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 […]
Does Nicotine Make Pain Better?
Smokers will frequently tell their physicians that having a cigarette will often decrease chronic pain. Sounds like another excuse to smoke? Can nicotine really decrease pain? Let’s talk….. Surprisingly, the answer can be yes. Your body actually has receptors that respond to nicotine throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. This, however, is a good […]
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 […]
