Richard A. Deyo
Do you suffer from lower back pain or lumbago? You’re not alone. Lower back pain is a common issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, lifestyle, or past injuries.[1] It often develops without warning and is not always linked to a specific cause or risk factor.[2] In many cases, the pain is not serious … Read more
Lower back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States.[1] Emerging evidence indicates that women may experience distinct patterns of lower back pain relative to men—particularly those related to the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and gynecological conditions.[2] Certain causes of lower back pain are unique to individuals with the … Read more
Overview of Lower Back Pain Treatments Back pain is something many of us will experience at some point in our lives. The good news is that most cases aren’t serious and are often caused by a simple muscle or ligament strain. The main goals of lower back pain treatments are to ease the pain and … Read more
Overview of Lower Back Pain Causes Lower back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) globally, as confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO).[1] According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, published in The Lancet Rheumatology, LBP affected 619 million people worldwide in 2020, with projections reaching 843 … Read more
Overview of Brain Anatomy The brain is a part of the control center of your body. It manages everything from your thoughts and emotions to your movements and memories. It also controls functions like breathing, heartbeat, and body temperature, running without you even noticing. Every part of who you are—your personality, reactions, and decisions—starts in … Read more
Overview of Brainstem Anatomy The brainstem is a small yet vital part of the brain. It is located at its base and connects the cerebrum (the largest part of the brain) to the spinal cord.[1] The brainstem anatomy consists of three main structures: the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata.[1] The thalamus is in … Read more
Overview of Midbrain Anatomy The midbrain, also known as the mesencephalon, is the topmost part of the brainstem.[1][2] It serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and diencephalon above and the pons below.[1] Despite of being 1.5-2 cm, it plays a vital role in several important functions, including vision, hearing, body movement, alertness, sleep cycles, … Read more
Overview of Cerebrum Anatomy The cerebrum, also known as the telencephalon or forebrain, is the largest and most superior part of the human brain.[1] It plays a central role in voluntary movement, thinking, learning, emotions, and memory.[2][1] Structurally, cerebrum anatomy is divided into two C-shaped hemispheres—left and right—separated by a deep groove called the longitudinal … Read more
Overview of Cerebellum Anatomy The cerebellum is located at the back of your head, just beneath the larger cerebral hemispheres.[1] It is protected above by a tough membrane called the tentorium cerebelli.[1] While the cerebellum doesn’t start muscle movements, it plays a key role in refining them. It helps you walk smoothly, stay balanced, and … Read more
Overview of Basal Ganglia Anatomy The basal ganglia, also known as the basal nuclei, are a group of deep brain structures located in the lower part of the forebrain, near the midbrain.[1][4] These structures are present in all vertebrates and play an important role in how the brain controls movement and behavior.[1][3] In humans, the … Read more