Boxing, MMA and Spinal Injuries
While it is well known that boxers can suffer brain injuries from repetitive contact, spine injuries can also occur during the boxing match. For boxers who develop neck pain after a match, often times, it is attributed to sprains and strains of the neck. But if there is no rapid resolution of symptoms, a screening […]
Cervical Foraminotomy
What is Cervical Foraminotomy? In my prior blogs, we discussed cervical radiculopathy, or in simple terms, a pinched nerve in the neck. Usually, there is associated pain, numbness and tingling corresponding to the distribution of the pinched nerves functions. As we discussed before, these nerves can have a distribution of sensation called dermatomes, as well […]
Compulsory Medical Examination
Since I started my practice in 1993, I have also been performing examinations that are now known as Compulsory Medical Evaluations. To those who do not know, it is an examination arranged to evaluate a person with claims of injury from an accident. The causes are usually related to a work injury, a motor vehicle […]
Microdiscectomy Surgery
What exactly is Microdiscectomy? In the simplest terms, it means removal of disc material that is pinching a nerve, using small incisions and with magnification. In the United States, there is an average of 300,000 discectomy type surgeries performed per year. For the vast majority of patients, the reason for microdisectomy is PAIN, despite treatments such […]
Is Cervical (neck) Fusion Surgery Considered a Radical Solution?
Many people are both upset and frightened when their spine surgeon recommends a fusion as a solution to their neck problems. An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), in the properly selected patient, has a very high success rate, with very satisfied patients. In our practice, patients who elect to have cervical fusion typically have […]
Why You Need to Trust Your Doctor
When you have pain, or when you have medical concerns, you need to trust your doctor. If you do not, I suggest you find a doctor you do trust. That trusting relationship should provide security, hope, and cost savings. As a Spine Specialist, I know that a majority of the patients with pains will improve over […]
Minimally Invasive Discectomy vs Micro/Open Discectomy
We’ve all heard of “Minimally Invasive Discectomy” as it is used as a marketing ploy almost everywhere. Everyone has a different description of what minimally invasive actually is. Some consider MIS as surgery being done through small incisions, with less dissection, and therefore less pain, and faster recovery. With that criteria, many of the spine […]
Risks Associated with MRI Scans
What are the risks associated with MRI Scans? From a practical point of view, there are few medical risks. MRI’s do not utilize radiation. Unless there is use of a dye, it is completely noninvasive. Most patients can tolerate the procedure well. But, certain patients do have some medical risks associated with MRI Scans. If […]
Questions for the Spine Surgeon
Have you been told you need Spinal Surgery? If possible, it is always wise to get a second opinion. But wait! Do your homework first. This is what I would do before seeing a spine surgeon for a second opinion…. 1. Go with a trusted friend or family member. Two sets of ears and two […]
Degenerative Disk Disease? There Will be Pain…Maybe
Have you been told you have Degenerative Disk Disease? If so, welcome to the club. If you live long enough, you will get it. If you think about it, degenerative disk disease really should not be called a disease, as it is the normal process of disk degradation. It is like saying aging is a […]
