To fuse the spine, very small pieces of extra bone are needed. Called bone graft, this bone acts as the “cement” that fuses the vertebrae together. There are many different types of bone grafts. The fusion eliminates motion between the two fused vertebrae with a slight loss in flexibility. This surgery can help treat many different back conditions.

Learn about the tests that can help your health care provider find out if you have a kidney stone, why it formed, and advise treatment.

A child's first teeth are called baby (primary) teeth. Learn more about these teeth, such as when they appear and when they are replaced by permanent teeth.

While you are pregnant, smoking affects your unborn child. It reduces oxygen and blood flow to your baby. This may cause bleeding problems that can put your pregnancy at risk, or even cause miscarriage or stillbirth.

Getting quality healthcare doesn’t always mean going into the hospital or emergency room. Depending on your needs, other medical facilities may serve you just as well—or even better.

Your mouth allows you to speak, breathe, and chew. This article shows specific parts of the mouth, with a helpful diagram.

Pressure sores can develop very quickly, even in healthy skin. Learn what you can do to help prevent them.

If you stay in a bed or wheelchair, or can't change positions on your own, you're at risk for pressure injuries. Learn more about them, and know when to call your doctor.

Follow these instructions to control itching and manage symptoms if you've come in contact with the sap oil contained in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants.

Poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac are plants that can cause skin rashes. Here's what you need to know about recognizing these plants, how they cause a reaction, and preventive steps you can take to protect yourself.