Dr. Sean McCance interviewed on “Sunday Housecall” by Dr. David Samadi
Dr. Sean McCance interviewed on “Sunday Housecall” by Dr. David Samadi
December 11, 2017
Dr. Sean McCance interviewed on “Sunday Housecall” by Dr. David Samadi
An AARP article that discusses common surgeries to avoid – including spinal fusion – has recently made its way back into the headlines. Specifically, it cites studies that show the frequency of this procedure has increased 1,400 percent between 2002 and 2007, and does not appear to be slowing down. The article suggests that the surgery is dangerous and is no more effective than physical therapy, which is inaccurate and misleading. Spinal fusion involves the joining of two or more vertebrae together, using screws and rods along with bone graft material, and sometimes cages (devices that support the vertebra). These techniques provide strong support for the spine, as well as correction of alignment and protection of the spinal canal and nerves. While spinal fusion has increased in frequency, in my experience it is a safe and highly effective treatment for patients when performed properly and for the right diagnosis. The key to success is careful selection of the patients who need a fusion (i.e., performing the procedure for the correct diagnosis), and also performing the surgery carefully to achieve maximal success (i.e., achieving a solid fusion). Where patients and doctors get into problems is when the procedure is performed for a
This past weekend, over 50,000 runners participated in the New York City Marathon, the largest race in the world. Months of rigorous training went into those 26.2 miles, but what happens after you cross the finish line is just as important when it comes to preparing for your next race. You may feel ready to take on the world after your marathon, but your body needs a break. You’ve likely iced your joints and muscles immediately after the race, but be sure to wait a few days before any sort of major heat. A session in the sauna or a hot tub will relax muscles, but adding heat too soon after the race will further inflame them. Instead, take a break and schedule a massage. These activities bring blood flow to areas that need repairing. Don’t get right back to running. In the first week post-marathon, focus on stretching and low-impact cross-training activities, like easy bike rides, or walking. Swimming is especially easy on the back. Gentle yoga poses such as child’s pose are great for helping muscles heal. Then, try an easy 30-minute run at the end of the week to gauge how your body is feeling. If, at
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
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
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