stretching

Winter’s Effect on Back Pain

It’s no secret that this winter has been unbearably cold. With record lows this February in many cities along the Eastern Seaboard, including here in New York, you might be wondering: what exactly is this bitter cold doing to our backs? Winter in itself can make your joint pain worse – and in some cases it can be debilitating. In fact, some people with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis suffer from cold allodynia, which means they can predict approaching colder weather by how much pain they are in. In colder temperatures, the tissues in your body shrink, causing them to pull on nerve endings, which for many can result in joint pain. Also, cold weather can lead to muscle tightness, exacerbating lower back spasm. Additionally, many cold weather activities can cause back aches and pain – from the repetitive bending and twisting associated with shoveling snow to the chance of slipping on a sheet of ice, winter-related slips and falls are highly common. With Winter Storm Pandora on its way out and the potential for more still on the horizon before spring finally hits, protect yourself from extra pain with these helpful tips: Bundle up, including layers, hats, scarves, and

February 24, 2015

How Weight Loss Can Affect Back Pain

Sure, it’s easier to gain weight than it is to lose it – but at what cost? Studies show that a healthy diet and exercise can help combat obesity and metabolic disease, and prevent future back problems. Weight loss can improve back pain for both men and women of all demographics. I have many patients who have successfully improved their chronic back pain with weight loss and regular exercise. Physical activity increases the exchange of nutrients between spinal discs and other spine structures. When an individual doesn’t participate in enough physical activity, the spinal discs are deprived of the nutrients needed to stay healthy and strong. Increased body weight causes extra stress on the lumbar vertebrae, facets joints, and disks, which can lead to increased rates of injury and pain. People who have difficulty losing weight and keeping it off are at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, a chronic condition that causes sore or stiff joints due to the breakdown of cartilage that cushions those joints, especially when their BMI is too high. Major Benefits of Weight Loss More energy to participate in everyday activities Potential for improved body/self confidence Lower propensity for stiffness and weakness of joints Minimized recurrence of lower

February 10, 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

The Benefits of Stretching

Stretching is a great way to prevent and ease back pain. It’s also a great way to relieve stress and relax. Stretching involves controlled movement, controlled breathing, and a level of concentration that helps your mind to cancel out the day-to-day chatter in order to focus on the stretch. Many people feel completely invigorated after stretching! The best part is that you don’t need a lot of space, heavy equipment, or anyone to assist you to get a good stretch in. Before you start, though, here are some tips to keep in mind: Stretching should be pain-free; do not force the body into difficult positions Move into the stretch slowly and avoid bouncing, which may actually tear muscles Hold stretches long enough (20-30 seconds) to allow muscles or joints to become loose Wear comfortable clothes that won’t bind If you’re looking for a few stretches to start with, Spine Universe has a few great ideas for stretches that help prevent or relieve back pain. Spine Universe recommends doing them 3 to 5 times each for optimal results. Remember it’s also important to breathe during the stretch, and of course, consult a doctor before starting any new exercise or stretching routine.

December 16, 2014

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

November 25, 2014

More Content | Blog

Winter’s Effect on Back Pain

How Weight Loss Can Affect Back Pain

The Pros and Cons of Laser Spinal Surgery

The Benefits of Stretching

Traveling with Back Pain: 5 Tips for Better Comfort