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3-D Printing in Spinal Surgery

In spinal surgery, advancements in technology and medicine have given doctors new ways to combat conditions affecting the human body. Minimally invasive procedures use small incision for less complex procedures; in robotics, surgeons use robotic arms to carry out a minimally invasive procedures with potentially more accuracy. So what about 3-D printing? Technically, it’s been around since the 1980s, but hasn’t been used in medicine until recent years. Commonly used to support or replace body parts that don’t enter the bloodstream, 3-D printing has the ability to fabricate prosthetic limbs, layer by layer, from the ground up. What is 3-D printing? What is 3-D printing? In medicine, 3-D printing, also referred as additive manufacturing, is the process of using plastic or metal gel to shape a replacement body part based on a patient’s MRI or CT scan. 3-D printing is allowing prosthetics to be produced and personalized in complex shapes including hands and fingers. No longer will these devices cost thousands of dollars, removing much of the financial burden patients and their families may face. “If a parent wanted to purchase a 3-D printer of their own and produce hands for their own child, the cost of the printer and

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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

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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

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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

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Five Healthy New Year Tips

As the New Year begins and my patients are getting back into their routines, I’ve heard a number of healthy living resolutions for 2014. From cutting out junk food to making it to the gym every morning, my patients are focused on living their most healthy 2014. Resolutions can be difficult to stick to, but I wanted to show you five easy ways to change your habits for a happier and healthier new year. Sit tall.Whether you’re sitting at your desk, on a plane, or in the car, proper posture can help reduce strain on your back and minimize unnecessary pain. How do you check for proper posture? With your buttocks at the back of the chair and weight evenly distributed between both hips, sit tall and relax your shoulders. If needed, get a “lumbar support” type pillow for your chair. Set a timer to check in on your posture every thirty minutes, as slouching and poor posture can sneak up on you. Take ten. Many friends and patients have resolved to exercise more this year. As a doctor, I know well the benefits that exercise can have , especially how strengthening your core can improve spine health. But I

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