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A Normal Lumbar MRI Is a Rare Finding for Anyone Older Than 40
By John H. Shim, MD, FAAOS | Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | ShimSpine.com If you are over the age of 40 and your lumbar MRI comes back showing degenerative changes, disc bulges, or mild arthritis — welcome to the club. You are, statistically speaking, perfectly normal. In fact, a completely “clean” lumbar MRI in a middle-aged […]
Back pain, neck pain, and disc problems start not from a dramatic injury, but from hours in a chair.
The Spine Was Not Built for the Chair The human spine evolved for movement; for walking, bending, lifting, and carrying. When you sit for extended periods, especially with poor posture, the compressive load on your lumbar discs increases significantly. Research by Nachemson and others has shown that intradiscal pressure is actually higher during sitting than […]
Understanding Spine Disability Ratings: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Today, I want to talk about something that generates enormous confusion for patients, attorneys, employers, and insurers alike: spine disability ratings. After more than 30 years of evaluating spine conditions, I have found that few medical concepts are more misunderstood or more consequential than the numbers that get attached to a person’s spinal impairment. What […]
It Runs in the Family: What Genetics Tells Us About Back Pain and Disc Herniations
If your parent or grandparent suffered from chronic back pain, you may carry more than a sympathetic understanding of their condition; you may carry a genetic predisposition to it. A growing body of scientific research is clarifying what many clinicians have long suspected: the development of lumbar disc degeneration, disc herniation, and chronic low back […]
Back to Posting!
After several years focused on developing CaseChronology.com software, I am finally back to posting information I hope will be useful to my readers. I’m testing ways to disseminate information on my different social media platforms. Sorry it’s taking this long to re-engage with everybody. Last modified: June 14, 2026
After the Crash: What You Need to Know About Spine Injuries and Auto Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of acute spine injuries in the United States. Each year, millions of Americans experience neck or back pain following a collision. Navigating the medical, legal, and insurance landscape after an accident can be confusing and stressful. This post provides a factual overview of what typically […]
