Spinal Stenosis
Believe it or not, you can have a lot of things happening in your body without you even realizing it. Spinal Stenosis is one of those things. By the time you feel it, something may have to be done to slow down or reverse the symptoms that have finally decided to show themselves. Let’s talk… In […]
Annular Tears. Are They Serious?
The MRI results are in. There is an annular tear at L5/S1. That sounds terrifying! It could be called an annular fissure (not quite as terrifying) but these are actually a common result of aging, and sometimes trauma, to the spine. Let’s talk…… Discs are the shock-absorbing cushions between each vertebra of the spine. Surrounding each […]
Do I Need a Rheumatologist?
There are many people who are referred to a surgeon the minute they complain of back pain. The truth is very few of these patients would actually benefit from surgical management. Because of the pain, and the desperation the patient feels, they generally think that their only choice is surgery. Let’s talk…. As discussed in […]
Do I Need a Neurologist?
Most spine surgeons are asked to evaluate people and to make determinations for surgery. Once a person goes to a surgeon, they are going with the thought that they do need surgery. These people are generally upset when surgery is not scheduled immediately as they are symptomatic and “just need to get something done”. Let’s […]
Are We Giving Bad Advice?
Almost daily we read of a new medical study that “proves” yet another food, drink, activity, or medication is a terrible thing or the next answer to all the world’s problems. 20 years ago, eggs were causing an increase in cholesterol and therefore were the main cause of heart disease. 10 years later, eggs were […]
What is a Real Second Opinion?
You are sitting on an examination table, wearing not much more than a Kleenex, and your physician is telling you that he/ she recommends surgery. You hear that word and everything else sounds like the teacher on Charlie Brown. “Wah, wah, wah, wah”. You’ve only seen this doctor once before and all of a sudden, […]
