Spine Basics – Page 2 – Bret G. Ball, MD, PhD, FAANS

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.

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.

New Recommendations for Patients Having Surgery While Taking Novel Weight Loss or Diabetes Medications

Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic are medications used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is an injectable prescription medication that helps with weight management by reducing appetite. Ozempic, on the other hand, is the version used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Gratitude, often considered a simple expression of thankfulness, seems to be generating increasing scientific interest in recent years. Beyond cultural and social norms, researchers have delved into the profound effects that practicing gratitude can have on our mental and physical well-being. Sometimes it’s hard to be grateful, especially when you are physically suffering, but we’re finding that even small actions of gratitude can help.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain FAQs

In 15-30% of cases of chronic low back pain (low back pain that has been going on for at least 3 months, but often much longer) the pain may not be due to an issue in the spine itself—it may be caused by an issue with the sacroiliac joint also known as the SI joint.

What is a PAME and do I need one?

Undergoing any surgical or medical procedure that requires anesthesia entails risk. The severity of the risk can depend upon certain elements in your medical history. While anyone considering non-emergent surgery should talk to their regular doctor first, patients with some medical conditions may benefit from a formal preoperative consultation also known as a pre-anesthesia medical evaluation, or a PAME. This step is intended to maximize the patient’s safety during the administration of anesthesia and surgery. If you’re a generally healthy person, and you haven’t had problems with surgery before, you probably won’t need one. If you have a history of heart or lung problems, or have kidney or liver disease, or if you have had problems with surgery before, it a PAME can be helpful or even lifesaving. Let’s delve into the reasons why a PAME might be helpful for you.