All articles by Dave Harrison, MD

About the Author

Dave Harrison, MD

Dr. Harrison is a board certified Emergency Physician with a part time appointment at San Francisco General Medical Center and is an Assistant Clinical Professor-Volunteer at the UCSF School of Medicine. Dr. Harrison attended medical school at Tufts University and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at the University of Southern California. Dr. Harrison manages the editorial process for SpineInfo.com.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a procedure that involves injecting a steroid medication into the epidural space of the spine. This space is the area between the … Read More

Medications for Spine Pain: A review of the different classes, how they work, and common side effects

Medications

Neck and back pain are extremely common conditions affecting up to 80% of people during their lifetimes. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to alleviate the symptoms … Read More

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Conditions

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a term used to describe persistent pain and discomfort following surgery on the spine. FBSS can occur after any type of surgery … Read More

Fibromyalgia: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis

Conditions

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas of the body. It is often accompanied by sleep problems, morning stiffness, and … Read More

Spinal Tumors: Definitions, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

Conditions

Spinal tumors are abnormal growths of cells that occur within or near the spinal cord or the bones of the spine (vertebrae). These tumors can be either benign … Read More

Epidural Abscess: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

Conditions

A spinal epidural abscess is a collection of pus that has formed outside the spinal cord in the epidural space. The epidural space is the area between the … Read More

Osteomyelitis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

Conditions

Osteomyelitis of the spine, also known as vertebral osteomyelitis, is an infection of the vertebrae, which are the bones of the spine. It can be caused by bacteria … Read More

Discitis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

Conditions

Discitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc, a structure that separates the vertebrae in the spine. It is a rare but serious condition that can cause severe … Read More

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissue. In people with RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the … Read More

Ankylosing Spondylitis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of autoimmune arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It causes inflammation in the joints between the vertebrae, as well as in the joints … Read More