Over time, these structural […]
A spinal injury sustained on the job can completely derail an employee’s life, introducing intense physical pain, sudden loss of income, and severe stress about future job security. Whether caused by a sudden fall at a construction site, a lifting accident in a warehouse, or repetitive strain in a highly physical trade, industrial neck and […]
As the body ages, the spinal discs—the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae that act as shock absorbers—naturally begin to lose their water content, wear down, and shrink. This condition, known as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), can cause the vertebrae to rub together, leading to localized stiffness, chronic nerve irritation, and debilitating lower back or neck […]
Severe, unremitting pain localized at the base of the spine, lower back, and pelvic region can transform the simplest daily activities—such as sitting at a desk, standing in line, or getting out of bed—into a grueling challenge. Because the pelvic girdle and the sacrum form the mechanical foundation of the skeletal structure, issues in this […]
Lower back pain and radiating leg discomfort are common symptoms that can significantly disrupt your daily life, making standard activities like walking, standing, or sitting incredibly painful. While many instances of back discomfort stem from a typical muscle strain or disc herniation, another frequent but less discussed culprit is a synovial cyst, also known as […]