2018 - Page 2 of 5 - Carl Spivak, MD - Executive Spine Surgery

October 9, 2018

By Staff Writer Treatment Options for Back Pain

5 Signs Your Back Pain May Be Spinal Arthritis

50% of all working Americans deal with back pain symptoms every single year. This doesn’t include the number of young adults who may have scoliosis or a back-related sports injury, or retired or unemployed personnel who also struggle with back pain.

When you think of everyone around you who understands how serious back pain can be, it’s nice to know you’re not alone. But, this doesn’t make the pain go away. You still need to get treatment for the pain you’re dealing with, especially if you think you have a condition like spinal arthritis.

Spinal arthritis causes the protective cartilage of the spine to wear down. This can lead to even more pain in the spine and lack of spinal mobility.

Keep reading to see if you have any of the common signs of spinal arthritis.

1. You Back Pain Is Getting Worse and Worse

The thing about spinal arthritis is that the pain doesn’t just come and go. It’s a constant pain that lingers throughout your day, every day.

The pain may increase and decrease depending on your level of activity or lack thereof. But, it’s still there as you do everything from making breakfast to driving to work, to completing your work out.

More importantly, spinal arthritis in the back causes the pain to get worse.

You may have first experienced pain in the lower back that spread up the spine. Or, you could have noticed a bit of pain in your mid-back at first which has now spread up or down. However it began, if your back pain is spreading on the spine and/or increasing in intensity, you’re likely dealing with spinal arthritis.

2. You Have a Stiff Back

Another sign of spinal arthritis is immobility in the back. If you have trouble bending over or moving your spine side to side, you have a stiff back. This means you feel pain when performing simple tasks – like tying your shoes or lifting a load of laundry.

The stiffness stays with you throughout the day. Even if your back pain goes away when you sit, stand, or lay down for an extended period of time, you feel the stiffness when you try to move and shift positions.

This isn’t something to brush off or feel like you have to live with. It’s a spinal condition worth getting medical attention for as soon as possible.

3. Your Back Pain Causes Trouble Sleeping

Does the back pain you feel throughout the day follow you to bed at night? Is it hard for you to find a comfortable position to sleep in because your spine hurts?

This is another sign of spinal arthritis worth paying attention to. As common as back pain can be, it’s not normal for it to affect your quality of sleep.

Not to mention, a low level of sleep quality can make your back pain even worse. When you sleep poorly, you don’t have as much energy to take on your day. This can result in lower levels of activity and spending more time with your back in a fixed position. It can also lead you to hunch over at work from being groggy, which doesn’t do any good for the spine, either.

4. You Wake up with Back Pain

Maybe it’s not that you have trouble falling asleep because of your back pain but that you feel it the moment you wake up. Maybe you feel it in your sleep and the next morning, too.

Either way, you’re likely dealing with spinal arthritis. Remember, this affects the cartilage of the spine, not the bones themselves (at least, not right away). Lack of cartilage means lack of cushion for the bones.

This could result in a herniated disc or a pinch in the nerves. Cartilage is essential for healthy bone functions and placement. When it starts to degenerate, the surrounding area may inflame and cause more discomfort than the body is already experiencing.

As such, the pain you feel when waking up in the morning is a lowering of the inflammation that occurred during sleep. If the pain lasts throughout the day at a more intense level than normal, it could be that your spinal arthritis has caused a herniated disc, which should be taken care of right away.

5. Other Parts of Your Body Also Hurt

As if all the pain and discomfort caused by spinal arthritis isn’t enough, keep in mind this condition can spread. Pain in the spine may lead to discomfort in the neck or a tingling in the legs.

This tingling can reach as far as your toes if you’re not careful and you go too long without treatment. The tingling may end up as more of a numb sensation throughout your whole leg or it can concentrate in a certain area such as the knee.

Still, there’s no sense in putting yourself through this when help is available.

Get the Help Your Spinal Arthritis Needs

It’s one thing to recognize the symptoms of spinal arthritis and understand you have it, and another to actually get the treatment your spine needs.

Don’t go another day without taking care of your back. Make an appointment with an experienced spinal professional right now to get the treatment you deserve.

Before you know it, your back will feel as good as new and your pain will feel practically nonexistent! Click here to discover more about spinal arthritis and what Dr. Carl Spivak, MD, and his team can do for you.

October 2, 2018

By Staff Writer Treatment Options for Back Pain

The Best Bulging Disc Treatment for Pain Relief

Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide. Approximately 31 million Americans are struggling with this issue at any given time. In some cases, the pain can worsen and become chronic.

This condition can have a variety of cases, from poor posture to arthritis and injuries. Sometimes, it results from a bulging disc.

Also known as a disc protrusion, bulging discs typically occur in the lower back between vertebrae L5 and S1 or L4 and L5. Their symptoms vary from one individual to another.

Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others report excruciating pain.

Bulging disc treatment involves medications, physiotherapy, massage, or spinal manipulation. In severe cases, surgery is the only option.

Before discussing these options, let’s see what a bulging disc is in the first place.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

Spinal discs are cartilaginous joints that hold the vertebrae of your spine together. Their role is to absorb shock and allow movement at each spinal level. The spine has a total of 23 discs.

These anatomical structures are subject to wear and tear. At birth, about 80 percent of their content is water. As we age, our discs dehydrate and their cartilage becomes stiff, which may cause them to bulge out.

While aging is the most common cause of bulging discs, there are other factors that may contribute to this condition. These include:

A family history of spinal problems
Direct trauma
Sports injuries
Poor lifting technique
Muscle and posture imbalances
Cigarette smoking
Obesity
Lack of exercise
Slips and falls

Sometimes, it takes just one wrong move to develop a bulging disc. That’s why people who participate in contact sports, as well as those whose jobs involve prolonged standing, driving, and repetitive lifting, are at higher risk.

Common mistakes, such as slouching in your chair and sitting with poor posture, can affect your discs too.

This problem is more common in middle-aged individuals. However, anyone can develop a bulging disc. Cigarette smoking, weight gain, and too much sitting can all increase your risk.

Bulging Disc Treatment Options

Unless your condition is severe, you may able to treat a bulging disc with rest and physiotherapy. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help.

Bulging disc treatment options depend largely on your symptoms. Doctors often recommend acupuncture, electrotherapy, ice packs, or soft tissue massage for minor and moderately bulging disc injuries. You might also want to consider chiropractic treatment.

Another option is stem cell disc regeneration. This procedure stimulates the formation of new disc cells, which helps restore and rebuild damaged discs. Patients experience a reduction in pain and discomfort – and improved quality of life.

Surgery is only recommended in severe cases. If your back pain doesn’t settle with a conservative approach, this may your only option.

Let’s take a look at the best ways to treat a bulging disc and what to expect.

Physiotherapy

A bulging disc can place extra pressure on the muscles and nerves around it, causing pain. Medications only provide temporary relief. Plus, they fail to address the root cause of your problem.

Physiotherapy has emerged as a safe, effective way to treat bulging discs. Certain techniques, such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, traction, joint mobilization, and soft tissue massage, can relieve pain and improve your range of motion.

Electrical stimulation, for instance, helps reduce muscle spasms. Joint mobilization can increase your flexibility and normalize joint function.

Your physiotherapist may also recommend stretching and strengthening exercises that reduce back pain and improve your posture. He will create a workout plan that can be safely done at home with little or no equipment. The end goal is to improve your body mechanics and restore your mobility.

Furthermore, a physical therapist can show you how to exercise safely and what movements to avoid. The wrong kind of exercises can worsen your symptoms. Leg lifts, sit-ups, overhead weightlifting, and running are just a few to mention.

In general, it’s recommended to avoid high-impact workouts, heavy lifting, and contact sports.

Steer clear of any movements that involve repetitive forward-bending at the waist. Instead, opt for low-impact aerobic activities and stretching.

Ice and Heat Therapy

Unless you have excruciating pain, ice and heat therapy can help.

Ice packs reduce inflammation and swelling around the compressed spinal nerve. All you need to do is to apply ice on the affected areas for about 10 minutes; repeat several times a day.

Heat therapy may relieve muscle spasms and ease your pain. It also helps increase oxygen and blood flow to your tissues, leading to faster healing.

Depending on your symptoms, you may alternate ice and heat. However, be aware that heat isn’t effective against inflammation; in this case, it’s better to use ice.

Stem Cell Disc Regeneration

This quick, minimally invasive procedure may offer complete relief from back pain and other symptoms associated with bulging discs. In clinical trials, it has been shown to slow or stop the degenerative process and increase disc hydration.

As its name suggests, stem cell disc regeneration aims to restore damaged discs to their normal, healthy state. It has been proven effective in the treatment of bulging discs, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and other similar conditions.

Since this procedure uses your body’s own stem cells, it’s well tolerated and unlikely to cause adverse reactions. After you receive the treatment, you’re free to go home and resume you

Don’t Let Pain Take Over Your Life

As you see, there are various options for bulging disc treatment. Choosing one over another depends on your symptoms and the severity of your condition.

The sooner you receive treatment, the better. Early intervention can lower your risk of developing complications.

You deserve a pain-free life. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Book an appointment and find out how we can help!

September 17, 2018

By Staff Writer Nerve damage

How to Treat a Pinched Nerve: 10 Home Remedies for Quick Relief

Did you know that pinched nerves send your body warning signs such as pain? Do not ignore them.

In this article, we will examine ten things you can do at home to help relieve the pain associated with the pinched nerve.

Do you want to learn how to treat a pinched nerve? Then keep reading to find out!

How to Treat a Pinched Nerve at Home

Here we will go over ten things you can do at home to treat a pinched nerve.

1. Correct Your Posture

Did you know that bad posture could cause your pinched nerve? You want to make sure you are sitting correctly. Improve your usual sitting or standing position.

By doing this, you will help lessen pain while also alleviating compression or constrictive of the affected nerve.

If a pinched nerve is in your neck, make sure you have your chin in a neutral position. Do not keep it too far back or forwards. Make sure your shoulders are in an upright position.

When you are sitting, keep your back straight. When walking or standing, make sure your body is upright and straight. Try to keep these postures often so you can help the pinched nerve.

2. Have a Rest

No matter the location or reason behind your pinched nerve, make sure you rest the area that has been affected. Resting should not be underestimated as part of the healing process. In fact, it is hugely important for your recovery.

For example, a pinched nerve in a neck needs quite a bit of rest. Do not participate in activities like tennis or golf. Rest until the pain is gone.

Also, try to sleep longer. When you are asleep, your body is given a chance to focus on healing. Perhaps use a neck brace while sleeping. This will help limit movement. You won’t risk more injury.

Try sleeping on your back or side and not your stomach.

If your pinched nerve is in your lower back, keep your legs rested a few inches when sleeping. Slip a pillow beneath them.

3. Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the pinched nerve is a fantastic way to relieve some of the pain temporarily and quickly. The cold temperature will numb the area.

This will help with swelling, inflammation, and pain.

To make an ice pack, merely put ice cubes in a plastic bag. Seal it and wrap it up with a towel. Place the pack on the area and keep it there for ten minutes at a time. You can repeat this cooling treatment every hour.

Keep in mind that directly applying ice on the skin can trigger cold burns. Do not forget the towel and plastic bag.

4. Heat Compress

After experiencing the pinched nerve pain for twenty-four hours, it is now time to apply heat to the affected area.

By using heat, you will help the muscles relax that are surrounding the nerve. This will improve the flow of blood to the area of the damaged nerve.

Warm temperatures will speed up the healing process while also providing comfort.

First, you will get a washcloth. Soak it in warm water, then squeeze out the excess. Place this washcloth on the sore area and keep it there for ten minutes.

You can repeat this if you’d like. Another option is using a heating pad or hot water bottle.

5. Bathe in Epsom Salts

Did you know that Epsom salts give your body enough magnesium? This, in turn, helps heal and reduce nerve pain. Take an Epsom salt bath because your body will quickly absorb the magnesium.

Epsom salts also have anti-inflammatory properties. This will help your tight muscles relax that are surrounding the pinched nerve.

Only add one cup of Epsom salt to your warm bath water. Soak in the bath for twenty minutes. Do this twice a week until your symptoms reduce or disappear.

6. Massage with Warm Oil

Another great way to reduce the pain from a pinched nerve is by massaging your muscles with warm oil. This will help activate pressure points. In turn, blood flow will improve, stiff muscles will relax, mobility improves, and the pain lessens.

Try warm olive, mustard, or coconut oil along with a few drops of peppermint oil.

Gently rub on the affected area and massage for ten minutes.

Do two times a day until you see an improvement. You may need to ask for help if it’s in an area you can’t reach by yourself.

7. Castor Oil Compress

Castor oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it ideal for treating inflammation and pain created by a pinched nerve. Oil will help restore the nerve function.

Create a castor oil pack. Use pieces of wool flannel fabric and soak them in warm castor oil. Squeeze out excess oil and place the material on the pained area. Use a piece of plastic wrap to cover the square. Then cover it with a thin towel.

To keep the warmth of the oil, place a heating pad over the towel. You can do this every few hours a day.

8. Stretch Gently

Do some gentle stretches and gain relief from your pinched nerve. By stretching, blood flow will increase, and your stiff muscles will relax.

If the pinched nerve is around your neck, gently rotate it in a circular motion, both counterclockwise and clockwise. This movement will stretch out any irritated muscles. Shift your neck side to side and forward and backward.

If the pinched nerve is in your arm, gently rotate your wrists and arms, counterclockwise and clockwise.

9. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of those spices that is special. If can help relieve inflammation and pain connected with the pinched nerve. Its soothing properties help lessen the symptoms.

Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to coconut or almond milk. Bring to a boil and then add cinnamon. Strain the liquid and add honey. Taste this milk once or twice a day for a couple of weeks.

10. Acupuncture or Acupressure

These are alternative therapies that can treat a pinched nerve. They will relieve the pain while also restoring the nerve function.

They stimulate certain spots on the body. This releases chemicals and allows the person to experience a change in their perception of pain.

Feel Better

We hope you found this article helpful. Next time you experience a pinched nerve, remember these ten different tips on how to treat a pinched nerve.

If the pain is continuing to persist, please contact us today to help. You may need to consider an epidural steroid injection or surgery.

September 10, 2018

By Staff Writer Spine Surgery

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: What Is It and How Can I Avoid It?

If you have a condition or pain that leads you down the path of getting back or spinal surgery, chances are you want that surgery to be a success. But when it comes to back surgery, there is the potential that it could fail or your condition could worsen.

This negative result of back surgery is generalized under the term “failed back surgery syndrome” or “FBSS”. This sounds scary and discouraging, but the good news is there are steps you can take to avoid FBSS and have the successful surgical outcome you’re looking for.

In this article, we’re going to go over exactly what FBSS is, how it’s different from post-operative pain, and what you can do to avoid it.

What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

As we said earlier, failed back surgery syndrome is a general term for patients who experience an unchanged or worsened condition after getting back surgery.

This syndrome is distinct from the pain you experience post-surgery. Most people will experience pain, stiffness, and discomfort following surgery. FBSS isn’t pain caused by the surgery; it’s pain that occurs as a result of a failed or unsuccessful procedure that can lead to new types of pain and symptoms.

Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

The most common symptom of FBSS is chronic pain. This pain could be the same pain experienced pre-op, it could be that same pain worsened, or it could be pain in new areas.

Other symptoms of FBSS include:

Difficulty recuperating post-surgery
Sharp pains in the back
Back spasms
Decreased mobility/flexibility
Numbness
Radiating pain in the leg, hip, arms, etc
Anxiety
Depression

It’s important to distinguish between normal post-op recuperation and post-op pain from the abnormal chronic pain/symptoms experienced by those with failed back surgery syndrome.

Causes of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

There are a few potential causes of FBSS.

Incorrect/Unnecessary Procedure

First is the idea that back problems and pain can’t always be specifically identified. Back surgery can go in a fix something that is thought to be the cause of your pain, but sometimes whatever gets fixed wasn’t actually the cause of your pain.

When this happens, the true issue is never fixed, which leads to continued pain post-surgery. Also, this means that surgery was performed on an area that didn’t necessarily need it, which can lead to new symptoms and pain as a result.

Failed Procedure

FBSS can also be caused by the procedure itself not going as it’s supposed to. Many back procedures have high failure rates. This could be because of an implantation failure, failure to fuse during a spinal fusion procedure, etc.

Scar Tissue

Sometimes scar tissue can form around the area where the surgery was performed. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and immobility, all of which are symptoms of FBSS.

How to Reduce Your Risk

While there are never any guarantees when it comes to back surgery, there are steps you can take to minimize your risks, help your body heal, and avoid failed back surgery syndrome and the symptoms that come with it.

Trust Your Doctor

Having back surgery is a big deal that can literally change your life. You need to know that you can trust your doctor and surgeons to do the best job that they can even with a surgery that isn’t 100% guaranteed to help you.

Take the time to get consults from a few different doctors. This will help you get a feel for how different doctors would handle your condition so you can know you’re getting the right procedure.

We mentioned that sometimes FBSS is caused when a procedure is done unnecessarily or is the incorrect procedure for what’s causing your pain and symptoms. Consulting multiple doctors and finding one you really trust will help ensure that you’re getting the right procedure from a competent and talented physician.

You can also look up reviews of different surgeons to see other patient’s outcomes.

Weight Loss

But even the best doctors have patients that experience FBSS. The best things you can do to reduce your risk of FBSS is to adjust some things in your life to promote healing and reduce pressure on your back.

Weight is a big risk factor for back pain. If you’re overweight or obese, getting into the normal weight range for your height can take a significant amount of pressure off your back, which can relieve both pain and stress.

Smoking

Cutting out tobacco can also help promote healing. Smoking has been shown to slow down healing times and increase the rate at which the spine degenerates. Smoking could result in a failed procedure, so be sure to stop before surgery.

Other Lifestyle Changes

Finally, you should adjust any activities or positions that lead to or contributed to your condition in the first place. All the surgery in the world won’t help you if you go back to the same damaging behaviors you were doing pre-surgery.

If sitting in an uncomfortable office chair all day was a factor of your lower back pain, don’t go back to doing that post surgery. Get a proper chair that supports your back in a healthy way.

Were you doing incorrect yoga stretches with bad form that lead to your condition? Don’t continue to do those stretches after surgery or you could end up with a worsened, or unchanged, condition (aka FBSS).

Make a plan with your doctor to adjust your lifestyle to promote healing after surgery. They’ll be able to tell you what position to sleep in, what stretches to do, and what things you should not be doing in order to have the best chance at success.

Bottom Line

Failed back surgery syndrome is an unfortunate reality when it comes to back surgery. No back surgery is 100% guaranteed to work. But, there are steps you can take to maximize your chance of success.

Speak to your doctor about your procedure’s success and failure rates and what you can do to prevent a failed outcome. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or book an appointment online.

September 3, 2018

By Staff Writer Relief

8 Amazing Exercises to Alleviate Arthritis of the Spine

There are no bones about it: arthritis of the spine is a tough break. The condition is painful and it often takes a combination of treatments to ease the pain.

If you’re suffering from arthritis of the spine, we have good news! There are easy exercises you can do at home to reduce your pain. Some of them focus on good posture, and others focus on strengthening your core. All of them, however, can lead to a healthier life with less pain.

Exercises to Reduce Arthritis of the Spine

The right exercises can reduce the pain of arthritis at any stage. Whether it’s just begun or you’ve spent years trying treatment after treatment, these exercises can complement any treatment plan.

1. Master Good Posture

This isn’t an exercise per se, but it can make a world of difference. You’ll also use it in other exercises, so it’s important to learn.

To improve your posture, imagine an invisible string holding you up. It starts at your hips and runs up through your spine and comes out the top of your head. Be sure to keep your shoulders down.

Practicing good posture helps your arthritis of the spine in several ways. First, it reduces the chances that a spinal misalignment will add to your discomfort. Second, it strengthens your core muscles. These muscles protect your spine, reducing your arthritis symptoms.

2. Perform Side Lifts

This exercise builds your back muscles to protect your spine and soothe arthritis pain. To start, stand with proper posture and put your hands at your sides. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart.

Without moving the lower half of your body, bend at the waist to one side. Bend as far as you can without pain, although you should feel your muscles stretching. Use your back muscles to stand back up straight.

You should perform this exercise ten times on each side. As you get stronger, you can increase the difficulty with weights. Hold a small weight in your hand on the side you’re exercising.

3. Go on Regular Walks

It sounds simple, but walking is a great exercise for arthritis of the spine. Walk lightly so you keep the impact on your back to a minimum. Try to walk on surfaces with some “give” like an athletic track.

For further improvement, practice good posture as you walk. Gently engage your core muscles throughout your exercise. In fact, you should also mind your posture as you do chores and move around your house.

4. Practice Tai Chi

Many people talk about yoga as an exercise plan to reduce arthritis. While it can be effective, it tends to put more pressure on your joints than people expect. Even beginners’ yoga can also be too much of a challenge for some people.

Try tai chi instead. Tai chi is an exercise form that’s gentle on your joints. It focuses on slow movements that stretch your muscles and improve your balance.

Depending on how much guidance you want, you can find tai chi classes in most towns. If you prefer to try it at home, there are plenty of tai chi videos on YouTube. Look for routines that are designed for arthritis relief.

5. Try Planking

You might remember planking as an internet trend from several years ago. People would take pictures and videos of themselves laying straight like a board in crazy places. The planking we’re talking about, on the other hand, is a type of exercise.

Start by getting on the floor on your hands and knees with your back straight. If you’re familiar with yoga, this is the tabletop pose. Be sure to use a yoga mat or find another way to cushion your knees.

From this position, straighten one leg and lift it so it forms a straight line with your back. Keep your head facing forward. Hold this position for six seconds before putting your leg back down. Do this for ten reps on each side.

As you get stronger, you can increase the difficulty. While you extend one leg, try extending the opposite arm straight forward. You can also start holding the position for longer.

6. Use a Stability Ball to Do Half Crunches

A stability ball is a large inflatable ball, usually about the height of your knee. You can use it for many types of exercises, but this one is great for people with arthritis.

Sit on the ball with your feet flat on the floor. Lay back until your back is supported by the ball at around a 45-degree angle. You might need to walk your feet forward t reach this angle.

From this position, use your abdominal muscles to lift your upper body. It’s as if you’re doing the second half of a sit-up, and it’s easier on your back than laying on the floor. Do as many of these half crunches as you can, increasing the number as you get stronger.

7. Try the W Stretch

This stretch targets your back in a direct, easy way to relieve your arthritis pain. Stand with food posture with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your arms and hold them out with your palms facing forward. Your arms should form a “W” shape.

In this position, squeeze your shoulder blades together as much as you can without pain. Hold this stretch for three seconds before returning to your original position. Repeat the exercise ten times. As you get stronger, you can increase the holding time or the number of repetitions.

8. Perform Pelvic Tilts

To do a pelvic tilt, lay on the floor with your knees bent like triangles. You’ll look like you’re about to do a sit-up but your arms are at your sides.

Use your abdominal muscles to tilt your pelvis toward your head without leaving the floor. You won’t see much movement but you’ll feel your core muscles engaging. Repeat this exercise ten times.

Treating Your Arthritis of the Spine

Arthritis of the spine doesn’t have a one-and-done treatment method. It’s a matter of staying on top of your condition and finding the combination of treatments that work for you. Any and all of the exercises above can complement almost any medical treatment.

If you’re looking for more direct treatment options, schedule an appointment with our spinal surgeons.

August 27, 2018

By Staff Writer Discectomy

Bulging Disc vs Herniated Disc: Is There Any Difference?

54% of Americans have had back or neck pain for at least five years. If you’re dealing with back pain, you’re not alone.

You may be wondering if you have a herniated disc or a bulging disc and whether there is any difference between them. If so, this post is for you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about a bulging disc vs herniated disc.

Bulging Disc vs Herniated Disc: What’s the Difference?

Before you look for treatment, it’s a good idea to become educated about your back pain. While it may seem like the terms ‘bulging disc’ and ‘herniated disc’ are used interchangeably, they are actually very different.

What is a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc is sometimes called a disc protrusion. Usually, someone who has a bulging disc won’t have any symptoms. However, if the disc is compressing on the spinal cord or an adjacent nerve, this can cause disability and discomfort.

As we get older, the outer part of our discs naturally weaken. This fibrous portion can bulge when pressure from the central part of the disc stretches to the outer rim.

Since bulging discs don’t always have symptoms, many people may have a bulging disc without knowing it. However, once the disc begins pinching a nerve, they’ll feel pain traveling to the feet, legs, butt, and hips. If the disc is bulging in the cervical spine, you may feel pain radiating from the neck down your arm to your fingers.

Most of the time, bulging discs are found in the lumbar area (lower back). This will usually be between L4 and L5 of your lumbar vertebrae and between L5 and S1. Your sciatic nerve runs along here, so if the bulging disc crowds one of the six nerves along your spine, you can expect to feel sciatic pain. This can extend down your leg and all the way to your foot.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is what will typically happen if a bulging disc is not treated appropriately.

A bulging disc means that pressure is causing the fibrous outer part of your disc to bulge. But a herniated disc is when this outer layer has a hole or is so thin that the inner portion extrudes into the spinal canal.

One way to think of this is by picturing your favorite type of filled donut. If you put pressure on the donut, you’ll see it flatten slightly and the fluid may move towards the sides. But a herniated disc is when this “donut” ruptures and some of the filling begins leaking out.

Herniated discs are much more likely to be painful since they’ll usually protrude further, making it more likely to irritate your nerves.

Sometimes, herniated discs are also called slipped discs. While you’re more at risk of a herniated disc as you age, certain motions may cause a herniated disc- particularly if it’s already bulging. People who have a sedentary lifestyle, weak muscles, and/or are overweight are also more likely to develop a herniated disc.

The Symptoms of Bulging or Herniated Discs

Keep in mind that if you don’t have any pressure on a nerve from a bulging or herniated disc, you may not even be aware that you have a problem.

Here are some of the symptoms of bulging or herniated discs:

Burning sensations
Weakness
Tingling and numbness
Soreness and stiffness
Cramping
Muscle spasms
Radiating pain
General discomfort
Loss of range of motion
And more

You’re much more likely to have symptoms from a herniated disc as a bulging disc is more likely to stay contained in one area.

Diagnosing Disc Problems

If you think you may have a bulging or herniated disc, it’s best to get it checked out. Your doctor will check your back for any pain or discomfort and may ask you to move into various positions or lie flat.

You may need an MRI, which uses radio waves to create an image of your back’s internal structure. This will confirm where your bulging or herniated disc is, and the nerves it is affecting.

Finally, your doctor or specialist may also perform a discogram. This is when you have a special dye injected into your discs. A discogram helps narrow down the source of your disc pain.

Treating a Bulging or Herniated Disc

Once a doctor confirms that you have a bulging disc, they’ll usually recommend a few different measures. Often, a bulging disc will resolve on its own. If it doesn’t, your physician is likely to choose a more aggressive approach so any symptoms can be addressed.

As soon as you’ve been diagnosed with a bulging disc, you’re likely to try the following treatments:

Lifestyle changes and weight loss
Avoiding lifting
A short rest period
Ice packs
Stretching techniques
Heat therapy
Targeted exercises from a physical therapist
Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers
Cortisone (steroid) injections
Spinal decompression therapy
Acupuncture
Chiropractic treatment

Once you have a herniated disc, many specialists will start with conservative treatment such as physical therapy and medications. If your symptoms don’t improve within six weeks, you may need surgery. This is particularly true if you’re experiencing loss of bowel or bladder control, difficulty walking or standing, or weakness and numbness.

Often, a skilled surgeon will be able to just remove the portion of the disc that’s protruding. Very rarely, an entire disc will need to be removed. In this case, your vertebrae will be fused together to keep your spine stable.

Wrapping Up

If you think you may have a bulging or herniated disc, now’s the time to get it looked at. By starting treatment early, you have a greater chance of resolving the issue and avoiding surgery.

Want to talk to a professional about your back pain? We can help. Book an appointment online today so you can get to the bottom of your back pain and stop living your life in pain.

$vertebral compression fracture$

August 20, 2018

By Staff Writer Osteoporosis

The Link Between Osteoporosis and Vertebral Compression Fracture

Did you know that more than 54 million Americans are at greater risk of breaking a bone?

We’re being literal here! That’s because about 10 million of these individuals have osteoporosis, while the rest suffer from low bone density. In any case, both groups have a higher tendency of breaking a bone.

Even if they don’t, they can still develop a condition called vertebral compression fracture. About 1.5 million cases of these “cracks” occur every year in the U.S. Most of them happen in people with osteoporosis or low bone density.

If you fall under any of these two high-risk groups, it’s a must to pay more attention to your spine (and general bone) health. There are ways to treat and protect yourself from a compression fracture.

Keep reading to learn about these treatments and prevention tactics!

Vertebral Compression Fracture in 50 Words

It’s a type of fracture (think cracks or breaks) affecting the spine. Also known as a spinal or lumbar compression fracture, this injury often results from osteoporosis.

In general, health professionals diagnose this for spinal vertebral bones that have lost anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of their height from a fracture.

What about Osteoporosis?

Did you know that osteoporosis literally means “porous bone?” That’s because the condition causes bone loss (including loss of bone strength). This results in a greater risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” since many don’t notice its development. In many cases, it doesn’t come with symptoms – not even discomfort or pain – until it results in a fracture.

This disease can even make sufferers shorter (as it decreases their height). It also causes dowager’s hump, a condition that gives the upper back a rounded appearance.

When Osteoporosis Is the Culprit of Compression Fractures

Osteoporosis doesn’t cause all compression fractures. But if you suffer from it, you’re more likely to sustain such bone injuries.

Thinning and weakening of the bones are part of the aging process. But osteoporosis makes them worse. It causes severe weakening of the bones, which then makes them more susceptible to breaking.

This means that osteoporosis sufferers can fracture themselves even with the simplest activities. Extending the arms to reach for something, twisting to look around, and even coughing or sneezing may lead to a fracture.

That’s why even the slightest excess pressure on a weakened spine can cause it to fracture. When this happens, the front of the vertebra cracks. Over time, it decreases in height.

Signs You Have Spinal Compression Fractures

Back pain – check. Intensified back pain when standing or walking – check. Loss of restricted spinal mobility – check.

All these are common compression fracture symptoms. Especially back pain, which can affect as much as 80 percent of the population.

Note that back pain is so common that it’s a symptom of many other conditions. For instance, those who have lumbar degenerative disc disease also suffer from back pain.

The pain that comes with a compression fracture often affects the area near the back. In many cases, these fractures develop near the waistline. But it can also occur in the mid-chest or the lower back area.

Moving also makes the pain more apparent or severe. This is especially true when you change positions. Or even when you cough or sneeze.

Another sign that you have a spinal compression fracture is when lying down or resting relieves the pain.

Keep in mind that while acute (short-term) back pain is more common with vertebral fractures, these bone injuries can still result in chronic (long-term) pain. Not addressing it right away can also cause your internal organs to crowd.

Furthermore, the pain you experience can lead to loss of physical activity and exercise. This may result in muscle loss and weakness. All these can affect your self-esteem.

The Good News

All these stats and facts about compression fractures can make anyone concerned, especially if you already suffer from osteoporosis. But don’t lose to your condition (and pain) yet!

First off, you don’t have to worry too much about spinal cord damage or nerve injuries. That’s because most compression fractures only damage the front area of the vertebral column.

You do need to address your osteoporosis right away. Treating the root of fractures is key to preventing them from worsening and growing in number. Also, osteoporosis treatment is very effective in most cases.

Know that even simple changes in sleeping positions can help ease back pain. For instance, you can try putting a pillow between the knees and sleeping on your side.

Besides adding calcium supplements to your diet, you should also stock up on vitamin D. If you smoke, keep reducing it until you quit. Not only will this help with your osteoporosis and spinal compression fractures, but it will also benefit your lungs, skin, and teeth.

When Your Condition Warrants Surgery

Sometimes, spinal compression fractures can still cause pain even after you implement all the above-mentioned tips. If resting, pain medication, or back bracing didn’t help, consider surgery.

Today, you’ll find minimally-invasive surgical procedures for osteoporosis and compression fractures. There’s Kyphoplasty, for instance.

Also known as “Balloon Vertebroplasty,” this spinal compression fracture treatment helps in restoring the natural shape of the spine. It also helps ease the pain, with some patients feeling its beneficial effects right away.

This is only one of your treatment options, though. To find out if you’re a good candidate for this treatment and others, it’s best to consult a spinal disorder specialist.

Be Back on Your Back in No Time

Suffering from a vertebral compression fracture stop you from living your life. With advancements in spinal health technology, you can be back on your feet (and back) and prevent osteoporosis complications.

You should also check our other back pain management tips to help you live a healthier, more comfortable life!

June 27, 2018

By Staff Writer Pain

How to Soothe Spinal Arthritis Pain Before Your Treatment

Arthritis, which affects some 54 million American adults, is the leading cause of disability. If you are among those patients who have been diagnosed with spinal arthritis, you likely experience back pain on a regular basis — and perhaps you are even scheduled for non-invasive back surgery.

Having surgery or another treatment scheduled can give you peace of mind, knowing that there is relief in sight. In the meantime, there are a variety of ways you can ease your aching back. Let’s take a look at some of the most common.

Heat or Ice?

Chances are you have a heating pad or a hot water bottle lying around, in which case you should press them into service right away. If not, it’s pretty easy to make your own or pick up a reusable heat pack at the pharmacy. The soothing effect of the heat can help you live with lower or upper back pain.

Ice is generally used for acute injuries, to reduce swelling and help numb pain. Chronic arthritis pain tends to respond better to heat. However, use whichever one brings relief; just don’t use an ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a stretch.

Water Feels Wonderful

Many spinal arthritis patients find that it feels wonderful to be immersed in water. The buoyancy helps ease pressure on aching muscles. Taking warm baths, attending gentle aqua fitness classes, or sitting in a jacuzzi are all great ways to soothe your spine pain.

Massage Therapy

Is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy getting a nice massage? Aside from the blissful feeling of having your knots and kinks worked out, massage can also provide lasting pain relief for anyone with arthritis.

Yes, it’s true that arthritis directly affects the joints, not the muscles, but remember that everything in your body is connected. If you have joint pain, your muscles will do extra duty to help move your body — and they can get pretty sore as a result.

Chiropractic Care

Similarly, your knees, hips, feet, and other joints may suffer due to spinal arthritis. A chiropractic session may help realign your body and temporarily take away the pain.

Be sure to inform your chiropractor of your arthritis diagnosis. First-timer and nervous about the adjustment? It’s OK to ask that your chiropractor go easy on you, or to find one who uses spinal mobilization rather than spinal manipulation.

Acupuncture

Like chiropractic care, acupuncture can sound a little scary. Who would choose to have needles jabbed into them? In fact, plenty of people not only make this choice but report tremendous benefits from this ancient practice.

Ensure that your acupuncturist is licensed in your state and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. They should also use only disposable, single-use needles.

Gentle Exercises

No matter how active you were pre-diagnosis, the pain from spinal arthritis is probably restricting your mobility and activity level. High-impact exercises like running or playing basketball will have to wait. In the meantime, try two ancient and very gentle forms of movement: yoga or tai chi.

Both disciplines emphasize breathwork as well as slow, steady movements. They can improve your balance, flexibility, and overall well being, too. Start out slowly with videos for beginners, and make sure to get your doctor’s approval beforehand.

Get Some Rest — But Not Too Much

It would be nice to use your spine pain as an excuse to lie in bed or camp out on the couch, catching up on the latest Netflix offerings. However, too much inactivity won’t do you any favors. The human body is designed to move, after all.

Do what you can within the limits of your pain. It’s important to find a balance between your activity level and the signals your back sends you to be still.

Shed Those Extra Pounds

Nor is this the time to engage in emotional eating. If spinal problems have you temporarily sidelined, make sure to adjust your calorie intake downward to avoid gaining weight.

Anyone who is already overweight would do well to drop a few pounds prior to spinal surgery. Control your portion sizes, and choose foods that are nutrient-rich instead of processed junk. Slimming down somewhat will help your body feel better in general, and can speed up recovery time, too.

Find New Ways to Relax

This tip for spinal arthritis patients is especially important if lying down and taking it easy are hard for you to do. Maybe you’re accustomed to relieving stress by playing a sport or heading to Zumba class three times a week. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, your go-to in times of tension is a date with Ben and Jerry.

There are plenty of relaxation techniques to try. Journaling, coloring or sketching, guided meditation, and self-hypnosis are all healthy ways to chill out.

Pain Medication

Some people are hesitant to start taking medication for their pain — and that’s understandable, given how serious the opioid crisis in the United States has become. In some cases, however, prescription medication is a viable option. There are a number of drugs you can try before restoring to highly addictive painkillers.

Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or analgesics such as Tylenol are a good place to start. If those don’t do the trick, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxer or non-opioid pain medication.

Topical Treatments

Another way to get relief is by using topical preparations. These include Ben-Gay, Aspercreme, Tiger Balm, IcyHot, and BioFreeze. You can find them at the drugstore, and some even come in roll-on or spray versions for easier application.

Spinal Arthritis Pain? Not Anymore!

As you can see, there are many approaches to pain relief that you can try while you’re waiting for more serious treatments, like spinal arthritis surgery. No two back pain patients are the same, so it may take some experimentation to see what works for you.

Have you found relief from any of these non-invasive spinal pain treatments? What has worked best for you? Let us know in the comments!

June 27, 2018

By Staff Writer Pain

What Are the Best Sleeping Positions to Reduce Back Pain at Night?

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons estimates that 75 to 85 percent of Americans face back pain at some point in their lives. That’s a pretty alarming number!

Back pain can prevent you from doing many things you enjoy such as sleeping, working out, or traveling.

Does your back pain keep you up at night? Is it hard to find the perfect position that gives you the best pain relief?

Here are some helpful sleeping positions that will reduce back pain so you can rest easy.

1. On Your Side with a Pillow Between Your Knees

Try shifting to your side instead of laying flat on your back.

Your shoulder and side of the body you sleep on should touch the mattress
Put the pillow between your knees
If your waist does not touch the mattress, add a small pillow
Don’t always sleep on the same side – rotate

Why the side position? It’s not sleeping on your side that makes you feel better – it’s the pillow that aligns your pelvis, hips, and spine.

2. On Side in the Fetal Position

If you have a herniated disk, you should try this position. It gives a little extra support.

Start on your back and then roll to your side gently
Tuck your knees into your chest
Curl your torso toward your knees
Switch sides regularly to prevent imbalance

Each of your disks has soft cushions between them. When your disk becomes herniated, the disk is out of its normal spot which causes the pain and weakness. This position helps your disk by opening up space between each of vertebrae.

3. On Your Stomach with a Pillow Under Abdomen

Sleeping on your stomach can be uncomfortable if you have back pain. It could add stress to your neck.

If you love sleeping on your stomach, you can try:

Putting a pillow under your pelvis and lower abdomen
Removing the pillow from under your head

You can feel the pressure in your neck if you turn your head to the side. To relieve pressure on your neck, use a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your forehead. Facing your head down is best for your neck.

If you have degenerative disk disease, you may benefit the most from stomach sleeping with a pillow. It relieves the stress pushing on the space between your disks.

4. On Your Back with a Pillow Under Your Knees

Sleeping on your back may be your best option for pain relief. To get the most support:

Lay straight on your back
Put a pillow below knees
Use a small rolled up towel under back for additional support

This position helps because your weight is distributed evenly. Your weight is also spread across the widest part of your body.

This allows your spine and organs to be aligned and relieves strain on the pressure points. The pillow is key to keeping your lower back in a curve.

5. On Your Back Reclining Position

Have you slept in a recliner? This position can be beneficial if you have isthmic spondylolisthesis, which is a condition causing one of your vertebra to slip over the next vertebra underneath.

Reclining helps because it creates an angle between your trunk and thighs, which reduces pressure on the spine.

You can also choose to invest in an adjustable bed for additional support and the best alignment.

Alignment is Key

As you can see, there are a variety of sleep position options if you have back pain. Keeping proper alignment is the most important part of getting a comfortable night’s sleep.

Be sure you align your ears, hips, and shoulders. Add any pillows to fill gaps between your body and the bed. These gaps strain your muscles and spine.

You can also mess up your alignment when you turn in bed. Try to keep your entire body together as you move. Keep your core tight and pull your belly button in.

If needed, you may bring your knees to your chest to roll over for added support.

Key Points About Choosing a Pillow

Now that we have discussed sleep positions – it’s important to talk about your pillow. There are a variety of pillows and some are better suited for different sleep positions.

Your main head pillow should promote the natural neck posture. It should also support your spine.

You want this pillow to not only be comfortable but also adaptable. It should keep its shape after use.

You should change your pillow every 12-18 months.

If you sleep on your back, a thinner pillow may be the best option because it doesn’t raise the head too much. Memory foam is a suitable option because it forms into the shape of the neck and head.

If you sleep on your side, you should consider a thick pillow. You want this pillow to completely fill in the space between the mattress and the neck.

Stomach sleepers should also consider a thin pillow or forego having a pillow. If your pillow is too thick, it will put pressure on your neck by pushing the head back. A small firm pillow can be used to support the forehead.

How to Choose a Mattress

Your mattress needs to be supportive and comfortable. People with lower back pain may want to consider a medium-firm mattress. If your mattress is too firm, it will put strain on your pressure points and get your body out of alignment.

Your size, shape, and proportions determine the amount of support you need. You want to feel like you are floating on air with no pressure on your body.

If your mattress is too soft, it can twist your joints and get your spine out of alignment.

There are several mattress styles to choose from including innerspring, memory foam, latex, and air.

You should replace your mattress every 10-15 years.

Still Looking to Reduce Back Pain?

It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep when you have back pain. If you feel like you need more help to reduce back pain, contact Dr. Carl Spivak today for a no-cost MRI review.

He will work with you to see if you are a candidate for his minimally invasive procedures to reduce your back pain.

June 20, 2018

By Staff Writer Surgery

Are You a Good Candidate for Artificial Disk Replacement?

Chronic back pain will affect 80-90% of people at some point in their lives. Almost 2% of our country’s workforce deals with debilitating back pain. Many conditions can cause pain and require surgery.

When your pain becomes so severe that you cant control it with conservative treatments, you’ll need to be evaluated by a spine surgeon.

Spinal surgery has advanced a lot in the last few years, including FDA improved devices that can replace damaged spinal disks.

But the conditions that disk replacement surgery can treat are limited by a variety of factors. To learn more about artificial disk replacement and whether or not you would be a good candidate, read on.

What is Artificial Disk Replacement?

Before we talk about what makes a person a good candidate for this surgery, you should understand exactly what this surgery is.

Artificial disk replacement surgery is when worn or damaged disk material between the small bones in your spine are removed and replaced with synthetic or artificial disks. The goal of this procedure is to relieve back pain and maintain normal motion.

In other procedures, like spinal fusion, your movement would be much more limited.

Although many people will deal with low back pain in their lives, most people won’t need surgery to correct it. Surgery is only considered when back pain doesn’t improve with treatment.

For patients who have tried all nonsurgical options and are still in pain, lumbar fusion surgery is the most common option for treating lower back pain. Fusion is pretty much what it sounds like, a “welding” process that fuses the painful vertebrae together so they heal in a single, solid bone.

Lumbar fusion helps many people, but the results vary. Also, some people who heal in the most ideal way still have no improvement in their back pain.

Some doctors believe that this is due to the fact that fusion prevents normal motion in the spine. Because of this, artificial disk replacement has come forward as an alternative treatment option.

Artifical disk replacement gained FDA approval in 2004 and over the past years, scientists discovered new designs that are being developed today.

Who is a Good Candidate for Artifical Disk Replacement?

In order to make sure you are the best possible candidate for disk replacement, your surgeon might want you to go through a few tests. Some of these tests include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
Discography
Computed tomography (CT) scans
X-rays

The information they learn from these tests will help your surgeon determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for the surgery as well as pinpointing the source of your back pain.

As beneficial as this surgery is for many, it is not appropriate for everyone with low back pain. For the most part, good candidates have a few characteristics in common. They are:

Back pain caused by one or two intervertebral disks in the lumbar spine
No significant facet joint disease
No bony compression on spinal nerves
Not excessively overweight
No major surgery has been performed on the lumbar pine before
No deformity of the spine, like scoliosis

As long as you meet these criteria, and are in otherwise good health, you should qualify for the surgery.

The Procedure

For the most part, artificial disk replacement surgery will take between 2 and 3 hours.

Your surgeon will approach your lower back from the front through an incision in your abdomen. This way, the organs and blood vessels must move to the side, but it also allows your surgeon to access your spine without disturbing the nerves.

Typically, a vascular surgeon will assist the orthopedic surgeon with opening and exposing the disk space.

During the procedure, the surgeon will take your problematic disk out and insert an artificial disk into that space.

Artificial Disk Design

Some disk replacement devices make up the center of the intervertebral disk while leaving the outer ring in place, but this technology is still in the investigative process.

Mostly, the artificial disk will replace the outer ring and the center with a mechanical device that will stimulate the spine to function.

There are a bunch of different disk designs, all of them unique but maintaining a similar goal of reproducing the size and function of a normal disk.

There are disks made of metal and some made of metal and plastic both. This is similar to joint replacements in the knee and hip. These disks are made with medical grade plastic and medical grade cobalt chromium or titanium alloy.

Make sure you and your surgeon decide what disk is best for you.

Recovery

For the most part, patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after the surgery. The length of your stay depends on how well controlled your pain is and whether or not you can function.

Patients are encouraged to stand and walk the day after surgery. With artificial disk replacement, bone healing isn’t required after the replacement, so usually, patients are encouraged to move in their midsection too. Early motion in this area can lead to faster recovery.

You will perform your basic routine during the first several weeks after surgery, just make sure you don’t hyperextend your back.

Outcomes

For the most part, patients can expect improvement of lower back pain in weeks or months after surgery.

This procedure will improve, but not completely eliminate, back pain. Make sure you have realistic expectations before going into surgery

Artificial Disk Replacement Research on the Horizon

The future of this procedure will likely have advancements in implant design and tools for diagnosing pain sources. It’ll also include ways to return the disk to normal function without needing to add any biomechanical device.

Artificial disk replacement isn’t considered a new technology, but the research continues on the outcomes of the procedure.

If you think you would be a good candidate for this procedure, visit us today to learn more.

Year: 2018