Back pain - Part 3

Proper Running Technique to Avoid Back Pain

Going for a run is a great way to get exercise, especially during the warmer months when the weather allows more frequent outings. I see many patients who are eager to get back to running after fully recovering from surgery. Because running is a repetitive action that can cause stress, I like to remind them that proper running technique is key to avoid unnecessary pain and injuries. Whether you are just a beginner or a full-fledged marathoner, these basic tips will help improve your form and avoid injuries. Getting the right shoes is the first step in running with great form. Recently, the once popular barefoot running shoes made waves, but have been forced to drop claims that they reduce injury and impact on joints. Shoes that provide cushioning and proper arch support are best to reduce the risk of injury. I recommend visiting a specialty running store that performs gait analysis, or spend time with a running trainer. A good evaluation like this can help with footwear choice, and give you tips on how to improve technique. Custom orthotics can be helpful for arches that require a little extra support, too! One of the most common problems for runners lies in their

May 20, 2014

Improve Your Posture in Just One Post

Practicing good posture is integral to proper spine alignment and can help strengthen core muscles. We all know how important it is to sit tall, but it’s so easy to get a little too comfortable and sink down into a slouch. I’ve found that as soon as I start talking about posture, I immediately see my patients start sitting up straighter and practice their best posture skills. I can bet that many of you who are reading this are starting to sit a little straighter than you did before! Here are five simple tips to improve your posture, and maintaining it long after you’ve finished reading this post. 1. Sit tall, but relaxed: As you straighten up, be sure not to overextend your back. To maintain the position, your back should be straight, with your shoulders and knees relaxed. Attempting to overarch the back can be just as bad as slouching! 2. Work those abs: Keep your core engaged as you adjust your posture. Keeping your abs pulled in tight as you sit at a computer is one way to strengthen core muscles, which can help reduce minor back pain! 3. Raise your screen: As you sit at your computer,

May 13, 2014

Spinal Cord Injuries on the Rise in Older Americans

For years, car accidents were the leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries in the United States. However, using data from 2007 to 2009, the study found that falls made up 41.5% of traumatic injuries, surpassing car accidents at 35.5%. The study also found that the rate for spinal cord injuries decreased for the 18-64 age group, but increased for those over 65 years old. The research also yielded the conclusion that the average age of adults with a spinal cord injury is 51, a 10-year increase in age from a study of data from 2000 to 2005, and that spinal cord injuries are four to six times more likely to be fatal for the senior population, compared with the younger age group. While the doctors were unable to determine an exact cause for the increase in age or in injuries caused by falls, they did pinpoint a few possible factors. The increase in falls over motor vehicle accidents is likely due to an increase in the use of airbags and more stringent seatbelt laws across the United States. Similarly, they believe that the increase in age is due to the rising average age overall in the United States and

April 29, 2014

Surprising Causes of Back and Neck Pain

Nearly all adults will experience minor neck or back pain in their lifetime. In fact, it is estimated that 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time. Fortunately for the majority of adults, only 10% of these cases are severe and debilitating. Many causes of back neck pain are common knowledge, such as old mattresses, strains from heavy lifting, or whiplash. However, there are some surprising habits that may be the source of your back and neck pain throughout the day. “Text neck” – Your addiction to your smartphone or tablet may be affecting your posture more than you realize. The leaning forward, hunched-over position can strain in your neck and upper back and cause minor pain or “text neck.” Holding your phone at eye level and taking breaks from your phone goes a long way to prevent or reduce this pain. Old shoes or flip flops – Reducing back pain starts from the bottom up! Shoes that lack proper support, such as flip flops and shoes with worn-down soles, can throw off your alignment and cause significant lower back pain. Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes and getting rid of older shoes can help you avoid this common

April 8, 2014

What is Sciatica? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When patients experience shooting pains in the buttocks or legs, many mistake it for a pulled muscle or location-specific injury. However, this pain may be the symptom of a much larger issue occurring in the spine. Whether it’s pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, these symptoms are often diagnosed as sciatica. When I speak to patients, there is often confusion about what sciatica means and how it can be treated. Today, I’m explaining the condition, what causes the pain, who is at risk, and a few simple treatment options. What is sciatica? To be clear, sciatica is actually a catch-all term that describes symptoms such as leg pain, tingling, numbness or weakness that originates in the lower back and travels through the buttock and down into the leg. Therefore, sciatica is not a medical condition that can be treated on its own. Rather, it is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Who is at risk? While sciatic pain can occur at any stage in life, men and women between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to experience it. Those with arthritis, diabetes, and high BMIs are also more likely to suffer from sciatica. Pregnant women

March 17, 2014

Advancements in Robotic Spine Surgery: Weighing the Pros and Cons

There are incredible achievements happening in technology and science every day, especially in the world of spinal surgery. One of the most recent developments in spine surgery, using robotic technology in the operating room, has been up for debate among surgeons and spinal specialists, and I’ve been considering the pros and cons of these new treatment options myself. Robotic surgery is considered a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon controls the camera and instruments using a console. The surgeon operates the robot while looking through a monitor that allows him to see inside the patient. Every movement made by the surgeon is mimicked by the robot, allowing for unprecedented control, precision, and access to the human body. Numerous studies have shown the advantages of robotic technology and the implications it has for the future of medicine. Overall, the average length of hospital stay for patients undergoing robotic surgery was reduced by 27 percent, and complication rates were reduced by 48 percent. A recent study published in Head and Neck Oncology shows that a robotic arm can reduce unavoidable tremors in the human hand by filtering out hand movement. And finally, robotic technology is ergonomically desirable, allowing cosmetic benefits

February 19, 2014

Pregnancy and Back Pain

We’re still in the throes of a frozen winter – which just so happens to be a very popular time to conceive. If you’re pregnant or considering it, there are a few things to be aware of when it comes to your back and spinal health. Women who have experienced chronic back pain or other spine issues and are hoping to become pregnant should visit a spine first. Chronic spinal conditions can worsen during pregnancy due to increased mechanical stress and hormonal changes. This sometimes requires prolonged bed rest toward the end of gestation, or occasionally surgery during the pregnancy. Even if you’ve never experienced major back pain, according to a 2004 study, more than two thirds of pregnant women reported suffering from lower back pain at some point after the first trimester. And it’s no wonder: with weight gain and a surge of hormones relaxing the ligaments in the pelvis, pregnant women often experience strain on their lower back muscles. There are a number of ways to reduce pain by preparing for back strain during pregnancy. 1. Practice perfect posture. As your center of gravity changes, it can be difficult to keep good posture in mind, but slouching is

February 11, 2014

Can’t Sleep? Perhaps it’s Your Back

Many patients come to me concerned about waking up with back pain caused by a “bad mattress” or uncomfortable sleeping position. This is often indicative of an underlying disk problem or arthritic condition. Even those without a spinal diagnosis or chronic pain can experience an achy back or neck after a night of sleep. What’s worse is that a lack of sleep can actually cause more sensitivity to pain and make mild back pain feel more severe. In general, we recommend a firm mattress with a pillow-top cushion layer for comfort. Back pain from sleeping is caused when strain is put on the spine in one position for a prolonged period of time – most often felt in the lower back. When this occurs, getting out of bed in the morning can be very painful, especially for the first 30 minutes until things loosen up. How can you avoid this pain? Simple adjustments to your sleeping positions can help make a difference. Side Sleepers The most common sleeping position for adults is on your side with your hips aligned and legs slightly bent. However, as we sleep, the unsupported top leg tends to fall and rotate the lower spine.

January 21, 2014

How to Shovel Snow Safely This Winter

With winter upon us in New York City, many of us will be tasked with shoveling snow at some point during the season. Please exercise caution, as snow shoveling is one of the more common causes of back injuries during the winter. This is because most people rarely do this kind of physical work on a regular basis. When shoveling snow, it’s important to follow a few common-sense precautions and techniques to prevent injury and low back pain. To ensure efficiency and safety, there is a proper way to shovel snow. First and foremost, it’s best to use the proper tools. Keep snow as well as injuries at bay by using an ergonomic show shovel. Shovels should have a curved handle and be the proper length to prevent bending of the knees and/or arching of the back. The shovel should be light to ensure the amount of weight you’re moving repetitively is kept to a minimum. I also recommend moving small amounts in each shovelful. If possible, shoveling in this way, over a slightly longer period of time, will lessen the strain and pressure on the lower back and legs. Even if you are unable to find a shovel that

December 10, 2013

Perfect Gifts for Back Pain Sufferers

With the holidays just around the corner, I thought I’d take a moment to share some of the best gifts for the loved ones in your life who unfortunately suffer from back pain. Give the gift of comfort this season and encourage your friends and family to keep their backs healthy and strong. Backjoy is an easily transportable seat that you can use in the car, in the office, on a plane, and anywhere else you find yourself sitting down. The ergonomic design makes sitting more comfortable and offers long-lasting consistent support. The patented innovative design comes in a variety of colors, so you can select the perfect one for your friends and family. (Backjoy.com, $39.99) Barefooters are made in Italy out of an eco-friendly, naturally antimicrobial material called Corksilite (cork and silicone), and come in muted, organic colors that keep the cork pattern visible. The patented reflexology massage footbed coupled with the fitted shell that matches the shape of the foot makes for a great-feeling experience perfect for post-workout recovery and increasing circulation to the legs and feet. (Amazon, PlanetShoes.com, Shoebuy.com, Footsmart.com, prices vary by style) BOSU: Consider the BOSU training device for friends and family that want to

December 3, 2013

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