Bones and Muscles and Joints (Orthopaedics)

Lumbar degenerative disc disease is a chronic (ongoing) degenerative condition of the lumbar spine that affects the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs of the low back. The discs lose water content and shrink, and spurs often form as osteoarthritis develops. 

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner nucleus of the vertebral disc in the spine pushes through the outer wall. The condition usually occurs in the lower back but it can also occur in the neck. The herniation can result in a large bulge that can press against nearby nerve roots causing pain.

If you have chronic back and/or neck pain and have most - but not all - of the function you need to allow you to return to work or daily activities, the four-week Functional Restoration Program at the University of Michigan can get you back to work, help you start a new career, or be able to take care of your kids. Our multidisciplinary program addresses the total person, from rehabilitation to vocational counseling.

The facet joints are the connections between the bones of the spine. These joints allow the spine to bend and twist, and they keep the back from slipping too far forward or twisting too much. Facet joint syndrome occurs when these joints get stressed and damaged due to injury, everyday wear and tear, or disc degeneration. 

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for primary care visits. Most people at some point in their lives will experience some form of back pain. Back pain can be mild or severe, pass quickly or last long enough to significantly impact your quality of life. 

The best way to determine whether total ankle replacement is a good option for you is to see one of our skilled and knowledgeable surgeons in the U-M Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Center.

The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis (pronounced fash-she-EYE-tis) occurs when this ligament gets irritated and inflamed. It is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting more than 2 million people every year.

Flatfoot or collapsed arch is also known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This condition is different than having flat feet since birth (known as congenital flatfoot), although sometimes these patients develop similar symptoms and require similar treatments.