Dr. Sean McCance - NYC Orthopedic Spine Surgeons' Blog

Water sports Safety: Tubing and Jet Skiing over Labor Day Weekend

Earlier this summer, a friend of mine herniated a disc in his neck after a bad fall while waterskiing. Around the same time, a Georgia woman made headlines when she was airlifted to the hospital following a tubing accident. This 31-year-old woman suffered major back injuries after her tube hit the wake of a second boat and she fell off the raft. Her story highlights how tubing and Jet Ski accidents can end in back injury. As you say farewell to summer this Labor Day weekend, reduce your family’s risk of injury with these water sports safety tips. Understand boating safety precautions and rules. Even though Jet Skis and similar vehicles don’t require a license to operate, some states have started regulating their use and sharply restricting their rental availability. Generally, Jet Skis carry a much higher risk of injury than boats. Check to see if your child is old enough to operate in your state before your vacation, or if you and your family need training first. Wear a life vest. Even the best swimmers need a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life vest when hitting the lake. It’s also a great idea to wear a wet suit to

August 26, 2014

5 Ways to Avoid Back Pain at Work

When our grandparents worked on farms or in factories, every day posed the risk of serious injury. We think we’ve come a long way, but have you considered the harm you could be doing to your body by sitting at a desk for eight or more hours a day? Humans weren’t designed to be sedentary, but today many of us work in situations that require hours of sitting before a computer, being stationary for at least 50% of the day. With all of this sitting, chances are that many of us aren’t maintaining good posture throughout the day, a bad habit that could lead to lower back pain, as well as other issues such as circulatory problems, gastrointestinal problems, and even depression. Here are some ways to combat poor posture and back pain at work: Get up and walk around – Short walks will not only increase circulation and realign your spine but will be a nice way to break up a long work day. Studies show that taking short breaks can help improve focus, so don’t just do it for your health but for productivity, too! You can even set an alarm on your phone to remind you to

August 20, 2014

6 Ways Massage Can Improve Your Health

Those who love massages rarely need a good excuse to get one—a rainy day on vacation, the celebration of an anniversary, a good deal on Groupon. Massages are a great way to blow off steam and reward oneself with an hour of relaxation. In addition to being a luxury, there are proven health benefits beyond the relief of stress and minor aches. While there are many different types of massages designed to target specific ailments, even the most basic Swedish or deep-tissue massage can improve health by increasing circulation and aid in the healing of injuries. Here are some ways a trip to the masseur can improve our internal well-being. Curbing headaches – A massage won’t just alleviate a headache as it does for minor back pain, but can reduce the likelihood of future headaches and migraines. A 2009 study showed a decrease in pain by those suffering from tension headaches after a 30-minute massage. Reducing insomnia – Most sleep issues are caused by emotional or physical discomfort which can be reduced with massage. Even when not experienced right before bedtime, the effects of a massage can still be enjoyed by those suffering with a sleep disorder. Improved immunity –

August 12, 2014

Does Acetaminophen Work for Back Pain?

Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, can save the day when you have a headache, muscle pain or a fever. But what about lower back pain? A lot of discussion around acetaminophen’s effectiveness at relieving lower back pain has sparked over the last couple of weeks in response to a study done in Australia: over 1600 patients were chosen at random to treat their lower back pain with acetaminophen as needed, acetaminophen three times daily, or a placebo three times daily. Over the course of the study, doctors didn’t see a strong difference in the recovery times of patients—the average amount of time it took for those on acetaminophen to feel better was 17 days, compared to 16 days by those on placebo. This is enough for some experts to deduce that our most common pain-killer is falling short for lower back pain. While there is still room for a more accurate assessment of acetaminophen’s effectiveness, there are some proven ways to keep lower back pain at bay. Apply ice and heat. In the first 48 hours after injury, icing your back is the best way to reduce pain, especially if there is swelling. After that, it may feel good to

August 6, 2014

Quick Tips for Surviving the August Heat

We’ve been fortunate enough to experience a beautiful summer here in New York without too much weather interruption. However, most veteran New Yorkers know that the heat and humidity in August can be pretty brutal for city dwellers. Today, I’m sharing some quick tips for surviving August and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through Labor Day. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I can’t emphasize enough the importance of drinking water. When you sweat in the summer, you are not only losing water but key nutrients that help your body to function at its highest. I make sure to hydrate throughout the day by using a BPA-free reusable water bottle and bringing it with me wherever I go. Limit alcohol intake – especially during the day. Sometimes, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cold beer or two at a BBQ with family and friends. But alcohol is a diuretic that actually dehydrates the body, no matter how much liquid you are taking in. Be sure to continue to drink water while you sip that beer! A one to one glass of water to drink ratio is a good rule of thumb to follow. Beat the heat when working out! Make time to exercise in

July 29, 2014

Pool Safety Tips

In the summer months, there are few things children love more than spending a summer afternoon swimming at the pool. Going to the pool is a great way to spend time with your family, get relief from the summer heat, and get some great exercise. However, pools pose a risk of drowning and injury—specifically head and spinal injuries. It is estimated that nine people drown every day in the United States, and drowning is the leading cause of accidental injury-related death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Furthermore, each year approximately 800 Americans are permanently paralyzed from diving-related accidents. That’s why it’s so important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your child’s safety while in and around a pool. The following safety tips will help make you and your child’s pool days safe and fun this summer. Never Let Children Swim Unattended—Even kids who are great swimmers are at risk of drowning. It is essential to constantly watch children in the pool, as only a few seconds of distraction is enough time for a child to drown. It is equally as important to watch your children carefully at pools with lifeguards. The guard on duty must

July 24, 2014

What is a Lumbar Herniated Disc? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

With nearly 80 percent of the general population experiencing back pain at some point in their lives, it is important for patients to understand the source of their discomfort in order to expedite relief. Herniated discs—sometimes referred to as slipped or ruptured discs—are one of the more serious causes of lower back pain. Herniated discs can lead to severe pain, and even to numbness and weakness in the legs, if left untreated. Today, I will further explain the root causes of the pain associated with herniated discs, common symptoms, and a few simple treatment options. What is a herniated disc? In between your spinal vertebrae are discs that work to absorb the shock created from day-to-day tasks. These round discs are composed of a tough outer ring and a soft, jelly-like center. Either injury or general wear and tear from aging can cause these discs to tear, or herniate, and allow the soft center to rupture and displace into the spinal canal. This shift can irritate spinal nerves and causes the discomfort and pain common known as sciatica. Who is most at risk? Herniated discs are most commonly seen in males ages 30 to 50. As you many remember, Tiger

July 15, 2014

Brazil star Neymar out of the World Cup with Fractured Vertebrae

While Americans celebrated the 4th of July with fireworks and barbeques, Brazilians were on the edge of their seats during their team’s World Cup match against Colombia. Though Brazil won the match 2-1, the team was faced with the tough loss of their star striker Neymar de Silva Santos Junior, more commonly known simply as Neymar, who was carried off the field on stretcher during the second half of the game. Nearly 88 minutes into the game, Neymar was brought to the ground by a knee to the back from Colombian defender, Juan Zuniga. There are conflicting reports out of Brazil as to whether the hit was intentional, but one thing was for certain: Neymar was out of the match. As Neymar writhed in pain, he reportedly told teammate Marcello, “I can’t feel my legs.” After undergoing x-rays at a local hospital, doctors determined that a vertebra in his lower back had been fractured but luckily there was no neurological damage that would cause a long-term injury. Fortunately, this mechanism of injury is not severe enough to cause a severe spinal fracture, and Neymar’s prognosis for a full recovery is excellent. However, the injury will keep him sidelined for the

July 8, 2014

From Scoliosis to the Marines: An Inspiring Patient Testimonial

A few years back, I met an inspiring young patient named Manuel Rivas. He was a determined young man, but his advanced scoliosis was holding him back from fully participating in all of the activities he loved. He recently came back into my office and shared his incredible plans to join the Marines this year. I was so taken by his bravery and recovery that I wanted to share his story with you today. As a kid, Manny was incredibly active and loved playing baseball with his friends. However, around the age of 13, he began experiencing severe pain that reduced his ability to participate in his favorite activities. He recalls, “It was so painful that if I was running around or training, I would have to sit or even lay down on the ground right afterward.” The most debilitating side effect of this pain was his inability to get enough good quality rest. Manny struggled to fall asleep and stay asleep nearly every night because of his immense pain and discomfort. Understandably, 13-year-old Manny considered sleepless nights the “worst part” of his condition. Manuel Rivas’s pre- and post-operative x-rays Concerned for their son, Manny’s parents initially brought him to

July 2, 2014

Olympic Gold Medalist Amy van Dyken’s Recent Injury and ATV Safety

In a prior post, I addressed the risk surrounding all-terrain vehicles, otherwise known as ATVs. These recreational vehicles are often known to flip over and can cause spinal injury from impact, as well as other injuries including suffocation from the weight of the vehicle. ATV’s can weigh over 500 pounds. In the prior blog post I discussed the danger children and adolescents face when riding these motorized vehicles, but it is important to recognize that there is a high risk of injury for ATV riders of all ages. Earlier this month, six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amy Van Dyken-Rouen was thrown from her ATV after hitting a curb and flying over a five-to-seven foot embankment while out riding with her husband in Arizona. The 41-year-old, an avid and experienced ATV rider, injured her spinal cord at the T-11 vertebrae, causing paralysis. The broken vertebra compressed the spinal cord, causing injury. On June 7, she underwent a six-hour fusion surgery, in which rods were placed in her back. Fortunately, Van Dyken-Rouen escaped head injury even though she was not wearing a helmet. The Olympic champion has no memory of the accident and is currently in good spirits at a rehabilitation center in

June 24, 2014

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