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

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.

An Introduction to Non-Operative Care for Spine Conditions

Spine conditions can be incredibly debilitating, affecting individuals’ quality of life and daily activities. While surgery might be necessary for some cases, non-operative care options can offer a valuable alternative approach to managing and alleviating the symptoms associated with various spine conditions. In some ways, patients who have maximized their non-operative treatment will do better even if it comes to surgery. A patient who has done therapy and who has an established exercise program is going to find surgery and the resulting recovery easier and quicker.

We Are Moving! A Notice for Our Patients

I hope this notice finds you well. I am writing this to inform you of an important development regarding my practice here in East Portland. After careful consideration and planning, we have made the decision to relocate our practice to a new location.

Our contact information will be as follows:

Rose City Spine Surgery

10101 SE Main Street

Suite 2014

Portland, OR 97216

Phone: (971) 447-0700

Fax: (971) 223-0961

The relocation is scheduled to take place on August 21, 2023. During the transition period, we will strive to minimize any inconvenience to you. We have taken several measures to ensure a smooth transition, like transferring your records and notifying you of our new contact information.

We highly value our patients like you. A medical practice is only as good as the benefits it provides to the people under its care. We will continue to collaborate closely with you, keeping lines of communication open as much as possible to ensure seamless and ongoing care.

If you have any questions or require further information regarding our relocation, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (971) 447-0700 or via the My Medical Locker application. We would be more than happy to address any concerns or provide any assistance you may need.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this transition. We greatly appreciate our partnership and look forward to maintaining our collaborative relationship at our new location.

Wishing you all the best and looking forward to our continued work together.

Sincerely,

Bret G Ball, MD, PhD

EXERCISES FOR SI JOINT STABILIZATION

A lot of physical therapy for back pain involves stretching to loosen sore muscles in some degree of spasm. That is often exactly what those muscles need.

However, if your problem is pain originating in the sacroiliac joint, stretching may be the wrong answer. The sacroiliac, or SI, joint can become painful just like any other joint, like a shoulder or a knee for example. But the SI joint doesn’t do that much. Really it just wiggles a little bit in all directions. It usually only becomes painful when it has become loose or unstable.

THE ART OF GOOD SLEEP

In today’s fast-paced world, where productivity and efficiency are highly valued, one vital aspect that often gets overlooked is quality sleep. Sleep is not merely a state of unconsciousness; it is an essential process that rejuvenates our bodies and minds, leading to improved sense of overall well-being. Cultivating good sleep habits is crucial for optimizing health, boosting cognitive function, and enhancing daily performance. Here are some strategies you can use in your quest for restful nights and all the benefits of a good night’s sleep.

BASIC STRETCHING TECHNIQUES FOR THE BACK

Back pain is a common ailment that can significantly affect our daily lives. Whether it’s caused by falls or accidents, long hours of sitting, improper posture, excessive or improper exercise, or muscle strain, finding relief can seem existential. While medical advice may be needed for chronic or severe back pain, incorporating simple stretches into your routine can provide relief and promote flexibility. Here are some basic stretches that you can do on your own to help alleviate back pain and improve your overall well-being:

UNLOCKING THE MYSTERIES OF THE MULTIFIDUS MUSCLE

The Multifidus Muscle: Your Spine’s Hero — or Villain?

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and resilient spine, there’s one muscle group that has historically gone unnoticed or under appreciated—the multifidus muscle. Deep within the intricate network of muscles in our backs, the multifidus plays an important role in supporting the spine, helping to provide stability and maintain proper posture.