Back pain and problems plague many Americans. So many people in the United States suffer from back issues that entire industries are built on them. From medications that claim to eradicate pain to late-night infomercials pushing the latest back pain relief gimmick, the search for help is understandable and widespread. While some back problems fall…
School is back, and so are giant, overloaded backpacks. As a college student, you spend long days on campus toting around backpacks stuffed full of daily necessities. Laptops, chargers, snacks, notebooks, writing utensils, assigned books, and more are all part of your burden. While it is a running joke that the massive Biology II or…
Have you ever had a stressful day at work? The answer is, of course, a resounding yes. So, let’s take it a little farther. Have you ever had a stressful month at work? At the same time, were you possibly dealing with emotional burdens in your personal and interpersonal lives? Perhaps finances were tight, familial…
Whether it stops you from making memories with your family or gets in the way of daily life, back pain is a health issue that interferes with the wellbeing of many Americans. It could be caused by an injury or be the result of a mostly sedentary lifestyle, but no matter what the cause, the…
Back pain is a very real daily reality for many people, so much so that the idea of living with and maintaining a pain-free back might seem like a fairytale. If you or someone you care about falls into this category, we have good news—you can improve the health of your back and potentially reduce…
That glorious time of the year has finally arrived. There’s a distinct chill in the air, the mountain peaks stand in stark white against a backdrop of blue skies, and the hot cocoa is flowing like water. That’s right—it’s skiing season. For those who enjoy Winter and the sports that accompany it, this is truly…
It’s no secret that exercise has many health benefits. From staying mobile to reducing the risk of heart disease, getting up and moving works wonders for your body. Also, not-so-secret is the fact that many Americans struggle with back pain that can lead to surgery. More than just being painful, back problems can severely limit…
Thanksgiving is a time full of family fun, cooler weather, delicious food, and… back pain? For too many of us, that last bit of holiday tradition hangs like a dark cloud over the other, happier things. Of the celebrations enjoyed over the holiday season, Thanksgiving may be the biggest back pain culprit, too. Think about…
As we all know, summertime can be hot. So, what better way to cool down than in the water? Swimming is not only one of the most popular summer activities, but it’s one of the best forms of exercise for those who suffer from back pain as well. The Benefits of Swimming for Back Pain…
Summer is finally here! It is time to pack your sunscreen and head to the beach. A recent AAA Travel survey found that nearly 100 million Americans are planning to take a family vacation in 2019. Nearly everyone enjoys going on vacation, but flying can be both uncomfortable and exhausting. Whether you are prone to…
As temperatures rise and spring takes hold, the activity of young athletes increases. Many parents encourage such activity; sports not only promote a healthy lifestyle but help our youth develop confidence and lifelong skills as well. While there are obvious benefits to athletic activity, it is the leading cause of adolescent back injuries. It is…
Most people know the importance of good nutrition and a balanced diet when it comes to our overall health. However, many patients are not aware of the role their diet may have with respect to their back pain. Bones, muscles, disks and other parts of the spine need adequate vitamins and nutrients to stay strong….
Backpacks are an essential item used daily by people everywhere – including students, working professionals, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Typically, as far as a practical tool for carrying one’s belongings, many look to the backpack as their lifeline when leaving home. However, if filled too heavy or worn incorrectly, backpacks can become a major source…
Breaks and fractures in the spinal vertebrae are often caused by weakened bones. In some cases, compression fractures become painful and do not respond to conservative treatment measures. Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to alleviate severe pain and disability resulting from vertebral compression fractures (or VCFs). The goals of the surgery are…
Scoliosis can often be treated without surgery – with methods including bracing, physical therapy, injections, and medication. However, there are cases where the curvature of the spine or symptoms continue to worsen. Surgery is often recommended if a patient’s curvature is more than 40-45°, or when curves don’t respond to bracing. There are several different…
Your priorities change quickly when you become a parent. Suddenly, everything that was once of the utmost importance fades into the background, leaving only one thing: your child. All you want is for your child to have a happy, healthy life full of joy and success. Unfortunately, this desire for the best sometimes does not…
Summer is a time of relaxation, vacations to your favorite spots or somewhere new and exciting, which includes increased activity that’s both indoor and outdoor. Summer is the time of year when you finally get to all those neglected projects around the house. Summer is played-up in the movies as the season of paradise and…
You know the feeling. No, you dread it. After a long day at work, hunched over a keyboard in a standardized office chair, you can’t even enjoy your evening at home. Not even a good drink and the latest episode of your favorite TV show can put you at ease. What’s holding you back? The…
Surgery is typically reserved for extreme cases—either it is necessary to improve the health of an individual or it will benefit them tremendously in some aesthetic or physical way. For those with traumatic back injuries or chronic back pain, surgery sometimes becomes the only logical option for repair and relief. When the spine is not…
Surgery, even when minor, is a scary thing. From the preparation, which can stretch into the days preceding, to the ritual of paperwork and pre-op that takes place upon arrival at the surgery center, the entire process can be unfamiliar and will always be less-than-comfortable. Despite the inherent negatives of any invasive procedure, surgical methodology…
