Back pain - Part 2

The Pros and Cons of Laser Spinal Surgery

Sustaining a spine injury can be devastating – and can lead to significant pain, dysfunction, and loss of mobility. In recent years, laser spinal surgery has appeared on the scene, touted as a quicker and easier option than typical spinal surgery and performed for a variety of spinal conditions—with mixed results. Many patients with a spine injury try to educate themselves with internet research when trying to decide whether to have surgery, and what type to have. While laser spinal surgery can be less invasive, and effective in some cases with a certain diagnosis, there are many conditions that it is not effective in treating. Laser spine surgery is heavily marketed on the internet and TV as “better and safer” than traditional surgical techniques, and claims to give a “quicker recovery.” These claims are unproven and can be mis-leading. Patients often assume that “laser” means more technically advanced. Before you choose laser spinal surgery, it may be best to do your homework on the facility preforming the surgery. You should also get more than one opinion from an experienced spine specialist. Please contact my practice if you have any questions or are considering laser spinal surgery. What is laser spinal surgery? Laser spine surgery refers to

January 13, 2015

Simple Lifestyle Changes You Can Make To Reduce Back Pain

Back pain can hinder us from taking part in the fun activities we love and can also interrupt our day to day life. However, relatively small changes to your routine and overall lifestyle can make a huge impact on your spine health! Outlined below are 6 lifestyle changes you can make to start the New Year off right. 1. Exercise more carefully Staying healthy overall includes the health of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your spine. By monitoring these key areas you can minimize painful flare-ups. When exercising and lifting weights, be conscious of how you lift: always use the power of your legs and keep your back straight, and stretch before any strenuous physical activity. Consider working closely with a personal trainer, physical therapist, or doctor to create a regular stretching program. 2. Supplement your diet This may come as no surprise, but it’s important to get enough vitamin D, be it through sun exposure or a supplement. Vitamin D helps keep your bones, including your spine, healthy and strong. Additionally, remember to drink plenty of water, as doing so can enhance the height of your intervertebral disks. Did you know your body is composed mostly of

January 6, 2015

Massages Aren’t Just For Pampering

The holidays are just around the corner! If you’re thinking of purchasing massage gift certificates to pamper your loved ones – a particularly nice stress reliever, especially during the manic month of December – you should also know that the medical community recognizes certain massages as a credible treatment for many types of back pain. Massages are specifically known for helping muscle strain in the lower back, upper back, and neck; osteoarthritis of the spine; and fibromyalgia. There are several theories about how massage works to relieve pain and tension. One theory is that it triggers the release of the pain-relieving substances called endorphins into the brain. Other theories suggest that massage therapy stimulates the nervous system in ways that relieve pain.

December 10, 2014

Top Products for Easing Back Pain

It’s that time again: the season of giving! It can be tough to give gifts that are both thoughtful and useful – no one wants to give something that’s going to get tossed the next day – but if you know the recipient well enough, a product that can help ease their back pain might just hit the spot. While the cause of back pain is different for everyone, we’ve spotlighted some of the top products that patients have said help them to prevent or calm existing back pain in their daily lives. And while you’re browsing, think about how these could help your own back pain, too.

December 3, 2014

Traveling with Back Pain: 5 Tips for Better Comfort

Packing and holiday delays can make travel stressful, but traveling with back pain can be especially taxing. Long periods of sitting and heavy luggage are just some of the obstacles facing travelers with back pain. Here are 5 tips to make your trip more comfortable and less painful. Move as much as you can. It sounds counterintuitive, but you need to move every 20 to 30 minutes. On bus rides, the driver won’t pull over for you to stretch, but on longer flights, walk around the cabin if the fasten seatbelt sign is off. Pull over for a quick stretch if you’re driving your own car. You don’t have to move a lot—even 10 seconds of movement will make things better. In addition to moving around, you should stretch as well. Hip flexors and hamstrings get especially tight during long periods of sitting. Here are two great examples to follow: To relieve stiffness in the neck, bring the ear to the shoulder or simply move your head side to side. Watch your posture. The right posture can go a long way towards easing back pain. Make sure you’re sitting properly, so your spine is straight and your back is

November 25, 2014

Bad Posture and Back Pain in Children

I can’t stress enough the importance of good posture, and that’s especially true for kids. It’s not just that it makes them look and feel more alert and prepared; bad posture in childhood and adolescence can mean back pain in adulthood. Some doctors report seeing children as young as seven years old with back problems. A major part of the problem is the ways in which our kids learn and relax. Backpacks are heavier than ever, and the chairs most schools provide make good posture very difficult to achieve. Backward sloping chairs mean students have to curve their spines forward to write on desks. Plus, all that recreational time spent hunched over a laptop, PlayStation, or iPad means young backs likely aren’t getting the support they need outside of the classroom, either. There are things parents can do (beyond yelling) so slouchy kids don’t grow into suffering adults. Gentle reminders. Being conscious of good posture is the first step to maintaining it. Your kids don’t want to hear it and you may get sick of saying it, but this is where it begins. Make breaks a priority. We’ve all become accustomed to sitting for long periods of time, but

September 9, 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

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

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

Swimming to Relieve Back Pain

Severe back pain can often deter patients from exercising as lifting weights, running, and even walking can become increasingly difficult when experiencing back pain. However, swimming is often a safe and pain-free way to get in exercise without putting pressure on your back and joints. The buoyancy of the water eliminates the stress that is usually absorbed by our joints during exercise, allowing you to remain active while simultaneously providing pain relief. And, you actually build muscle faster in water than on land due to water’s viscosity—water is 12 times as resistant as air. If you choose to swim to help relieve your back pain, don’t just dive in, especially if you are new to swimming. Begin with standing exercises, like pool aerobics classes, to strengthen your core muscles and adapting your body to the water. When it’s time to swim laps, make sure to take the time to learn the strokes properly. Understanding and adopting correct swimming technique is extremely important, so consider enlisting the help of a trainer or coach to help you learn the proper strokes. All forms of exercise, if done improperly, can cause pain and discomfort, so it is important to learn the correct techniques

June 17, 2014

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