POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Follow these instructions to optimize your recovery from your spine surgery.
ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE
Plan to rest for the first four to five days following discharge from the hospital.
Avoid repetitive bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, or lifting anything more than 10 pounds for the first two weeks. Avoid sitting or standing for more than 30 minutes at a time for the first week. Pay special attention to body mechanics following surgery. If you need to pick something up from ground level, bend at the knees and keep your back straight.
You should have been fitted with a brace. If you have been given specific instructions by Dr. Ball, follow those.
Continue reading “POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS”Why Use a Lumbar Support?
Using a lumbar support offers numerous benefits:
• Reduces Back Pain: Proper alignment alleviates pressure on the spine and muscles.
• Promotes Good Posture: Encourages sitting upright, reducing the risk of slouching.
Continue reading “Why Use a Lumbar Support?”Proper Body Mechanics, Where to Start?
I tell patients to use proper body mechanics all of the time. But it’s really hard to explain exactly what that actually means. If you really want to understand it, going to “back school” with a licensed physical therapist is probably the best way. However, I will try to lay out some of the basics elements of proper body mechanics here to get you started on the right foot.
Continue reading “Proper Body Mechanics, Where to Start?”WHY ARE PATIENTS CALLED “PATIENTS”?
The word patient is one we hear every day in medical settings. It refers to someone receiving care from a doctor, nurse, or other kind of healthcare professional. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we are called “patients”? The answer lies in the word’s etymology and its historical usage, which reveal important insights about how medicine has been viewed and evolved over the centuries.
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation: A New Frontier in Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatments sometimes fall short, leaving patients searching for relief. Among the emerging therapies, Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation stands out as a promising option, offering targeted pain relief for conditions that have been historically difficult to manage.
Continue reading “Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation: A New Frontier in Chronic Pain Management”What Is a TENS unit and will it work for me?
Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are numerous treatments available, one method popular for its non-invasive and drug-free approach is the use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units. The truth is, we don’t completely understand how or why they work. However they can be pretty helpful for some patients so I thought it worth discussing them here a little bit.
So what is a TENS Unit?
Continue reading “What Is a TENS unit and will it work for me?”SPONDYLOLISTHESIS
Spondylolisthesis is more than just a mouthful. It actually is a relatively common condition that can affect any part of the spine, although it is most common in the lumbar region. As a result, one vertebra starts to slip forward and out of alignment with the vertebra below it. This displacement can lead to varying degrees of discomfort and impairment in mobility. Some patients may have spondylolisthesis and not even know it, because it doesn’t always cause symptoms. However, it tends to gradually worsen with time and it can become disabling.
Spondylolisthesis can result from various factors, including:
Continue reading “SPONDYLOLISTHESIS”HONEY FOR STUBBORN WOUNDS
Honey is a traditional medication that has been used across cultures for centuries to help in wound care. It seems to have a variety of properties that can be beneficial for stubborn wounds. If you are worried that your wound may require more than the standard forms of wound care, there’s a chance that honey can be helpful for you.
Continue reading “HONEY FOR STUBBORN WOUNDS”DO I HAVE ARTHRITIS?
Sorry to be blunt but yes, you do have arthritis. Everyone gets at least some arthritis if you live long enough, yet it often remains misunderstood and underestimated. It’s not just a disease of the elderly; it can strike at any age. And it can have a lasting impact on mobility, quality of life, and mental well-being.
What is Arthritis?
Continue reading “DO I HAVE ARTHRITIS?”Bertolotti’s Syndrome: A Potentially Painful Anomaly of the Lower Spine
Bertolotti’s syndrome, a variant of a common spine condition called lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, is an interesting yet lesser-known anomaly affecting the lower spine. Named after the Italian physician Mario Bertolotti, this condition sheds light on the complexities of spinal anatomy and its impact on musculoskeletal health.
Continue reading “Bertolotti’s Syndrome: A Potentially Painful Anomaly of the Lower Spine”MAINTAINING YOUR SPINE AFTER SURGERY
Any back surgery, even a smaller one, is a major procedure that can have significant impacts on a person’s life, both physically and emotionally. While it can sometimes be necessary to address serious spinal issues, it’s obviously preferable to avoid additional surgery if possible. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of needing another back surgery in the future. By adopting healthy habits and making lifestyle changes, you can support your spine and reduce the likelihood of experiencing further problems. Here are five practical steps you can take to help you avoid another back surgery:
Continue reading “MAINTAINING YOUR SPINE AFTER SURGERY”