Prescription Drugs, Driving and Machinery
In Florida, you can be prosecuted for Driving under the Influence even while taking prescribed narcotic drugs and muscle relaxers. In Florida, many employers perform random drug testing of it’s employees, and require drug testing, for employment. Most companies now require drug testing when accidents occur with the use of heavy machinery. Why do I […]
Loss of Cervical Lordosis
As a practicing Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, I often get back x-ray reports indicating “Loss of Cervical Lordosis”. As most of my patients are highly educated, they often will read that report, and will come to discuss the finding. So, I thought I would share my comments on the topic. As some of you may know, […]
Neck Pain
Do you have Neck Pain? Unfortunately, neck pain affects a large number of people, and the causes do not always seem obvious. Most of the time, it will be a self limiting process and will improve with time. Explanations of neck pain include arthritis, which is a degeneration of the bones and joints in […]
Dermatome Patterns
Dermatomal Patterns help physicians define nerve radiculopathy patterns. Most neurologists/spine specialists accept certain associated sensation, muscle strength, and reflex changes patterns to specific nerve roots. L5 radiculopathy is typically associated with weakness of the extensor hallucis longus muscle. That is the muscle that allows the great toe to point upwards. L5 radiculopathy also follows a […]
Artificial Disk Replacement
Have you been told you need an Artificial Disk Replacement? Usually, it means you have had neck or back pain, and have not improved with conservative treatments. Assuming you have had appropriate treatments, but still have significant pain, artificial disk replacement may be an option for you. But, there are certain questions you need […]
Epidural Steroid Injections
Should you get Epidural Steroid Injections? It depends on the rationale for the treatment. In my practice, I use Epidural Steroid Injections for both treatment as well as diagnostic purposes. The research for these injections have been significant, but the conclusions by the various authors have been very different. If you must […]
