Use A Basement Remodeling Service To Turn Your Basement Into A Game Room

Remodeling the basement of your home is a great option if you’re looking for a fun place for you, your friends, and your family to watch the big game. Going to the local sports bar can be fun, but it can also be expensive, crowded, and require you to plan for transportation. By remodeling your basement and transforming it into a game room, however, you can enjoy all of the fun of going out from the comforts of your own home. Remodel Your Basement the Right Way The best thing you can do when you’re remodeling your basement is to research all of your options. For starters, you want to make sure that your newly remodeled living area will be attractive and some place you are eager to show off to visitors. You should also do your diligence by speaking with neighbors, reading customer reviews, and talking to several different remodelers. This extra legwork will pay dividends in the long run and also give you peace of mind that you are making a good investment into your home. Pick a Good Option for Your Home Beyond that, you also need to make sure that you select the right kind of remodeling method for your home. Just because your basement looks great, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is well equipped to combat the cold in the winter or humidity in the summer. By exploring a number of finishing methods, you’re more likely to find a basement renovation that will work best for your home. For instance, some basement remodels have built-in thermal insulation that can help keep the basement at a comfortable temperature year round. Your new basement may even come with acoustic insulation, which absorbs sound and helps ensure that noise from a rowdy party doesn’t disturb the rest of the household. Furnish the Living Area Depending on the size of your basement, there are all sorts of things you can do to turn the living area into a game room. Some homeowners, for instance, excitedly invest in a ping pong table or billiards table to entertain their guests. Hanging a dart board on the wall is another fun option. Other people focus more on creating an environment that is more comfortable for sitting down and watching the game. By adding a high definition television (or several) and ample seating, people will want to come watch the game at your house. You can also add a bar, mini-fridge, and other options so you don’t have to keep running back and forth to the kitchen. The goal is to turn your basement into the type of place where you want to spend time and where you’ll want to entertain guests. And the only way you’ll be able to do this is by investing in a basement remodeling method that not only upgrades your basement but also makes it feel like a natural extension of your home. Choose Wisely Ultimately, the decision is yours. Find the right basement remodeling method for your home and then put your plan in motion! You’ll be glad you did.

Understanding Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a degenerative spine condition that can sometimes occur in the neck or back. Specifically, spondylolisthesis describes an instance where a vertebra has slid out of position (in any direction) and come to rest on the vertebra below it, causing the misalignment of the spine. Treatment of spondylolisthesis is varied but in the event that the stability of the spinal column is at risk, spinal fusion is almost always the best option. Additionally, while this condition can conceivably happen anywhere along the spinal column, it is far and away most common in the lumbar spine of the lower back. The Spinal Anatomy To understand spondylolisthesis fully, it is important to have a basic understanding of the spinal anatomy. In the back and the neck, vertebrae are stacked one on top of another, and serve two basic purposes. For starters, the spinal column must be flexible enough to allow for the full range of motion that we all require for daily activity. Additionally, the spine must also be extremely strong because a tremendous burden is put on the region from supporting the weight of the body. In order to fulfill these responsibilities a number of anatomical components must work together in close proximity in the spinal column. For instance, intervertebral discs cushion and separate the vertebrae, vertebral joints connect adjacent vertebrae, and ligaments and muscles support the back and neck. The problem is that over time, wear and tear can take its toll on the spinal anatomy as a result of years of regular use. This deterioration is mostly normal and accounts for the reduction in mobility and the minor aches and pains that most of us understand to be part of the aging process. However, for some individuals, degeneration can advance to the point where spinal stability is at risk, which will require medical attention to effectively treat. Spondylolisthesis Causes When the anatomical elements of the spine degenerate, spondylolisthesis may develop, causing a vertebra to become misaligned. The most common way for this to happen is to have a lumbar vertebra slide forward and come to rest on the vertebra below. That said, spondylolisthesis is also described in degrees of severity, and minor cases can often be managed before the overall integrity of the spine is at risk. These grades include: • Grade I – 0-25 percent slippage • Grade II – 26-50 percent slippage • Grade III – 51-75 percent slippage • Grade IV – 76-99 percent slippage • Grade V – 100 percent, complete slippage While the leading cause of this condition tends to be nothing more serious than the natural aging process, there are other extenuating factors that can make an individual more likely to experience the problem to varying degrees. For starters, an impact injury or trauma can lead directly to spondylolisthesis. Additionally, a number of lifestyle factors often can accelerate or exacerbate the deterioration of the spine. For example, individuals who suffer from obesity tend to be at a higher risk of spine problems later in life. This is because the burden of supporting excess body fat further strains the spine, which can make the anatomy deteriorate prematurely. Similarly, having a line of work that requires frequent lifting, bending, or repetitive movements can accelerate deterioration. Treatment Options While spondylolisthesis can be a significant problem, if it is caught early enough it can sometimes be treated without surgery. Strengthening the back with a variety of low-impact exercises, for example, can alleviate some of the pressure placed on the spinal column. Fusion In the event that surgery is required, there are a number of options that may be considered. In most cases, spinal fusion is the surgery of choice because it removes the intervertebral disc and stabilizes the affected region of the spine with a bone graft and surgical hardware. Additionally, recent advancements in endoscopic technology have made minimally invasive stabilization procedures a possibility. To learn more, speak with a specialist in your area.