Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Works
The results of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion are excellent. I find it strange that I must defend the results, but we are in a new era of information. Some would call it mis-information. If you spend time researching cervical discectomy surgery, you now see a trend where certain entities are advertising the radical nature of […]
Do I need a MRI?
That is a very common question asked by many of my patients. And, the answer is “It depends”. I know that is not very satisfying, but I will explain. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. There are very scientific and exacting descriptions of the study, but I will try to break it down into the […]
How Come my Doctor did not order an X-Ray?
That is a question often asked of me and my staff. The better question is “Why should you get an X-ray for back pain?” The answer to that question is “It depends.” I know. you want a better answer. But, there is a logic to the response. The most important determining factor on the need […]
Are you carrying an extra “backpack”?
Weight loss is a difficult thing to discuss. As a physician, I am always worried that somehow, the patient will be offended by this discussion. If I talk to some of my Primary Care colleagues, some have stopped bringing this topic up, as some patients have gotten upset enough to “fire” them, or even worse, […]
Skiing and Back Pain
It is winter time in much of the country. And the statistics indicates about 11 million people will go skiing at least once this year. While everyone is naturally concerned about a broken leg, as a spine specialist I want to share the issues pertaining to Skiing and Back Pain. There has not been much information about the […]
Sex and Low Back Pain
Counseling on Sex and Low Back Pain is sensitive but necessary. After gaining the trust of my patients, this does become a common topic. You could imagine, it can be difficult to keep a straight face while fielding very graphic and detailed questions. But, there has been some research on this very topic as sex is instinctual, with physical, […]
Spine Surgery? Sometimes, it is better to wait.
If you have a serious life or limb threatening condition, you need to trust your physicians and get spine surgery if that is their recommendation. If you have a serious life or limb threatening condition, I hope you are not reading this blog, and instead getting medical care NOW. For the rest of you, please […]
Is a Pinched Nerve a Permanent Problem?
As a Spine Surgeon, I see people with pinched nerves almost everyday. Fortunately, most pinched nerves do not become a permanent problem. That is why greater than 98% of pinched nerves can be treated without an operation. Pinched nerves are commonly caused by herniated nucleus pulposus (disk herniation), cervical and lumbar spondylosis (bone spurs). The […]
Spinal Cord Injuries
Unfortunately, as a spine surgeon, I have had to deal with spinal cord injuries. Fortunately, it remains a rare occurrence. But, the consequences can be devastating. The least catastrophic of spinal cord injuries is the spinal cord contusion. In the simpliest term, it is a bruising of the spinal cord, with associated inflammation, and irritation […]
Most Sacroiliac Joints do not Hurt
As a Spine Surgeon, I am constantly asked to find a surgical solution for various back complaints. People come into the office with various test results including MRI’s, CAT scans, nerve tests and x-rays. A certain percentage have already had surgery, including lumbar spinal fusion, and remain frustrated by the continued pain. Lately, I have […]
