SpineUniverse Blogs

Cigarette Smoke and Spine Surgery Recovery

Should You Avoid Second Hand Smoke?

Posted on July 09, 2010 | by Nicola V. Hawkinson, DNP, RN, RNFA in Back Pain Tips

Most people understand that smoking cigarettes will interfere with a healthy spinal fusion recovery, but second hand smoke can also impair your body's ability to heal after spine surgery.

What Should I Expect after Spine Surgery?

There Are No Usual Expectations

Posted on April 26, 2010 | by Jason M. Highsmith, MD in A Surgeon's Perspective

"My husband is very healthy and fit. But after a recent accident in the garden, he has lost the ability to do many of the activities he's used to because he has numbness and weakness in his knees."

Kyphoplasty Risks

Do They Outweigh the Benefits?

Posted on April 26, 2010 | by Isador H. Lieberman, MD, MBA, FRCSC in Spine Surgery Notes

Kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure that treats spinal compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. Read about the pros and cons of this procedure in this article.

Exercises for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Low-impact Activities for Pain Relief

Posted on March 23, 2010 | by Carol P. Dionne, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, Cert MDT in Through the Eyes of a Physical Therapist

Article explains some beneficial exercises to reduce ankylosing spondylitis (AS) pain. Low-impact exercises are best, as they won't worsen your pain.

How to Have a Healthy Spine Surgery Recovery

Can Exercise Interfere with Healing?

Posted on March 23, 2010 | by Carol P. Dionne, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, Cert MDT in Through the Eyes of a Physical Therapist

"I am recovering from cervical spine surgery. Healing seems to be going well, and I am wearing a brace. I am anxious to start exercising again because I know it's important that my muscles stay conditioned, but will neck exercises interfere with my healing?"

Artificial Disc Replacement

What You Should Know about This Surgical Technique

Posted on March 23, 2010 | by Richard D. Guyer, MD in How to Deal with Disc Pain

"I want to learn more about artificial disc replacement surgery. It seems like this is a fairly new technique, but are there any updates I should know about?"

Neck Pain and Headaches

Treating Cervicogenic Headaches

Posted on March 17, 2010 | by Lawrence M. Kamhi, MD, FIPP in Manage Your Pain Now

Neck pain can cause headaches, and your doctor may call them cervicogenic headaches. These types of headaches have different treatments than other types of headaches.

Can Alternative Treatments Help after Spine Surgery?

Posted on December 14, 2009 | by Laurie Morse, LAc, MTOM in Ancient Wisdom in Modern Times: Your Guide to Holistic Wellness

Informative description about how traditional Chinese medicine might fit into a back pain treatment regimen.

What to Look for When Choosing a Chiropractor

Posted on December 09, 2009 | by Mitchell F. Miglis, DC in Dr. Miglis' Memos

The task of choosing a chiropractor can be simplified by using a series of steps to narrow down the candidates.

How Do You Treat Drop Foot?

Posted on December 09, 2009 | by Jason M. Highsmith, MD in A Surgeon's Perspective

Drop foot is a nerve and muscle disorder that prevents you from lifting the front of your foot.

Lumbar Spine Cysts

Is Surgery the Only Option?

Posted on December 09, 2009 | by Jason M. Highsmith, MD in A Surgeon's Perspective

There are many kinds of cysts that occur near the lumbar spine. The causes and treatments for each are different.

Exercising after Spine Surgery

Let Comfort Be Your Guide

Posted on December 09, 2009 | by Nicola V. Hawkinson, DNP, RN, RNFA in Back Pain Tips

Gradually working activity back into your post-operative routine is important to a successful recovery.

Standing or Sitting? Which Is Better for Degenerative Disc Disease?

Posted on December 04, 2009 | by Graeme Keys, PT, Dip MDT, COMT, CMP in Graeme Keys' Corner

Spine expert blog from SpineUniverse discusses the best way to deal with degenerative disc disease at the office.

Preventing Recurring Osteoporosis Fractures

Lifestyle Habits and Surgical Options

Posted on November 23, 2009 | by Isador H. Lieberman, MD, MBA, FRCSC in Spine Surgery Notes

"My mother has osteoporosis-related spinal compression fractures. She has developed multiple fractures from simple things, such as getting out of bed. What can she do to stop the recurring fractures?"