Tag: 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
