Cycling and Back pain
Depending on the source, it is estimated that at least 39 million Americans rode a bicycle at least 6 times a year. Demographic trends indicate a greater interest in cycling, particularly in the middle age years. The reason for this popularity is surprisingly simple. It is great exercise, and can be easier on the joints […]
Do Patients remember their Past Medical History?
As a Doctor, I spend a significant amount of time obtaining detailed information about the problem from patients. That is known as obtaining a history. From experience, I know that most patients remember their current complaints and treatments. The harder part is to have patients remember their prior treatments, or prior episodes of the same. Unfortunately, patients tend to […]
Obesity Means more Spine Surgery Complications
Obesity means more Spine Surgery Complications. Surgeons cannot be politically correct about Obesity. The truth is Obesity makes surgery more difficult, and less successful. In the April 1, 2015 Edition of Spine, Dr. Burks, from the University of Virginia reviewed the data on Obesity and the associated rates of Incidental Durotomy during Lumbar Surgery. It […]
Disc Degeneration Causes Abnormal Motion
As Physicians, and especially as Spine Specialists, we know that disc degeneration is a normal aging process. We also know that back pain prevalence does correlate to age, but at the later stages of life, there is usually less back pain. While some of the causes of pain, is not purely physical, we are getting […]
Accident Related Neck and Back Pain
Having accident Related Neck and Back Pain? Frustrated you cannot get an appointment to see your Family Doctor for the problem? Why don’t you go see the Spine Specialist? Before we criticize our Family Physician for not giving you an appointment. Please understand the Family Physician’s predicament. Your regular Health Insurance carrier required your Doctor […]
The risks of waiting too long for Cervical Disk Surgery
While it is prudent to wait at least 6 weeks for elective cervical disk surgery, waiting more than 6 months can lesser your chances of a more acceptable outcome. Unless you have a severe loss of muscle control, or inability to control your bowel and bladder control, most patients should wait at least 6 weeks […]
Low Back Pain After Lumbar Discectomy
Unfortunately, up to 25% of patients who had lumbar discectomy surgery may have recurrent back pain after surgery. A recent study out of Vanderbilt University performed a meta analysis of available studies on discectomy patients, as well as prospectively following patients that had surgery at Vanderbilt. The results of both the meta analysis and the […]
Do Cold Temperatures increase Back Pain?
Cold Temperatures are associated with more back pain. While most of us believe that, there is some scientific data that suggests the statement is true. The Northeast has experienced a record cold winter, and I am sure many are tired of the effects of Old Man Winter. Unfortunately, the cold is associated with increased […]
Minor Trauma Does not Cause Serious Low Back Problems
People come to the Doctor’s office because they have concerns that they caused a major low back problem with a minor traumatic event. Luckily, the research shows that Minor Trauma does not lead to a permanent change to the spine. The study was performed at Stanford University by Carragee et al. There were 200 […]
Spine Surgery Effective for Senior Population
There is a healthy fear of spine surgery, especially in the senior citizen population. At the same time, so many are in such pain, there is a willingness to have spine surgery. Luckily, there is evidence that Spine Surgery is safe for the over 80 year old population. In the February 4, 2015 edition of […]
