When is Spine Pain an Emergency?
So often we hear from people who are upset with Emergency Rooms because they feel their neck or back pain was not treated with the seriousness it deserved. A traumatic event such as a bad fall or a serious car accident with any sign of severe pain, or abnormal neurological signs such as paralysis, should […]
Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Back Pain
So often we see patients who suffer from anxiety, depression or have extremely stressful lives. These patients often complain of neck and back pain, usually more severe than their testing would indicate. They are not malingering, nor are they exaggerating. They really feel this pain. Let’s talk…… The body’s reaction to stress varies with each […]
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 […]
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 […]
Brace Yourself
We see it all the time. The patient comes in to the office and peels off an old worn back brace. When asked why they are wearing it, they will have one of three reasons: they have a job with heavy lifting so they started wearing the brace at work and got into the habit […]
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 […]
