Spine Basics – Bret G. Ball, MD, PhD, FAANS

Why Do You Have to Quit Smoking for Spine Surgery?

Everyone knows that smoking is one of the most harmful habits affecting the body. But did you know that its detrimental impact is particularly evident in surgical outcomes—especially for procedures involving the spine? For individuals preparing for spine surgery, quitting smoking is not just beneficial; it can be a decisive factor in the success of the procedure and the recovery process. Let’s explore why quitting smoking is essential for spine surgery patients and how it can significantly improve outcomes.

Understanding the Anatomy of an Intervertebral Disc

The spine is a remarkable structure that provides support, flexibility, and protection to the spinal cord and nerves. It’s hard to do anything really without engaging your spine. At the core of its mobility and shock absorption are the intervertebral discs—vital structures located between each vertebra that play an essential role in spine health.

New Year, Stronger Spine: Resolutions for a Healthier Back in 2024

As we step into a new year, many of us are busy crafting resolutions focused on health, fitness, and overall well-being. While goals like eating better or hitting the gym are common, one aspect of health shouldn’t be forgotten: spine health. Your spine supports your entire body, affects your posture, and plays a key role in mobility, general wellbeing and comfort. And honestly, most things that are good for your back are also just good for overall general health.

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.

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.

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.

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.