Back pain is the #1 musculoskeletal reason that patients seek medical care. This group of patients comprises the highest percentage of patients seen at a typical outpatient physical therapy clinic. The natural history of back pain is to recover, but when it does not...
Many of the patients who come to see me with spine (neck or back) problems in particular already had imaging. Most if not all come in saying "I have arthritis" or "I have degenerative or bulging/herniated discs". Yes, well so do 50-70% of people over age 40 who DO NOT...
I feel it is important to write on spine surgery given all the publicity it has received in recent months. Two high profile sports figures have been in the news related to their issues with back surgery. To begin with, a few weeks ago, we were told Tiger Woods would...
I have been doing some reading lately after having discussions with people about whether exercise is helpful or harmful for those in pain. Do a search on Exercise and Pain and you will get back over 183 million hits. Clearly everyone has an opinion and has put...
For those with back pain, be it chronic or new, the question of what to do is present? Do I rest, take medication, see a professional (but WHO?), rely on the advice of friends or family? A quick internet search for back pain will pull up nearly 73 million hits and...
I am always amazed at how doctors and patients alike feel physical therapy after spine surgery is optional. Sure, patients always have the choice, but why go through a major surgery not to do EVERYTHING you can to recover better and faster? Going to therapy 3 days...
There has been a lot of media attention toward prescription pain medication lately. The focus has been on the unnecessary over-zealous prescription of opioids. The problem is not only the addiction they can cause, but also related deaths. There were nearly 30,000...
Any time someone undergoes surgery whether arthroscopic, minimally invasive, or otherwise, proper post-surgery rehab is a must. Many think, I can just walk it off or I can do it myself. How wrong those individuals are. Worst, some of this message is passed down from a...
Don't let the title fool you...This message is really geared for those younger than 65. Because disability does not just turn a switch and appear at age 65. What you do in the 5, 10, 15 years prior makes a significant difference. What kind of disability am I talking...
Tell me- - How many of you are satisfied with the current state of health insurance? HIGH deductibles and/or co-pay and co-insurance... Leaves many thinking about how to avoid the medical system altogether (to avoid paying). There is not a good solution to satisfy...