We all have excuses for not making it to the gym, the most common being “I don’t have time.” Making time for an hour, or even a half hour, each day can be a challenge considering a full workday and managing kids and extracurricular schedules. A “7-Minute Workout” may sound too good to be true, but scientists are saying there are in fact proven results. Research on the 7-Minute Workout was published last year in the May-June issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal. The main conclusion from their research and development of a 12-step …
When New York Mets captain and third-baseman David Wright was injured in April 2015, he thought he would recover from a pulled hamstring and return to the field in no time. However, following a series of injuries since 2011 (a stress fracture, continuous lower back discomfort and tightness, and then the April 2015 hamstring pull) and this season’s particular increased intensity, Wright was ultimately diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis in May. Wright is seeing a physical therapist, undergoing rehab for his stenosis seven days a week, and though he says he will return to play as soon as possible, his …
When seeking pain management therapy for muscle pain, foam rolling is often used to treat people at all fitness levels. When used properly, a foam roller can be like an at-home massage. Medically referred to as a “self-myofascial release,” foam rolling can help in the recovery of overactive and sore muscles, and ultimately pain. Foam rolling targets the fascia, the soft tissue portion of the connective tissue in the muscle that provides support and protection (the tissue that surrounds your muscles). If your body experiences overuse, trauma or—believe it or not—too much inactivity, the fascia can become restricted, thicken and …
Karen, a former patient of mine, had been suffering from back pain for over 10 years before I met with her. As the years rolled on, Karen experienced muscle spasms and severe pain from degenerative discs. She had never had an injury and couldn’t pinpoint the problem. She worked on pain management with some physical therapy, but after a bit of weight gain, her situation wasn’t getting any better. In January of 2012, Karen joined a gym to try and get in better shape and build up her core strength. To her dismay, this only made her pain worse: “You …
As doctors work to elevate the standard of medical care, more and more we’re hearing about personalized medicine as a treatment option– the emerging practice that uses an individual’s genetic profile to guide decisions made in regard to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. This is because treatment options simply aren’t one size fits all. Patients are looking for solutions that work best for their bodies, but treatment plans are often prescribed based on the success in a larger test group. People with the same disease who are treated with the same medicine often have different responses. According to …
America’s addiction to coffee certainly has its benefits. Previous studies have shown that benefits of drinking coffee include boosting your metabolism, providing a powerful source of antioxidants, and lowering your risk for several diseases. For the 61 percent of Americans who drink coffee daily (according to the National Coffee Association), a new study linking coffee consumption and a lowered risk for heart attacks is yet another reason to reach for that extra cup of joe. The study, published in the medical journal Heart, looked at the association between regular coffee consumption and the prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in …
Spinal stenosis—the narrowing of the spine, occurs commonly in the lower back or neck. it most often affecting people over aged 60, although symptoms can begin in the 50’s. When narrowing of the spinal canal occurs in the lower back, pressure is put on your nerve roots, resulting in low back pain, as well as cramping, weakness, or numbness of the legs. The spine is what helps us sit up straight, walk, and bend. When spinal stenosis occurs, the pressure on the nerves causes neurologic dysfunction leading to symptoms that make it difficult to move properly, such as: Numbness, weakness, …
Reaching for the broccoli is typically not the first thing you do when experiencing back pain. The average American diet has no more than 10 percent of calories coming from fruits and vegetables. But if you’re experiencing back pain, particularly pain caused by inflammation, you may want to rethink your diet. Reducing inflammation is easier—and tastier—than you may think. The most common causes of back pain are mechanical; however, inflammation frequently accompanies mechanical problems – for example, in the setting of a strained ligament, disc degeneration, or a herniated disc. Therefore, supplementing the treatment of back pain with the right …
“Will the metal in my device set off metal detectors at the airport?” Especially since September 11, 2001, when airport security measures increased significantly, it’s been a common question for spinal implant patients. They’re concerned they may set off detectors, be subjected to more screening than their fellow travelers, and, of course, delay their travel. Metal implants can include knee replacements, hip replacements, and other orthopedic implants. Implants are usually made of cobalt chrome, stainless steel, or titanium. The location of your implant, and what it’s made of, can both affect whether you set off a metal detector. While there …
Pain management is one of the oldest areas of medicine. And just as there are many different causes of pain, there are many different treatment options. One of the most controversial options is pain-relieving drugs, especially the long-term use of opioids for chronic pain. One thing is for sure – all patients should have access to a variety of pain management options. Pain-relieving drugs may be the right choice in some cases, but they should never be the only option on the table. A recent bill sponsored by Wisconsin congressman Ron Kind serves to highlight this issue. Many veterans receive …
