The Cost of Healthcare in the USA
Healthcare expenses in the United States exceeds 17% of GDP and over $2.8 trillion in 2012. Yet the Physician fee component of that expense is only 8%. In this debate over how to control expenses, most of the focus seems to be on curbing the Physician fee. WHY? Should we not focus on […]
Update on Adjacent Segment Degeneration
There remains considerable controversy on the nature of Adjacent Segment Degeneration after lumbar fusion. To the non-spine surgeons, the issue is the theory that a fusion operation places more stress on the levels above or below the fusion, and will lead to accelerated degeneration and subsequent surgery. In fact, most surgeons will tell patients about […]
Spine Arthritis
Spine Arthritis has many forms. The most common is secondary to the natural aging process. While there are many scientific studies on why we get arthritis, we have to accept the fact that our bodies are programmed to degenerate over time. All things wear out over time. The human body does have an amazing ability […]
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 […]
