Tag Archives: spine

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June 8, 2016

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When to Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon or Neurosurgeon?

When it comes to addressing ailments and conditions of the spine, many individuals are confused as to whether they should consult an orthopaedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. It is important for patients to note that both the orthopaedic surgeons as well as neurosurgeons can perform spine surgery. Recently, there is an emerging field in spine surgery that integrates both specialties. spine surgeon orthopaedics

In trying to examine the future of X-ray imaging, there may be a medical specialty in spine surgery that is well defined by its own board for certification. This is not the case at the moment; however, depending on the spinal condition, an orthopaedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon may be best set sought.

Orthopaedic surgeons seek their certification from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery while the Neurosurgeons currently seek their board certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery. It is important for patients to make sure that any Doctor they choose is certified by the right board. Let’s dive into this a little bit deeper.

The Training of Neurosurgeons

All the neurosurgeons that are trained in the United States as well as in other places abroad, gain their experience in the diagnosis, nonsurgical as well as the surgical treatment of all disorders relating to the spine during a six to seven year of residency training program. The moment these physicians graduate from any of the accredited neurosurgery training program, they have always succeeded in giving their assistance to many spinal procedures they are exposed to.

Neurosurgeons can choose to acquire even more advanced training, they might also choose to select from a post-graduate fellowship in spine surgery. Most patients think that neurosurgeons are brain surgeons as it might be interesting to know that most of the operations that are performed by neurosurgeons all across the world are spine surgeries

The Training of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic surgeons are surgeons that study spine surgery in their four to five years of training. Most orthopaedic residencies are located at hospitals where several orthopaedic surgeons who are specialists in spine surgery. In other orthopaedic training programs, emphasis is placed on either trauma, joint surgery or on sports medicine. Just as in neurosurgery, there are some orthopaedic surgeons that wish to be specialists in spine surgery.

Similarities Between Both Spine Surgeons

Even though things vary many years ago, recently, there are a several orthopaedic surgeons as well as neurosurgeons that are specialists in spine surgery. Both surgeons are being referred to each as spine Doctors and the distinction between them is gradually fading away. Both orthopaedic and neurosurgeons surgeons specialized in spine surgery and they are trained in the treatments of disc degenerations, disc herniations, spinal stenosis, fractures of the spine scoliosis, slippage of the spine,and so on.

Differences Between Orthopaedic Surgery & Neurosurgery

The two surgeries differ in just few areas. It is only the neurosurgeons that are trained within six to seven years residency training in order to conduct procedures in the lining of the spinal canal also referred to as the the dura.

Conditions like: arachnoid cysts, spinal cord tumors, Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, spinal cord, diplomyelia and diastematomyelia, arteriovenous malformation, spina bifida or myelomeningocele, tethered spinal cord, lipomyelomeningocele, cervical spine, tumors at the junction of the base of the skull and upper nerve root tumors as well as a few other diagnoses that falls under the field of neurosurgery. Furthermore, both adult scoliosis and pediatric as well as other spinal deformities like spondylosis surgery and kyphosis are treated surgically by the orthopaedic spine specialists.

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March 25, 2016

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5 Ways to Improve Spinal Health & Avoid Spine Surgery

spine surgeons new jerseyCases of poor mobility due to spine issues have been on the rise. The prevalence of spinal conditions is more common among older people but is also affecting younger people today. In fact, spine surgery statistics have reached an all-time high in the U.S.

According to North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA), mobility and physical impairment is a situation whereby a person cannot fully and independently make physical movements of one region or the entire body and may be a temporary or a permanent situation. The mobility issues can however be minimized or avoided by engaging in the following exercises:

1. Stretching

Dr. Richard J. Hodes, the director of National Institute on Health (NIH), occasional stretching helps loosen up and flex the muscles. It is advisable to stretch before performing any heavy lifting or at regularly intervals while sitting, standing, or walking as it improves movement and minimizes chances of the tissues becoming static. A look at the compelling statistics from StretchNow.com.au indicates that there are different forms of stretching exercises and each has its unique advantages and disadvantages.

2. Yogayoga spine health

Yoga, although it may look simple, is a highly-effective practice for boosting mobility and spinal health. It can be done from anywhere and by anyone regardless of age. The activity is known to boost relaxation, flexibility, and mind peace.

Yoga can also boosts muscle mass, blood circulation, muscle activity, sensation, quality of life, and also reduces bone mineral density. Being a low-impact activity, chances of getting injured from engaging in the activity are also minimal.

3. Soft Tissue Work mobility before spine surgery

Soft tissue work can help deal with mobility and health issues that affect the spinal cord. According to statistics from the National Health Society, UK, simple activities such as deep tissue massage, foam rolling, and other forms of deep muscular penetration of the soft tissues improves mobility and health.

These mobility exercises also help to reduce stress and enable us to down-regular, inducing better sleep and overall well-being. According to Sustrans.org, many people do them less often than they should.

4. Strength Training

“Get up and move.” This is the advice given by Ezra Fishman, demography doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, the National Institute on Aging (NIA), researchers from Johns Hopkins University, and the National Cancer Institute. Individuals above 50 year old don’t need to engage in strenuous workouts. Simple strength training movements such as sweeping the floor, dancing, washing dishes, or sweeping can help loosen and strengthen the muscles, tissues, and spine.

5. Foundation Training foundation training spine health

Foundation Training is a unique type of workout that has been growing in popularity. Foundation Training, like Yoga, is preferred because of its simplicity yet it is highly effective. The exercises target the soft tissues, muscles, and other elements of the spine and makes them more flexible as well as stronger. Nonetheless, it is always important to seek guidance from a reputable and competent trainer or practitioner. Foundation Training is vital for athletes, particularly endurance athletes like those looking to become a better triathlete.

Issues and diseases related to poor mobility and unhealthy spine have been on the rise. In fact, in some situations this can lead to life threatening diseases such as stroke, heart attack, disability, mental disorder, and others. Preventing such conditions doesn’t have to be a strenuous or costly activity. Enhancing mobility and spine/spinal issues can be as simple as doing yoga, dancing, swimming, walking more often.

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March 10, 2016

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5 Most Common Spinal Conditions That Often Require Spine Surgery

spine conditions spinal surgeryDebilitating spine conditions are often caused by poor mobility and behavioral movement patterns. When we put ourselves in compromised positions time over time, the spine starts to break down. This means that in the intervertebral discs can lose water content and weaken.

Poor spinal mechanics also affect the facet joints as they start to become arthritic while the ligaments calcify. The degenerative development causes the spinal cord, nerve roots, and spinal nerves to become cramped if it’s inflamed or misaligned thus invading the spinal canal. Let’s discuss about five of the most common spine conditions which requires spine surgery.

1. Ankylosing Spondylitis

The most frustrating aspect of having Ankylosing Spondylitis is feeling pain not because of exertion, but from doing the simplest things. Its most common symptom is experiencing back pain while the stiffness gets even worse when you try to rest. Ankylosing Spondylitis often feels worse during the morning which could be very stressful. The pain could also be felt in the hips, shoulders, neck and feet.

The main treatment used to treat Ankylosing Spondylitis is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). It involves the process of passing an electric current within the skin. It’s similar to the concept of acupuncture. It brings out the release of the natural pain relievers in our body. In the worst cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis, spine surgery is the only method to cure it. Decompression, osteotomy, and spinal instrumentation are the most recommended procedures depending on the severity of the deformity.

2. Spinal Tumors spinal tumor surgery

Spinal Tumors often require a delicate and complex spinal tumor surgery. The main goal is to eliminate as much of the tumor as possible. It’s essential that the other important parts and surrounding structures of the spine will not be disturbed. Similar to all other surgeries, it always has the best results when done by a specialist who has years of experience in the field.

There are a few therapies which are commonly recommended to treat the tumor and relieve symptoms. One of them is corticosteroids which are drugs taken to decrease swelling when the spinal tumor presses against the spinal cord. Another therapy is surgery which is often performed when it cannot be removed by any other operation. In this instance, it’s highly suggested to consult an experienced expert like Doctor Joshua S. Rovner, M.D., a reputable spine surgeon in New Jersey who also practices in New York.

3. Lumbar Disc Herniation

People who have Lumbar Disc Herniation requires an individualized treatment for each patient. The options that will be provided by the doctor solely depends on the length of time wherein the patient first experienced the symptoms. This condition involves extreme back pain problems. Another thing which is considered is the nature of the symptoms when there is numbness.

Patients are usually advised to begin with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment. This includes physical therapy, medications and epidural injections. If the patient still experiences severe pain after 12 weeks, it is when a surgery will be recommended (i.e. spinal fusion surgery, etc.)

4. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)spine surgeon analysis

Having Degenerative Disc Disease often causes lower back pains specifically in young adults. The good thing about it is that even though it’s usually experienced in a longer period of time, it’s easily manageable. There two main treatments available to cure it. Passive treatment is done to the patient while active treatment is done by the patient.

Some examples of passive treatments are pain medication, chiropractic manipulation, epidural injections, ultrasound and massage. On the other hand, the most common active treatments are exercise, weight loss, ergonomics and quitting smoking. However, people who have ongoing severe and disabling pain will not be able to wait for the effects of the treatments to take place. This is when the doctor will advise the need to embrace spine surgery.

5. Spinal Stenosis

This condition is mainly experienced by the elderly, specifically those over 60 years old. It occurs when the spinal canal slims down to the extent wherein the spinal cord and nerve roots become compromised. The most common symptoms of weakness, pain and numbness is called Neurogenic Claudication. These are less severe than the symptoms of disc herniations. This is because it affects plenty of roots compared to only one root. In cases like these, it is recommended to consult an experienced New Jersey spine specialist.

When the person stands up or walks, the pain worsens because of the movement in the spinal canal. When sitting down, it relieves the pain by forming in a straight manner which stretches the ligament opening up the spinal canal. The most common treatments for this are exercises, activity modification, epidural injections and medication. However, in its most advanced complications, decompression surgery is required.

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August 18, 2015

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Redefining The Art of Chiropractic

In simple terms, chiropractic refers to the scientific study, art, and philosophy involved in the treatment and correction of vertebral misalignments, subluxations, and other spinal health ailments. Vertebral subluxation refers to inadequate disc space due to compression and misalignment in the spine.

Subluxation simplified

Subluxation simplified

In most cases, subluxation can result in the interference of the nervous system which can impact a number of other parts of the body beyond just the spine. Necessary adjustments are usually made with the sole aim of allowing the body as a whole to better heal itself. Proper chiropractic treatment is administered through the follow principles of chiropractic care.

  • Chiropractic science – The practice mainly involves the human biology particularly the intricate relationship between the spinal segments with respect to the central nerve system.
  • Chiropractic art – The practice is the physical expression of chiropractic philosophy with emphasis on the location and subsequent correction of the vertebral subluxations. Simply put, it refers to the art of locating and consequently correcting the vertebral subluxation.
  • Chiropractic philosophy – The practice is mostly focused on the effect of vertebral subluxations particularly on the body’s innate striving in its bid to express and most importantly maintain its own health.

The General Role of Professional Chiropractors

art of chiropracticChiropractic professionals mainly focus on correcting vertebral subluxations particularly those which interfere with the proper transmission of information from the brain to all systems of the body.

The work of chiropractors has a positive effect on body organs and other crucial systems which support the body down to cellular level. In short, chiropractors gently correct the problem by employing the use of a variety of adjustment techniques such as: Pulstar Proadjuster

All of these techniques have since proven to be very effective in restoring the proper nerve flow. Simply put, chiropractors’ help people get the most off their potential for health coupled with optimal performance.

Importance of Finding a Competent Local Chiropractor

Just like any other health care specialist, it is important to you to identify the most suitable chiropractor who provides the level of treatment and care you actually need. Finding a chiropractor who can deliver more than just a quick fix is important for many patients. Nowadays, there are several defining factors which should be taken into serious consideration when finding a chiropractor near you. chiropractor near me

For instance, besides looking into the simple characteristics which make a chiropractor desirable to the community such as mindfulness, respect and personalized attention, there are certain other definitive qualities to focus on to guide your search for a top chiropractor such as those who have redefined their practice.

Finding a competent local chiropractor is very important because it serves as a guarantee to benefit from the adoption of the latest chiropractic techniques considering the chiropractor would already be having previous experience as far as implementation of such modern fairly sophisticated and result oriented techniques is concerned.

Adoption of New Chiropractic Techniques and Technologies

According to recent medical reports, chiropractors are constantly engaged in the search and adoption of new techniques and technologies relevant to this particular field. This is mainly aimed at trying to familiarize with as many technologies and techniques which can be used to help meet the varied patient needs.

Take note, some of these latest techniques are not only chiropractic-based, or specific to spine health, but some are universal systems that have been found to be highly applicable in several other different situations which generally benefit from precise diagnoses and advanced relief of pain.

K-Laser Therapy

K-Laser Therapy

K-Laser Therapy

It is one of the latest techniques that has recently been adopted is the class IV K-Laser therapy. The K-Laser is a harmless tool which promotes rapid cellular regeneration as well as tissue rebuilding.

Since its adoption among many top chiropractors, countless new patients have become interested in laser therapy due to its advanced healing efficiency for countless ailments particularly those which involved soft and hard tissues as well as fascia and most importantly ligament issues around the joints.

The Pettibon System

The Pettibon System is a comprehensive rehabilitation program which places emphasis on the spine’s soft and hard tissues in a bid to help reduce possibilities of bad spine positioning. Chiropractic care under The Pettibon System involves a wide spectrum of tools and other modalities to correct spinal displacement.

The above are just some of the techniques, systems, and technologies which have truly redefined chiropractic care and have helped to yield outstanding patient results.

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September 16, 2014

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Do Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments Work?

Countless people visit their chiropractor to “get their back cracked” to help relieve pain. This chiropractic treatment is clinically referred to as spinal adjustments, and there’s a lot of debate in the medical community about whether or not it works. chiropractic spinal adjustments

While relief doesn’t lie, is it true (or purely mental or placebo-inducing) that chiropractic spinal adjustments work? In this article, we provide the answer. After speaking with several highly experienced chiropractors from many different backgrounds, we feel we can soundly answer the question many individuals are curious about: do spinal adjustments from a professional chiropractor work?.

Well, Do Spinal Adjustments from Your Chiropractor Work?

The short answer is Yes – spinal adjustments do work. But if you want more detail as to how they work, then keep reading.

The important thing to note is how we define whether or not getting your back cracked by a chiropractor “works.” We feel in this context, when something “works” it provides a desired outcome.

So again, Yes, spinal adjustments do indeed work. An adjustment creates change in spine that cultivates greater balanced and optimal functioning. However, with change comes the question of sustainability and how long can maintain this new found state.

Consideration and action toward sustaining optimal spinal health ultimately shapes the quality and outcome a chiropractic program.

There’s Way More to a Solid Chiropractic Program

Sure, spinal adjustments are a vital technique to providing chiropractic care and producing progressive changes; however, there is better way to go about getting your back cracked. Spinal adjustments are best when performed gradually overtime (i.e. 3 days per week) with precise and calculated adjustments that are a part of a long-term chiropractic program.

Additionally, a chiropractic care program that includes adjustments of the spine is optimal with the guidance of X-rays. Although not required as cost constraint, X-rays are encouraged by most elite-level chiropractors to create care programs and adjustment schedules with greater precision and accuracy.

A good example of chiropractic practice that offers this level of chiropractic care is ChiroMik.com. This chiropractor provides in-depth chiropractic programs design for lasting results.

You Need to Get Involved

While chiropractic spinal adjustments create change in the skeletal system, it’s important to know that the musculoskeletal system is complete make-up of your body’s structural foundation. So regardless of how much change we apply to the skeletal system, if the muscles do not change and adapt accordingly, then sustainable long-term changes are inhibited. In other words, if we don’t supplement spinal adjustments with functional strength exercises that encourage muscular balance and proper functioning, these adjustments will yield limit and short-lived results.

This is why advanced chiropractic programs like The Pettibon System are growing in popularity. In addition to adjustments and traditional chiropractic techniques, The Pettibon Systems also includes various exercises and at-home programs to promote change in the entire musculoskeletal system as whole. Although these chiropractic programs are long-term, patients of The Pettibon System realize dramatic and sustainable changes that lead to pain-free outcomes.

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Keep Your Body Supple with Advanced Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic is an ancient art, philosophy, and science of natural healing ever since its beginning as a modern modality of alternative medicine. In short order, chiropractic care seeks to create balance between the nervous system and the human frame; consequently, its fruition without doubt is one to be highly regarding for healing. Chiropractic is now possible to correct complications resulting from structural and/or mechanical problems consequential to spinal misalignment.

Advanced Chiropractic Care

As we all know, man and technology are now so close, and technology is now seen to be incorporated in all fields and sectors covering human life. In chiropractic, credit to the incorporation of technology to this field of Medicare, chiropractors are now able to carry out functions and tasks that before were termed impossible. Visiting a chiropractor can help to keep you supple and fit on your feet, through the use of the following technologies.

X-Rays to Get Clearer Spinal Imagery

Talking of X-rays, a technology that has been around for almost a century now; has now become essential part of chiropractic practice. However, unlike old X-rays, today we have more advanced X-rays that are more refined than they used to be and even better, safer since they use low level radiation but still yield much clearer images.

Chiropractors now have the advantage of making sound judgments using results they get from the X-rays they take. Interestingly, subluxations can now be detected easily unlike the past a progress that will enable a chiropractor to swiftly come up with remedy for your problem.

Not Your Average Chiropractic Tables

The tables used by chiropractors have a feature known as “drop piece” that enables chiropractors to adjust their patient’s position in any way they want, in addition, these tables can also when taking care of pressure caused by herniated discs and other discomforting spinal conditions. The tables include spinal decompression table, flexion distraction tables to mention but a few.

Smart Adjuster Technology, You Say? Chiropractic Proadjuster

Smart Adjuster technology, like the Pulstar ProAdjuster, uses complex computer technology to determine where the problem may be on human’s spine. The device is gently tapped on your back in turn giving relevant information to the chiropractor in form of graphic, who then uses the information to decide which remedy is suitable for your condition.

This form of chiropractic technology is not well-known, but some more advanced chiropractic clinics are using it. For instance, the Bloomington, IL chiropractors at www.blychiropractic.com use the Pulstar ProAdjuster for many different chiropractic patients in Bloomington, IL.

Use of Laser Light Therapy

Laser therapy, is usually used when one is going through a lot of excruciating pain. When going through K-Laser Treatment, there are three things involved and includes;

k-laser therapy1. The laser, when directed to someone, is intended to enhance microcirculation which is important since it makes red blood cells flow into the affected area, carrying with it plenty of Oxygen.
2. One the oxygen is supplied to affected area, all the cell that were however deprived get the chance to assimilate more become active again.
3. The oxygen in turn stimulates the cytochrome oxidase enzyme in the mitochondria producing more energy which effectively results in relieved pain.

In addition, the laser technology is also used in surgical treatments and can also be adjusted by increasing the infrared wavelength to enhance deep penetration into the affected area. Very few chiropractors throughout the nation offer laser light therapy, but one place you could visit is this chiropractor in Berkeley California.

Supplemental Therapies & At-home Exercises

Apart from just using the technologies, chiropractors understands the effectiveness of alternative medicine and are well prepped in therapy techniques such as Sport Massage, Deep tissue massage, yoga and meditation. In addition, when performing massages, they put in place ART (active release technique) which has been seen to be effective in treating muscles, tendons, nerves and fascia related problems.

Finally, chiropractors can help you keep your suppleness by advising you accordingly on simple exercises you can perform on your own when at home to maintain your fitness. We encourage your to keep your body supple and take advantage of the new wave of advanced chiropractic care.