Ask An Expert: Back Pain

According to my massage therapist, I may have over-stretched ligaments in my lower back that run from my lower lumbar spine onto my gluteus maximus. Can this be corrected through deep-tissue massage or would it require surgery?

What can you tell me about prolotherapy, and have there been published studies on the treatment?

My uncle was diagnosed with transverse myelitis. His symptoms are relatively mild. He has back pain and weakness in the legs. Can you tell me more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of this condition? Am I at risk for getting it?

What is retrolisthesis?

Are there any alternatives to back surgery when a disk is herniated into the spinal cord?

I am a 47-year-old female recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I do not appear to have a severe case; however, I have noticed more low back pain — I've had back problems in the past — along with pain sometimes going down my thigh that moves into my buttocks or pelvic area. Could this be related to the Crohn's?

I have a hemangioma on my spine. Does this pose any threat at all?

What is ozone therapy to treat herniated disc in the lower back? What is the rate of success and after effects?