Marathon

9+1: Derrek’s Patient Experience

Derrek is a patient of mine who has left a lasting impression – he recently ran his first half marathon after having a 2 level spinal fusion (see his xray to the left). He is a great example of patients who become more physically active after a spinal fusion than they were before, which is a common experience in our practice. Derrek’s back pain began eleven years before his surgery, when one day he woke up with terrible pain in his back. Over the course of the eleven years, after all else failed, his condition deteriorated to the point where he considered surgery. Failing to get the answers he was looking for after speaking to a doctor specializing in psychosomatic symptoms, Derrek came to my office. Here’s what he had to say about his experience: “Dr. McCance really did a great job explaining everything to me and my wife. He told us that surgery is what needs to happen now, or something much worse will happen later. “What I’m most impressed by is that Dr. McCance even explained the differences between psychosomatic therapy and surgery to my wife. He answered all of our questions and gave us two solid options.” Derrek’s options were

March 17, 2015

Now What? Post-Marathon Recovery

This past weekend, over 50,000 runners participated in the New York City Marathon, the largest race in the world. Months of rigorous training went into those 26.2 miles, but what happens after you cross the finish line is just as important when it comes to preparing for your next race. You may feel ready to take on the world after your marathon, but your body needs a break. You’ve likely iced your joints and muscles immediately after the race, but be sure to wait a few days before any sort of major heat. A session in the sauna or a hot tub will relax muscles, but adding heat too soon after the race will further inflame them. Instead, take a break and schedule a massage. These activities bring blood flow to areas that need repairing. Don’t get right back to running. In the first week post-marathon, focus on stretching and low-impact cross-training activities, like easy bike rides, or walking. Swimming is especially easy on the back. Gentle yoga poses such as child’s pose are great for helping muscles heal. Then, try an easy 30-minute run at the end of the week to gauge how your body is feeling. If, at

November 4, 2014

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

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9+1: Derrek’s Patient Experience

Now What? Post-Marathon Recovery

Proper Running Technique to Avoid Back Pain