Believe it or not, one of the most important predictors of back surgery is prior back surgery (Its TRUE). According to the Maine Lumbar Spine Study 1 in 4 patients had a 2nd spine surgery within 10 years. (1) Not only that but the rate of success of surgery vs....
For individuals with scoliosis, many often ask the question is there anything that can be done? And the answer is “it depends”…but probably yes. Many factors go in to answering the question of what can be done to help someone with scoliosis. Things like strength,...
Over 200 million people in this country experience back pain at some point in their life. Millions suffer every single day with back pain and yet only a small percentage actually seek help. Isn't it time to do something about it? The #1 Question asked is, how do I...
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...
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...
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the opening for the spinal cord or nerves begins to narrow. This is a slow progressive condition, which generally happens in older individuals. There is no timetable for how slowly or rapidly it may progress. Also, there are...
Back pain is the most common reason to visit physicians across this country. On average 8 out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their life. Which side of the line are you on? The 80% who has had back pain or the 20% who has yet to experience it?...
A recent patient commented on how they noticed many older adults having visible changes in posture. They questioned whether it is possible to reduce the likelihood of this happening to them. As you might imagine, the answer is not so simple. Some changes are...
Many individuals with spinal stenosis believe nothing can be done. Others think surgery is the best or only option. Why? Because their MD said so, or a friend had the “same” condition, and it was the only thing that helped. However, surgery comes with significant...
An editorial by Peul in the New England Journal of Medicine got me thinking about the number of (un)necessary spinal fusions that are done in this country every year. There are certainly reasons for fusion especially in the presence of true spinal instability, severe...