Herniated Disc

Eat Your Way to Pain Relief

Reaching for the broccoli is typically not the first thing you do when experiencing back pain. The average American diet has no more than 10 percent of calories coming from fruits and vegetables. But if you’re experiencing back pain, particularly pain caused by inflammation, you may want to rethink your diet. Reducing inflammation is easier—and tastier—than you may think. The most common causes of back pain are mechanical; however, inflammation frequently accompanies mechanical problems – for example, in the setting of a strained ligament, disc degeneration, or a herniated disc. Therefore, supplementing the treatment of back pain with the right nutrients can be helpful. Inflammatory back pain is classically associated with myofascial pain, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis and is typically worse at rest and relieved by activity. A common complaint with this condition is early morning stiffness. Foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, simple sugars, and white flour can trigger inflammation throughout our bodies, causing joint swelling and back pain. So, instead of reaching for processed food, fast food, or food high in saturated fats, try choices that will actually make you more comfortable. Begin by fighting inflammation and cellular damage with vegetables—the greener the better. Try kale,

April 28, 2015

A Look at Spinal Manipulation Therapy and Back Pain

If you’ve ever been to a chiropractor or had a professional “crack your back,” you may have been a recipient of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT). Spinal manipulation, also called spinal manipulative therapy or manual therapy, is used in both Western and traditional East Asian medicine; in North America, it’s typically performed by chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, and physical and occupational therapists. Over 100 types of adjustment techniques are known throughout the world, but typically chiropractors will focus on eight to 10 varying approaches within their practice. Spinal manipulation therapy uses force, while spinal mobilization therapy is gentler. Some conditions such as osteoporosis, the patient’s size, or simply patient comfort may require spinal mobilization therapy. Chiropractic treatment can be extremely effective for acute neck or back pain due to muscle spasm, strain or sprain, and inflammation. If you’ve never experienced it before, it can be surprising just how much force can go into the manipulation of different joints of the spine. The most frequently used technique in SMT is the high-velocity low-amplitude thrust, which often results in an audible “pop.” A more sophisticated technique relies on using a flexion distraction technique that is somewhat gentler and safer. The goal of these techniques

April 8, 2015

10 Years Later: James’ Patient Experience

Meet James, a former patient of mine. James’ story began when he was lifting paving stones and felt a sudden shooting pain in his back, eventually traveling to his legs and toes. Knowing something was wrong, he immediately consulted a physician, but doctor after doctor couldn’t figure it out. He had undergone prior surgery for a herniated disk about 15 years ago. After receiving five different opinions with no clear answer, James was left with more uncertainty: “Five different guys didn’t seem clear on where my problem was. They thought it was scar tissue from a previous surgery I had 15 years ago or a herniated disc. Three of the doctors consulted each other and thought some kind of implant would be best for me.” James continued to look for someone who could provide a better answer. He didn’t want rods put in his back. When a friend recommended my services, James did his research and made his appointment the next day. What I did differently from the previous doctors was to get a high quality MRI and special Xray views. Once I got the results back, I assured him that the pain was not due to scar tissue left

March 3, 2015

Back on the Dance Floor: Kathryn’s Patient Experience

Kathryn is a former patient of mine who has left a lasting impression. Her back pain began when she hurt her L3/L4 disc after a spinning class, and she believes she aggravated the injury during a subsequent game of golf. Initially, Kathryn told me she didn’t think too much of it because she’s athletic and used to pushing herself outside her comfort zone. Kathryn thought this was something she could deal with – so she sought a massage treatment, iced her lower back area, and rested. Afterwards, she continued to play golf and attend spinning class. Unfortunately, what Kathryn didn’t do was listen to her body and get help when she needed it. I see this in a lot of patients; a good rule of thumb is if the pain persists, starts to travel down your arm or leg, and/or keeps you up at night, it’s time to see a physician. Unfortunately, the pain took a turn for the worse when Kathryn further exacerbated her injury lifting a mattress while vacuuming. Kathryn contacted my office and met with me to discuss different options that would work for her injury. Because she had severe nerve compression in her lower back due

February 3, 2015

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

Water sports Safety: Tubing and Jet Skiing over Labor Day Weekend

Earlier this summer, a friend of mine herniated a disc in his neck after a bad fall while waterskiing. Around the same time, a Georgia woman made headlines when she was airlifted to the hospital following a tubing accident. This 31-year-old woman suffered major back injuries after her tube hit the wake of a second boat and she fell off the raft. Her story highlights how tubing and Jet Ski accidents can end in back injury. As you say farewell to summer this Labor Day weekend, reduce your family’s risk of injury with these water sports safety tips. Understand boating safety precautions and rules. Even though Jet Skis and similar vehicles don’t require a license to operate, some states have started regulating their use and sharply restricting their rental availability. Generally, Jet Skis carry a much higher risk of injury than boats. Check to see if your child is old enough to operate in your state before your vacation, or if you and your family need training first. Wear a life vest. Even the best swimmers need a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life vest when hitting the lake. It’s also a great idea to wear a wet suit to

August 26, 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

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

Peyton Manning: Cervical Fusion and Return to Play

After a hard hit in the middle of a game, it can be a long nerve-wracking moment when a player doesn’t immediately rise to their feet. In football, specifically, there is always a fear of a spine or neck injury after a bad tackle. Neck problems are quite common in football, whether a “stinger” or something more serious. But when the injury is severe and surgery becomes a necessary option, there is life after surgery – even in professional sports. In mid-2013, a study was published of seven professional football players and eight professional wrestlers who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. All fifteen were cleared to play following the surgery. Thirteen returned to their respective sports in 2-12 months, and eight are still participating in the most recent season. An earlier study from 2010 also showed that professional football players with cervical disk herniations who were treated surgically had higher return-to-play rates and longer careers than those who were treated non-surgically. Nearly 3 out of 4 NFL players treated surgically returned to play in an average of 29.3 games over a 2.8-year period. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning completed a record-breaking 34 passes in Sunday’s big game, although it did

February 7, 2014

Scuba Diving after Spine Surgery

Last month, I shared a wonderful story about my former patient, Sarah Cohn. This month, I have the pleasure of introducing you to another former patient, Rosemary Kurtti. Rosemary came to my practice in September of 2010, after nearly a year of chronic back pain. Before being referred to me by one of her friends, she tried treating her debilitating pain with physical therapy, epidural injections and painkillers, but nothing seemed to work. I determined that Rosemary was actually suffering from a herniated disk in her lower back, a condition all too familiar for many of my patients. After discussing various approaches, we decided that surgery was her best option. It would be a minimally invasive procedure and the benefits outweighed everything else. At first Rosemary was a little hesitant. She is an avid scuba diver and was concerned that she would not be able to continue pursuing her passion following the surgery. With a big smile, I told her she would absolutely dive again. Nothing about my job makes me happier than being able to get patients back to doing the things they love. Not knowing that I too share her passion for scuba diving, Rosemary asked if I

June 12, 2013

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