DEAR DR. GOTT: I injured my back in a fall on ice six years ago. I had surgery on my back in 2007, with three spacers inserted. I still have one disc that burst and bulged. Could this all cause Parkinson’s disease? I ask because my walking is very unstable.

DEAR READER: Your back injury and subsequent surgery are completely unrelated to Parkinson’s disease.

The back is a complex structure. Pain often occurs from strained muscles and ligaments following heavy lifting or twisting the wrong way. Other common causes include arthritis, osteoporosis or sciatica. Unfortunately...

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