Patient Information and Resources – Bret G. Ball, MD, PhD, FAANS

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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.

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.

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?

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:

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.

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?

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.

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:

But What About My Neck Pain?

Do you often find yourself dealing with neck pain, whether from long hours at the desk or poor posture? You’re not alone. In fact, neck pain is almost as common as low back pain. Neck pain can be caused by various factors, including muscle tension, poor ergonomics, and stress. Some neck pain is due to structural problems that may need surgery to fix, but for many patients, non-surgical treatments can be very effective. Incorporating specific exercises into your routine can help alleviate discomfort and improve neck mobility. In this note, we’ll explore some effective exercises to help you find relief from neck pain.

How to Establish a Consistent Exercise Routine

Are you eager to incorporate regular exercise into your daily life but struggle with staying consistent? You’re not alone! Developing a habit of exercise takes dedication, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. Exercise has myriad benefits – maintaining mobility, reducing pain, improving sleep and mood, and on and on. And we need it. Our bodies our meant to move. If a shark stops swimming it drowns. We are not that different. So, if you aren’t exercising like you want, here are some clues to get you started.

shark

Kindness is the Cure

My favorite quote comes from Philo who said, “Be kind to all you meet, for everyone is fighting a great battle.”

I love this quote because it acknowledges two of the great truths of life. First, it is almost always better to be kind. It is really hard to imagine a situation when it is not better to be kind, even if true kindness is not doing what someone else might want at the time.