Author: Dr. Shim:

Lumbar Synovial Cysts

Lumbar Synovial Cysts or Facet Cysts can be a source of pain to the back.  In most situations,  formation of these cysts are typical of the manifestations of degeneration and arthritis of a joint.  In the knee,  the Synovial Cyst is also called a Baker’s Cyst.  The arthritic condition of the knee causes production of […]

The MRI and Myelopathy

Lately,  I have seen a few patients that have been told they had Myelopathy.  After evaluating them,  I was certain that they have been misinformed about the nature of Myelopathy.  In the most simplest definition,  Myelopathy means irritation or damage to the spinal cord. The confusion is secondary to the definition of irritation or damage […]

How much Chiropractic Care is Reasonable?

This is a very common question asked by my patients. In the past, I could only suggest the patient speak to the Chiropractor and discuss the costs versus the benefits. There has been some information collected and discussed by the RAND Corporation in the early 1990’s.  Recommendations of Chiropractic treatments varied between 1-5 visits a […]

Why I no Longer Accept Medicare

As of January 1, 2013,  I no longer participated in Medicare.  I was surprised by the reaction of some of the Medicare recipient patients.  Several wrote angry letters and made accusations of abandonment.  Though I had prepared my patients since early 2012, few thought I would go through with it.  In fact a fascinating thing […]

Spine Surgery and the Fountain of Youth

Everyone wants to stay young.  But why?  For some,  the appearance is most important.  We have to admit that our society values youth,  energy, and beauty.  In reality,  to feel strong  and vigorous,  and to live an active lifestyle is more important.  Botox may make you look better,  but it rarely allows you to feel younger. […]

Face Mask Removal is Safer than Helmet Removal

Everyone enjoys loves football in America.  The SuperBowl is the most watched  American TV event on a yearly basis.  Football can be a metaphor for war,  competition,  and victory.  That is why so many young men risk injury to play the sport.   Injuries are a reality,  and behind the scenes,  there are trained professionals ready to give […]

Effects of Delayed Lumbar Disk Surgery

Lately,  there has been lot’s of news about the excessive use of the spinal fusion operation.  Little attention is focused on one procedure that has been demonstrated to help spine patients.  Lumbar Disk Surgery,  or Lumbar Discectomy has been studied extensively.  As a Spine Surgeon,  I am glad to know that in the properly selected […]

Soccer and Back Pain

Many of us get up early on a Saturday morning to watch European soccer (football), watch our kids play soccer or to play ourselves. Behind the scenes in the professional games,  are teams of physicians trying to prepare the players for the next game.  There will always be concerns of soccer and back pain, especially with […]

Why Plates and Screws?

So,  your surgeon says you need spine surgery.  And,  it is a surgery that will require hardware,  including plates and screws.  Go to the other blog pages about why the surgery.  Let’s talk about Why Plates and Screws? For the most part,  plates and screws are used to hold your vertebra still,  or in a certain […]

Goals of Spine Surgery

As a Spine Surgeon,  I want to give my patients a chance at a successful outcome.  But,   I find some patients to be unrealistic about the goals. So the topic can be broached,  I thought I would share my thoughts on the Goals of Spine Surgery.  As we will see,  there are many considerations to spinal surgery.      As always,  these […]