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March 13, 2019

By Staff Writer Pain back pain causes

Finding the Source: 7 of the Most Common Causes of Back Pain

How long have you had your mattress? Be honest…

If you can’t remember the last time you got a new mattress, it’s time to hit the furniture store.

Why? Because sleeping on an old mattress is killer on your back.

But a bad mattress isn’t the only thing that can put your back in a bad mood. Lots of other lifestyle factors and medical issues cause back pain. And it’s important to know those causes so you can do your best to prevent back injuries in the future.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 7 of the most common back pain causes and what you can do to prevent them.

Common Back Pain Causes

There are certain risk factors that make you more susceptible to back problems. People who are overweight are more at risk. And if you’re not moving around much, you’re more likely to injure your back.

If you work in a job that requires heavy lifting or long periods of standing on your feet, you’re more likely to have spine pain. And as you age, you might develop back pain because of wear and tear on your muscles and spine.

Knowing your risk factors can help you prevent back injuries. But no matter how much you work to prevent them, there’s still a chance you’ll experience problems at some point during your life. Now let’s look at the 7 most common causes of back injuries.

1. Slouching

The way you hold up your body affects back health. Working long hours at a desk without taking a break can cause you back pain. And if you do this over a lifetime, it can compound into more serious issues like herniated discs and arthritis.

Also, bending your neck forward too much can make your back to hurt. This is a problem called text neck. And it’s a serious issue affecting many smartphone users today.

To prevent this, pay special attention to your posture. Take breaks from sitting and walk around. And put your smartphone away before your neck gets tired.

2. Overuse

Sometimes, your back hurts because of a good, old-fashioned muscle injury. Muscle pulls and strains come about most often because of overuse.

It’s more likely to happen when you do exercises that you aren’t used to. Like when you haven’t played basketball in 10 years and you decide to join a game at the gym. The bending, reaching, and twisting can cause you to injure yourself.

But even seasoned athletes can overdo it and strain the muscles in their backs. Be aware of how your back feels while you’re exercising. Stop at the first sign of back pain to prevent further injury.

3. A Bad Mattress

We already mentioned this briefly, but let’s dive into your bedroom routine. You should replace your mattress at least every 10 years. But this isn’t a hard and fast rule.

Every person sleeps differently on their mattress. And every mattress wears differently. If you’re already having back problems, consider getting a new mattress sooner rather than later.

And consider upgrading your pillows too. Pillows bear the responsibility of holding up your head and keeping your neck in alignment. Old, flat pillows are just as likely to cause back problems as your mattress.

4. Arthritis

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. And lumbar arthritis happens when you develop osteoarthritis in your back. Over time, the cartilage in the joints wears down.

Without that cartilage, you lose range of motion, making the movement more painful. And it puts more stress on your nerves.

Prevent arthritis by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. Also, eat a diet rich in foods that fight back pain.

5. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis develops when our bones lose minerals and weaken over time. The pain isn’t caused by the disease itself. It’s caused by tiny fractures in the bones of the spine that happen because the bones are so weak.

These fractures occur suddenly. You’ll notice a new pain in your spine because of a certain movement, even from a cough or sneeze.

Unfortunately, many people (women especially) are prone to developing osteoporosis. But preventative measures like eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are helpful. And weight-bearing exercises strengthen bones and prevent or prolong osteoporosis development.

6. Disc Problems

Each vertebra is separated from its neighbors by spongy discs. These discs are little fluid-filled sacs that provide a cushion for the bones around them. As you age, or if you suffer a spinal injury, these discs can get injured too.

A bulging disc happens when the disc slips out of place and sticks out further on one side of the spine. This puts pressure on the nerves around the disc.

A ruptured disc occurs when aging or trauma causes the tear, releasing the fluid inside. This means the disc won’t provide as much cushion to the bones as it should. And that also means more pressure on the nerves in the area.

Prevent disc problems by regularly stretching your back. Also, using proper lifting techniques helps. And, of course, regular exercise keeps the back strong enough to shield the discs from injury.

7. Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from the lower back down through your hips and thighs, all the way to your feet. Sciatica is when that nerve becomes pinched or inflamed.

This is usually caused by a bulging disc as we mentioned before. But it can also come from bone spurs or hip and back injuries.

Sciatica pain starts in the lower back and can spread down into the legs and feet. It may be sharp or dull, depending on how much pressure is on the nerve.

Prevent sciatica by doing the same things you’d do to prevent a bulging or ruptured disc, as these are the most common causes of sciatica.

Treat Back Pain ASAP

Many people experience back pain at some point in their lives. These back pain causes are some of the most common. You can prevent these issues by maintaining a healthy weight, keeping good posture, and exercising.

But remember, it’s not normal to have back pain. If you do suffer from back problems, get it looked at asap. It might be a sign of something worse.

At Executive Spine Surgery, we take a multidisciplinary approach to give you the best possible treatment for back pain. Visit our website to book your appointment online to see Dr. Spivak.

Don’t live with back pain anymore. Get it treated now!

March 6, 2019

By Staff Writer Uncategorized how to tell if you have scoliosis

How to Tell If You Have Scoliosis on Your Own

Do you have lower back pain like there’s no tomorrow?

If the answer is yes, you might have scoliosis. That’s right – adults have scoliosis too.

And 80% of the time, doctors don’t actually know what causes scoliosis. 3 out of the 4 types usually make themselves known between infancy and young adult age.

Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by neuromuscular disorders. And Idiopathic scoliosis’ cause is unknown.

Congenital scoliosis develops inside the womb although often times it isn’t diagnosed until children are older.

Their vertebrae become more and more curved over time due to tiny bones not developing properly to begin with.

But you’re a functioning adult! Could scoliosis have been hiding in your vertebrae all this time?

Yes. Or, you might have degenerative scoliosis, which, unfortunately, is a result of aging as your bones and your spine wear out over time.

Don’t fret – there are solutions and treatment that may be able to help. But first, find how to tell if you have scoliosis symptoms.

Here’s How to Tell If You Have Scoliosis

Do you recognize any of these signs? Pinpoint any symptoms you have and perform a couple of easy at-home tests to determine if you might have scoliosis pain.

1. You Have Back Pain

Do you have worsening pain in your lower back that is beginning to interfere with your activities? Or is it chronic? Has it already taken over your life to the point of preventing you from performing simple tasks in your everyday life?

Do you experience numbness any numbness in your legs? Do you experience cramping or shooting pain in your legs or other parts if your body? Those muscles could be straining to overcompensate for the bones and muscles that are causing you pain in the first place.

Are you unusually tired or exhausted? Are you unable to perform physical activities that you could do before?

2. You Have Uneven Shoulders, Hips, or Legs

Do you see a difference when you look in the mirror? Are you clothes starting to hang onto one side or do your shirts tend to fall off one shoulder?

What about your pants? Does one leg have a shorter break in the material? Do you find yourself limping around, even slightly?

Grab a friend and perform the “Adam’s Bend Test” in order to determine if your potential scoliosis is functional or structural. Ask your friend to also take a look at your shoulders, hips, and the way your clothes fall to determine if they notice any interruption in your body’s symmetry.

3. You’ve Been Experiencing Shortness of Breath

If your scoliosis has reached a certain curvature, it may be affecting your lung function, especially during increased physical activity.

This can also cause chest pain as your lungs are not able to perform at their fullest potential. Eventually, this could lead to serious breathing problems, and if not treated, even heart failure.

4. Your Eyes and Ears Are Different

Stand sideways in a mirror. Get someone to look and see if your ears seem to be ahead of your shoulders? If you’re alone at the moment, take a photo on a timer.

What about your eyes? If you stand in front of a mirror, are the center of your eyes in line with the center of your hips? If they’re tilted at all in any direction, this could be a sign of scoliosis.

Do You Have the Symptoms?

Maybe you do, but that doesn’t tell you everything.

Even if any of these scoliosis symptoms ring true for you, yours could still be minor scoliosis. The sooner you consult with a doctor, the better chance you have of treating your condition.

Most people have a natural slight curve in their spine. But side to side curves that twist the spine are what define scoliosis.

It’s when those curves keep growing deeper that major issues arise.

Where Do You Go from Here?

Well, if you have any of these symptoms, talk to one of our doctors and find out if you’re a candidate for treatment.

And take a breather. Often times, scoliosis can be easily treated with lifestyle changes. For example, exercise or a back brace can help the spine realign itself.

Some exercises that may help are:

Bend and stretch in the same direction as your curve
Hang from any bar as for as long as you can, and do it again.
Crunches and reverse crunches
Squats
Lay with a rolled pillow behind your neck and one under your back

Exercise is not necessarily a cure on its own so make sure you check with your doctor first.

Act Before It Gets Worse

Many patients do need surgery to correct their spines. And that’s why minimally invasive surgery is both the safest and most effective option.

And you’ve got nothing to lose! Get a free MRI review to see if you are a candidate for treatment. You’ll be one step closer to getting rid of your scoliosis pain.

Diet and Exercise Play a Role in Everything

Even if you do need surgery, diet and exercise can help keep you on the right track towards bettering your health and mobility. To start, some foods that may help fight your back pain are:

Olive oil
Sweet potato
Caffeine
Carrots
Tomatoes
Fatty fish like salmon
Berries and nuts

They’ll help fight inflammation and help you on your journey to conquer your scoliosis.

Meeting with the Doc

When you meet with the doctor, he might begin with a test like the “Adam’s Bend Test” in order to asses your spine alignment and to determine if x-rays are necessary.

X-Rays can confirm scoliosis and also detect the gravity of the condition. MRI’s may also be requested for further information and confirmation.

A doctor will want to know medical history, any previous diagnoses, and any and all symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

Be prepared with all of your questions and answers.

Be Objective

In assessing your pain and symptoms, make sure you take your time and stay objective. And for tests you can’t perform yourself, ask a friend or a relative to help determine how to tell if you have scoliosis.

Start eating healthy and do exercises and stretches that will begin to reverse your scoliosis.

Find a doctor you can trust who is certified and uses minimally invasive procedures with operational methods as a last resort.

February 25, 2019

By Staff Writer Pain fight back pain

9 Foods That Help Fight Back Pain

If you’re experiencing back pain, you’re not alone. Roughly 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Whether it is a pinched nerve or something more serious, it can be frustrating, interruptive, and very painful.

You may know that improving your posture, getting physical therapy, or back adjustments can help, but did you know that the foods you eat can help fight back pain? Scientists have discovered that certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties. You may have heard of popular diets like the low inflammation diet.

The sooner we realize that food is medicine, the sooner we can use it to heal our ailments. In this article, we’re uncovering the best foods you can start incorporating into your meals to help reduce your back ache and get back to your life.

Put down the pain pills and pick up the saute pan, we’re getting started.

Fight Back Pain with These Miracles Foods

Everyone has to eat, so incorporate these foods into your diet and watch your pain dissipate. Channel these vitamins and nutrients from your diet and heal your back.

1. Olive Oil

People who eat a Mederterean diet tend to have a lower chance of developing inflammation-related diseases and symptoms such as joint pain, depression, and or diabetes. This diet is heavy in one thing: healthy fats like olive oil.

Extra virgin olive oil has similar properties to ibuprofen so instead of reaching for a bottle of Advil, try reaching for your olive oil.

Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils you can cook with — hot or cold. It’s perfect on everything from salads, dressings for meats and fish, for frying an sauteeing, or even as a dip for crusty bread.

2. Ginger

Ginger is possibly the most powerful superfood there is. You may have heard that it’s is good for settling stomachs or boosting your metabolism but did you know that it has powerful anti-inflammatories?

The gingerols in ginger drastically reduce pain found in arthritis sufferers. Try adding it to your smoothies, meat and fish sauces, or even as a supplement.

3. Tumeric

For centuries, cultures all of the world consume turmeric (also known as curcumin) in their foods. It’s what gives curry it’s yellow-orange tinge. It’s wildly popular as a spice but rising in popularity as a supplement since it’s proven to reduce chronic osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain.

Start consuming foods like ginger and turmeric soup and delicious curries or pop a supplement and watch your body transform.

4. Salmon

One of the best nutrients you can consume to reduce inflammation are omega-3 fatty acids. These are the healthy fats that make up a well-rounded, healthy diet.

Omega-3s are easily found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. Consuming these fats have tons of benefits, from boosting your mood to reducing inflammation. Salmon also provides calcitonin which slows down bone loss and prevents the pain of osteoporosis.

Now that you know both ginger and fatty fish reduce inflammation, we think it’s the perfect excuse to make sushi dates a weekly thing.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Another incredible superfood to add to your diet is the sweet potato. It’s packed with all kinds of minerals and vitamins like Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants, which give it anti-cancer and antidiabetic properties.

This friendly starch not only tastes good but reduces inflammation that can lead to unfriendly back pain. Whether you eat it mashed, roasted, or baked, be sure to add this one to your dinner menu.

6. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are another great two sources of omega-3s. Here are some of the best sources:

Walnuts
Hemp Seed
Chia Seed
Flax Seed
Cashews

Consider whipping up a walnut pesto to top your pasta or adding a handful of seeds to your next smoothie.

7. Caffeine

Most mornings have one thing in common: they’re fueled by caffeine.

Caffeine can actually aid in fighting your back pain. But too much can be detrimental. No matter what kind of caffeine you consume, be sure you talk with your doctor that its a safe level.

Coffee and green tea contain polyphenols which not only reduce pain but increase your quality of life. We’re thankful there’s a Starbucks on every corner.

Not a coffee drinker? Grab a green tea. It’s perfect hot or iced. It’s known for its abundance of antioxidants and appetite-curbing abilities. Green tea will not only give you a burst of energy but will calm you, as well.

8. Carrots

Carrots have two incredible things going for them: they’re high in beta-carotene and packed with vitamins. Both of these things fight inflammation and lower your risk of back aches.

Pair this orange vegetable with grilled salmon and a turmeric soup and you’ve got yourself a perfect, inflammatory-fighting meal.

9. Red Grapes

Red grapes contain a compound called resveratrol which has a multitude of incredible health benefits like the prevention of aging

If you’re serious about fighting against back pain, consume your resveratrol with turmeric to enhance the anti-inflammatory benefits. Try eating a handful of grapes with your turmeric, kale smoothie and feel better fast.

Experiencing Back Pain? Let Us Help.

Now that you know what foods help ease back pain, you can start cooking and get back to your regular life. Usually, back pain is a common symptom and can go away on it’s on, but sometimes we need more help than just adding anti-inflammatory foods to our diet.

Back pain can often be an indication that there is a more serious, underlying problem at hand. At Executive Spine Surgery, we take a multidisciplinary approach to spinal disorders.

Check out our website to learn more about possible conditions, treatments, and tips on how to fight back pain like these spine strengthing exercises you can do at home.

February 18, 2019

By Staff Writer Spine Surgery spinal surgeon

10 Crucial Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Spinal Surgeon

Every year, spinal surgeons perform over one million surgeries on individuals all across the nation. Have you been told that you need spinal surgery? Are you feeling a bit anxious about the procedure?

It’s normal to feel worried before undergoing any type of surgery, especially spinal surgery. One way to ameliorate this anxiety, though, is to make sure you’re working with the most qualified surgeon possible.

Not sure how to find such a surgeon? Start by conducting some interviews and asking the right questions.

If you’re currently trying to find the right spinal surgeon, be sure to ask each candidate these ten questions during the interview process.

1. What Certifications do You Have?

This is one of the first questions you ought to ask when interviewing a spinal surgeon.

Your surgeon should be certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties. They should also have completed between two and three years of specialty training.

These qualifications are not the only thing that matters, of course. They’re a great starting point, though.

2. How Much of Your Practice is Dedicated to Spinal Surgery?

You might assume that a spinal surgeon works almost exclusively on spines. That’s not always the case, though.

Ideally, your spinal surgeon should dedicate at least 50 percent of their practice to spinal surgery and procedures.

The more time they spend working on the spine, though, the better. They’ll most likely be familiar with the latest techniques and technology and will be better prepared to perform your surgery.

3. Can You Provide Me with Testimonials?

Any good spinal surgeon will be able to share lots of patient testimonials with you. Don’t stop with the testimonials available on their website, though.

Do some research on third-party sites to see what people are saying about this particular surgeon.

Have the majority of patients had good experiences? What did they like and dislike about working with this surgeon?

4. How Many Patients Like Me Have You Operated on Recently?

How familiar is your potential surgeon with your specific condition? How many other patients have they operated on who are of the same age and suffer from the same condition as you?

Remember, there are a lot of different spinal surgeries and procedures. Not all spinal surgeons will be equally experienced in the type of treatment you need.

5. What Type of Surgery do You Recommend?

When you share your specific medical information and diagnosis with the surgeon, what kind of surgery do they recommend?

Can they provide you with written information or other resources to teach you about the procedure? What kind of instrumentation (plates, screws, etc.) will they use? Is a bone graft necessary?

Learn as much about this surgery as you can before you decide that it’s the right one for you.

6. What are the Benefits of This Surgery?

In addition to finding out what kind of surgery they want to perform, it’s also important to find out why they want to perform it.

What benefits will come from it? Will you experience significant improvements to your mobility and a dramatic reduction in your pain? What will your quality of life be like when the surgery is over?

7. Is Surgery My Only Option?

Some spinal surgeons recommend surgery to every single patient they see, even those who could benefit from other treatments.

There are many minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures that could be just as effective as actual surgery.

Ask your surgeon if they recommend alternative treatments first, such as pain mapping, spinal injections, or high-frequency stimulation.

8. What Risks are Associated with My Surgery?

No surgery is without risks. Your potential surgeon should be honest about the risks associated with your particular surgery. If they try to brush these off or say there are no risks involved, they’re probably not the right surgeon for you.

9. Where Will You Perform My Surgery?

Where will your surgery take place? In a hospital, or in an outpatient surgical center?

Most spinal surgeries are performed in outpatient centers. It’s still a good idea to find out the location of your surgery, though.

If your surgery takes place in an outpatient center, you won’t need to worry about making arrangements for an overnight hospital stay.

10. What Should I Expect After the Surgery?

Finally, be sure to ask the surgeon what you should expect after the surgery is complete.

What will your pain level be? How long will you need to stay home from work? How much physical therapy will you need?

Get as much information about the recovery process as you can. That way, you’ll be able to make arrangements and be prepared for when the surgery is finished.

Red Flags to Look Out for

During your interview with your potential spinal surgeon, it’s not enough just to get answers to these questions. It’s also important to be on the lookout for the following red flags:

Discouraging or not allowing for second opinions
Not taking the time to answer all of your questions
Making you feel bad for asking certain questions
Trying to pressure you or influence your decision about whether you want to have surgery—their job is to provide information, not to persuade you one way or the other
Bypassing more conservative treatment options
Not being forthcoming about the specific treatments, techniques, costs, and/or outcomes related to the surgery

Your spinal surgeon should be open-minded, empathetic, and willing to answer all of your questions. Don’t work with someone who rushes you, pressures you, or tries to discourage second opinions or taking time to do more research.

Find the Right Spinal Surgeon Today

As you can see, there are quite a few questions you need to ask when interviewing a spinal surgeon. It’s definitely worth it to be thorough during your search, though.

Are you looking for a spinal surgeon in the Hackettstown or Newton areas? Do you want to work with someone who meets all the criteria listed above?

If so, we can help at Executive Spine Surgery. We offer a variety of minimally invasive spinal procedures designed to treat a wide range of conditions, from ankylosing spondylitis to scoliosis.

Schedule an appointment with us today!

February 11, 2019

By Staff Writer Surgery back surgery

7 Tips to Have a Speedy Recovery After Back Surgery

In 2017, 54% of adults in the US had suffered neck or back pain for five years or more.

Back pain is something that affects millions of people every year. And in some cases, the only solution is to turn to surgery.

Back surgery can help to alleviate the painful symptoms. But as with any invasive surgery, there will be a lengthy recovery period. There are steps you can take to minimize the length of your recovery, however.

So read on as we take a look at seven practical tips to have a speedy recovery from back surgery.

1. Listen to Your Doctor’s Advice

The first and most important thing you should do after any type of surgery is to listen to your doctor’s advice.

Your surgeon will have a great deal experience with people recovering from the same surgery that you have undergone. They will also have years of medical training. They will be able to provide you with a plan for your recovery, with realistic expectations of the path your recovery will take.

Make sure that you follow that plan to the letter, and don’t try to take on too much too early. You could find that you end up setting your recovery back.

2. Manage Your Pain

Even if your surgery was intended to reduce your pain, your recovery is unlikely to be completely pain-free.

There are steps you can take to help minimize the pain following back surgery. Pain medication is the most obvious, but should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Hot or cold packs can also help to reduce pain but make sure that you do not get your surgery site wet until it is safe to do so.

If it is recommended that you wear a brace, this can also help to reduce pain.

Your surgeon should advise you what to expect in terms of pain after your surgery. If you are experiencing pain outside of their expectations, then you should contact your doctor.

3. Adapt Your Home

Recovering from back surgery is all about giving your body the best chance to heal.

So make sure that you do as much as possible to take the strain off you back within your daily life. Making simple changes to your home can really help to speed up the healing process. For example, try moving your bed to the ground floor to minimize the number of stairs you need to climb each day.

Consider using a raised toilet seat to reduce the strain on your back, or a commode if your bathroom is not on the ground floor. Bath seats and reacher grabbers are also very useful items to use during recovery.

4. Get Some Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep can really help to speed up the recovery process.

Sleep not only helps your body to heal but will also keep you feeling positive and motivated throughout your recovery. But getting the right amount of sleep can be easier said than done when suffering from post-operative pain. Try to set yourself a regular sleep schedule so that you go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

You can also make use of pain medication before bedtime to help you be able to sleep more easily.

5. Ask for Support

Whilst you are recovering from your surgery, there will be a lot of tasks that are beyond you.

This is where friends and family can play a huge part. Simple errands such as going to the shops or cleaning the house can be a challenge when you’re recovering from back surgery. If your friends or family can help out with these chores, it will make your recovery both easier and quicker.

The most important thing to do is ask for help. If you don’t, you are robbing your friends and family of the opportunity of helping you when you need it most.

6. Make the Most of Physical Therapy

You may be required to do physical therapy as part of your recovery plan.

If this is the case, it is likely that you will be given some exercises to do in your own time at home. It is vitally important that you follow the regime that your doctor has set out. You may think that skipping a few session won’t do much harm.

But it is likely to delay your complete recovery from your surgery if you don’t follow the plan properly.

The types of exercises you do, as well as the intensity and duration, are likely to change through the course of your recovery. Make sure that you are doing the right exercises at the right level of intensity if you want your recovery time to be short.

7. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Whilst you are recovering it is important to give your body as much help as possible.

That means trying to be as healthy as you can. Eating properly will provide your body with the fuel and resources it needs to help you recover. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a must, as are foods that are high in protein.

Try to steer clear of any junk food for the duration of your recovery.

Drinking and smoking should also be avoided whilst your body is healing. Studies show that smoking can slow the rate of bone healing. And alcohol could be a dangerous mix when combined with your pain medication.

Finally try to exercise as much as you can, within your doctor’s recommendations. Excess weight is one of the key factors in causing back pain in the first place.

Are You Considering Back Surgery?

If you’re considering back surgery then we may be able to help.

We perform minimally invasive spine surgery that has several benefits, including less post-operative pain, less soft muscle and tissue damage, and reduced risk of infection. We can treat conditions ranging from sciatica and herniated discs to bone spurs and arthritis of the spine. We also offer pain management procedures to help alleviate chronic back pain.

We have locations in both Hackettstown and Newton. Contact us today to book a consultation.

February 4, 2019

By Staff Writer Nerve damage signs of a pinched nerve

5 Signs of a Pinched Nerve You Can’t Ignore

Have you been experiencing discomfort but you’re not sure where it’s coming from?

If so, you might be experiencing a pinched nerve. Pinched nerves present themselves in many different ways. Some symptoms are the same as those for other causes.

The symptoms associated with pinched nerves vary in strength, too. So it can be difficult to identify the problem correctly.

So how do you know if you have one or not? To help you assess what you’re feeling, we’ve created this list.

Here are five signs of a pinched nerve that you should know about.

1. You’re Feeling Numb

Numbness is one of the first symptoms you’re likely to experience. You’ll notice it when the feeling in your fingertips or another area of your body doesn’t seem to be as strong as usual.

Since numbness doesn’t always feel like a big deal, it’s easy to think you can ignore it. That’s not a good idea though. Allowing numbness to continue only allows the problem to continue.

A simple, momentary feeling of numbness might not be associated with a pinched nerve. But if you feel any numbing that’s significant, or numbness that seems to not go away, consult a doctor.

2. You Have Pins and Needles

This feeling may be closely associated with numbness at times, but it is a different thing. In this case, you’re feeling little pricks of pain all over a certain area of your body.

While they aren’t the same, numbness and pins and needles often go hand in hand. If they continue to show up in the same area on your body, you likely have a pinched nerve.

The feeling of pins and needles comes from a pinched sensory nerve. These nerves help you feel things like light touch.

3. Sharp Pain is Present

Numbness and pins and needles are on the lower end of the spectrum of what you might feel from a pinched nerve. On the other end, there’s pain.

Pain from a pinched nerve may be sharp or have a burning feeling. You might also feel like the pain is moving outward from somewhere deeper.

If you’re experiencing this, there’s a good chance the nerve is being pinched because something near it is inflamed.

Pain from nerve pinches can be sudden and very painful. If you notice this type of pain, consult a doctor to get the issue addressed.

4. Weakness is Affecting One Area of Your Body

Feeling weak in general may just be from not getting enough sleep or eating unhealthy food. If weakness is sticking around in one area of your body, though, you may have a pinched nerve.

This is because one type of nerve that’s housed in your body, the motor nerves, help your brain tell your muscles what to do. Weakness means there’s something wrong with the connection and your muscles aren’t getting the right message.

5. Part of You Repeatedly Falls Asleep

Have you ever had an arm or leg “fall asleep?” If you’re like most people, you probably have. While this is totally normal if you’ve been sitting on your leg for a while, it shouldn’t happen out of the blue.

If you get the feeling that an area of your body keeps falling asleep when you weren’t doing anything that warrants that feeling, you might have a pinched nerve.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

A pinched nerve isn’t always a serious thing. At first, it may not be. But if left alone you may find yourself dealing with something worse down the line.

What might a pinched nerve come from? Pregnancy, diabetes, and repetitive physical stress are all on the list. A pinched nerve might also be a sign of something bigger, like a stroke or heart attack.

Since a pinched nerve may be a sign of something bigger or may turn into a bigger problem, it’s a good idea to get it checked if it persists.

Treatment for Pinched Nerves

The symptoms for pinched nerves range from annoying to painful. Luckily, though, there are remedies to help with each one.

Ultimately, you may need to visit a doctor to sort out the source of the issue. Real treatment may take time and the help of a medical specialist. There are some things you can do at home, though.

Here’s a look at some common treatment methods:

Rest

The area of your body that’s bothering you could benefit from some rest. This remedy is a good place to start.

You may find that the issue goes away, but if it doesn’t you know you need some extra help.

Physical Therapy

Depending on the severity of the pinched nerve you’re experiencing, you may need to do some physical therapy. This will help you work through your symptoms while addressing the issue at hand.

Surgery

Surgery likely won’t be required if the pinched nerve is a minor thing. In some cases, though, surgery may be required. It can help take the pressure off your nerve.

Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might be recommended by your doctor. Corticosteroids are an option too. These types of medications can help with the pain associated with pinched nerves.

Don’t Ignore These Signs of a Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve might be something simple, but it also might be a sign of something bigger. Because of this, you should never ignore these signs of a pinched nerve.

The sooner you can figure out what’s going on, the better. So don’t hesitate to reach out to your physician to diagnose the problem.

Experiencing a pinched nerve in your back? Click here to learn about how our spinal injections can help.

January 28, 2019

By Staff Writer Surgery spinal surgery

6 Important Reasons You Should Consider Spinal Surgery

If you suffer from back pain, you’re not alone. 80% of adults say they’ve experienced lower back pain at some point in their lives.

In fact, back pain is only second to the common cold for the top reason people miss work.

So, this much prevalence must mean it’s a natural occurrence that very few can escape, right? Hardly.

There are many reasons why people experience back pain. Slipped discs, pulled or strained muscles, and sciatica are only a few.

Most people can take it easy for a few days or apply heat and ice and be fine. Others aren’t so lucky. No matter what they do, they never get any relief.

For chronic back pain sufferers, spinal surgery is an option. While no one gets excited at the thought of going under the knife, there are several benefits.

We’re taking a look at seven reasons you should consider spinal surgery below.

1. Takes Pressure Off Nerves

Although, that is a very common cause of back pain. Pinched nerves are often treated with home remedies.

But when you have a disc herniation or spinal stenosis, it can cause severe pain. These conditions compress the nerves in your spinal column. It leads to numbness/tingling, weakness, and even lack of bladder/bowel control.

In extreme cases, stenosis leads to paralysis. Spinal surgery relieves this pressure and gets you functioning at a normal level.

2. Realign Crooked Spine

Scoliosis is the most well-known condition that causes a curvature of the spine. Between six and nine million Americans suffer from scoliosis.

It’s mostly diagnosed in children. Treatment usually involves exercise and is successful. But every year, 38,000 people undergo spinal fusion surgery.

Scoliosis isn’t the only condition that causes a spinal curve. Flat-back syndrome and kyphosis also affect the natural curvature.

Your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy and other non-invasive measures before considering surgery.

3. Stabilize Instability

When healthy, your spine protects, supports, and provides structure for your body. When your spine becomes unstable, sometimes surgery is the only way to stabilize it.

Unstable spines happen as a result of different inflictions. Often, it’s the result of an injury — like a fracture. But an extreme disc injury will also cause instability.

An unstable spine isn’t only painful — it leaves the body vulnerable.

4. You Can’t Function Properly

We rely on our backs for almost every function we go through on a daily basis. This puts a lot of pressure on our spine.

As we age, we lose mobility. Most of the time, this starts from our backs getting weakened over time. Remember, our backs are our support system.

When they lose stability, we have trouble working, walking, sitting, and even sleeping. This causes pain that can move into the legs. In some cases, neurologic problems from a pinched nerve emerge.

Fusing unstable parts of the spine through various surgical techniques can improve function.

5. Improves Your Quality of Life

When your back pain reaches a point when you can’t function, it impacts your quality of life. Not only are you kept from providing for your family, but you’re inhibited from enjoying what life has to offer.

Severe back pain keeps you from playing golf, enjoying time with your family, and even going on vacation. It’s difficult to sit still in a car, airplane, or cruise ship.

With new technology emerging, minimally-invasive procedures can give you a new lease on life. You’ll be able to enjoy activities that were once an impossibility.

6. Your Condition Is Getting Worse

Many spinal conditions get worse over time. Degenerative disc disease is one of them. It’s caused by everyday wear and tear on your spine.

This, in particular, will start causing pain in your legs. You’ll have chronic lower back pain, ranging from mild to moderate.

Other progressive conditions worsen in the same way. Your doctor will monitor your progress and discuss surgery when there aren’t any other options. This leads us to the final reason for considering surgery.

7. Other Treatments Have Failed

Unless you have a severe injury, your doctor will usually only suggest spinal surgery when other treatments aren’t working. There is a risk that comes with spinal surgery. A reputable physician will try other pain management procedures first.

It’s important that you find a doctor that you can trust to treat your pain. They should discuss all your treatment options with you. This includes physical therapy, spinal injections, and other procedures.

What Procedures Are Available?

Most people consider the thought of surgery scary. When it’s spinal surgery, this fear surfaces tenfold. The good news is, back surgery isn’t what it used to be.

There are several minimally-invasive procedures now available. Yes, some invasive surgeries are still required for major spinal injuries. But, surgeons are finding new ways to limit the recovery time while preventing future issues.

Some of the most popular minimally-invasive surgeries performed today include:

Facet Thermal Ablation (radiofrequency rhizotomy)
High-frequency stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation
Stem cell disc regeneration
Endoscopic spinal discectomy and decompression

These procedures are effective for treating pain. They’re also not so cumbersome that you’ll end up on bed rest for weeks.

Pain mapping is also a newer, more usual way to diagnose back pain. MRI, CT scans and X-rays are commonly used with great success. These methods of imaging help determine where the pain is.

But, it doesn’t determine why you’re experiencing pain. Pain mapping works to get to the root of the issue.

Your doctor will inject a medicine into or on the abnormal structure. If the pain stops, they can work on treating the abnormality.

If the pain doesn’t decrease or stop, they know something else is causing your back pain. This also helps them figure out what the next course of action should be.

Are You Considering Spinal Surgery?

If you’re considering spinal surgery, the most important thing you can do is choose the right doctor. They’ll exhaust all non-surgical treatments before scheduling you to go under the knife. They’ll also use the least invasive techniques available.

If you’re in North Jersey, and in need of a spinal specialist, contact us. Dr. Spivak is an expert and pioneer in the field of minimally-invasive and laser spine surgery.

We’ll be happy to schedule you for a comprehensive assessment.

January 21, 2019

By Staff Writer Surgery spine surgery

7 Great Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Undergoing Spine Surgery

When you live with chronic back pain, you would do anything for relief.

And like 600,000 other Americans, you may decide that spine surgery is the right route for you.

But before you agree to go into the operating room, you need to ask your doctor the right questions. Here are seven questions you need to ask to be prepared for your surgery.

1. What Type of Surgery Do You Recommend?

There are many different types of spine surgery out there. It’s important to understand why your doctor is recommending this particular type of surgery.

Ask your surgeon to explain the procedure and describe it to you in plain English.

For example, you should find out where in the spinal column the surgery will focus and how big the incision will be. You’ll also want to know whether the surgeon will come in through the back (posteriorly) or the front (anteriorly).

2. What Will the Procedure Do?

After the type of surgery, the next most important question is what the procedure will do.

This is for two reasons. First, the doctor should have a clear understanding of what’s causing your pain. After all, if they don’t know what’s causing the pain, how can you expect them to recommend the right surgery to treat it?

Second, if the doctor does know what’s causing your pain, they should be able to elaborate on what this procedure will do to alleviate your pain.

3. Why This Procedure? Are There Alternatives?

This question goes hand-in-hand with the previous question.

If your doctor has an understanding of your pain, they should be able to explain why this procedure is the best choice out of all the other available options. They should also be willing to explain what the other options are.

In most cases, spinal surgery is viewed as the last option only after other, more conservative, non-surgical back treatments have failed. Ask your doctor if there are any other non-surgical options you could try.

For example, if you have a bulging disc, you may benefit from ice and heat therapy. You may also want to consider stem cell treatments–it’s a quick, minimally invasive procedure that has been shown to slow or stop disc degeneration.

4. What are the Benefits of This Operation?

When you ask your doctor why you should consider this procedure, you should also talk to them about the benefits of this particular operation.

The most obvious benefit, of course, is relief from your chronic back pain. But the spine is more than just a row of bones–it’s the body’s central support structure, and the right procedure should correct a number of problems to improve your overall wellbeing.

Ask your doctor about the benefits in terms of pain relief, restored function, mobility, and independence. Would the surgery allow you to return to work pain-free? Will you be able to walk upright for the first time in a while?

Don’t forget to ask how long the benefits will last. If you’re only looking at a month of benefits after a long recovery, it may not be worth the time and money.

5. What are the Risks of This Operation?

No one wants to think about surgical complications and risks. But it’s vital to understand the potential hazards of any operation before you agree to it.

All surgeries carry some degree of risk, including things like:

Potential infection
Anesthesia complications, including bad reactions to anesthesia
Excess bleeding
Blood clots
Nerve damage
Delayed healing
Difficulty breathing after surgery
A bad reaction to implants, transfusions, or grafts
Injury during surgery
Paralysis
Poor results following surgery
Scarring after surgery

If you’re worried about anesthesia, it’s a good idea to talk to your anesthesiologist beforehand. The anesthesiologist, not the surgeon, is the one who will give you pain medication before surgery, so it’s important to talk to them about the potential risks of anesthesia in your case.

Don’t be afraid to be blunt with your doctor about your worries, and don’t be shy when asking them how they’ll deal with potential complications during and after surgery.

Remember, no one has to undergo surgery against their will. You always have the right to refuse surgery if you’re not comfortable with it.

6. What are the Chances of Success?

When you talk to your doctor about benefits and risk, it’s important to bring up your chances of success after surgery.

The success of any surgery is contingent on several factors. This includes anything from your medical history to your reaction to the anesthesia to the doctors and nurses working on you to how your body reacts to the surgery.

This is to say that every patient is different, and no surgery has a 100% guaranteed success rate. Your doctor has to be honest about your chances for success based on the severity of the problem, your medical history, and the relative risk of the procedure.

If a particular operation doesn’t have a high success rate, it’s important to consider whether the potential for success is worth the risk (and cost) of poor results.

7. What Will My Recovery Look Like?

Finally, make sure to ask your doctor what your recovery will look like.

Highly invasive operations typically have longer recovery periods. It takes longer to heal from a broken arm than a paper cut, and the same basic principle applies to spinal surgery.

Ask your doctor how long they expect the recovery to take and what your limitations will be. For example, will you need assistance at home after surgery? For how long? How long will you have limitations following surgery? Will you need physical therapy or medications?

This also applies to work and your personal life. When will you be able to drive again? What about lifting things, like kids or an infant? When can you return to work? When can you have sexual activity again?

You’d be surprised by how much your life is affected when you can’t move freely. Make sure you understand how this will affect your life (and for how long) so that you can plan accordingly.

If You Need Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

If you’ve asked all the right questions, or if you’re looking for the right doctor to perform your spine surgery, you’ve come to the right place.

Not sure if you’re a good candidate for surgery? Read this guide to see if you should consider surgery as a treatment option.

Want to talk about your options? Click here to book an appointment online.

January 14, 2019

By Staff Writer Discectomy herniated disc treatment

What Is the Best Herniated Disc Treatment Option out There?

When you’ve hurt your back and you can’t get up what do you do?

If you can’t get up, you call for emergency help

We’re not making light of someone who truly can’t get up but most of the time when you hurt your back, you can get up and get to the doctor.

The key phrase here is get to the doctor.

Most people initially self-diagnose and take a few hours or a day or so and rest.

A round of extra-strength over-the-counter pain medication is often taken.

But what if your back pain doesn’t go away? What is it’s something more serious like a ruptured or herniated disc?

Modern medicine has an answer for you!

If you do have a herniated disc, it’s not the end of the world.

We’ve put together a mini-guide for people who are considering or are worried about herniated disc treatment. If you’re not sure you have a herniated disc, call your doctor today.

In the meantime, read this guide so you’re prepared when it’s time for your doctor visit.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Back pain is so common most people have either experienced it or have a family member who has suffered from it. A staggering 80% of adults experience back pain at least once in their lifetime.

Most people don’t immediately assume their back pain is caused by a herniated disc. The average person assumes they’ve over-exerted at the gym or lifted a heavy object the wrong way.

Back pain can be caused by either activity but it could also be caused by a herniated disc, also called a bulging or ruptured disc.

A herniated disc is a condition of the cervical or lumbar spine. The cervical spine relates to the neck. The lumbar spine refers to the lower back.

When a disc is herniated nerves around the disc compress creating pain in the back, neck, arms, and legs, depending on whether the disc is located in the cervical or lumbar spine.

Disc pain is most common in the lower back because that’s where most of the movement the spine occurs.

Pain in the neck, arms, or legs should be investigated as well since a herniated disc in the cervical spine may be the culprit.

As soon as you tell someone you’re having severe back pain, they’re likely to tell you it’s a herniated disc. Beware of listening to anyone other than a doctor. Self-diagnosis of a herniated disk is impossible.

You may suspect you have a disc issue but your doctor is the only one who can confirm it.

Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor will recommend the best treatment for your unique situation.

If you’ve avoided seeing a doctor because you’re afraid of surgery, keep reading because surgery isn’t normally the first treatment offered to a patient.

Rest First

Doctors don’t rush patients into surgery unless not having surgery poses a serious health risk. They prefer what is considered conservative treatment methods.

The most common first treatment for a herniated disc is rest.

Most patients don’t have a problem resting since they’re often in so much pain they can’t do much else.

Rest means no lifting and no strenuous exercise. You won’t be joining your friends at the gym.

Some patients go overboard with rest and stay in bed way longer than they should. Rest beyond 1-2 days does more harm than good as it can cause stiff muscles

Rest is a wonderful first treatment but don’t most doctors also offer medication?

Medication Second

Another popular conservative treatment options is medication.

Depending on your pain level, you may be prescribed one of the following medications:

Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Narcotics like codeine or an oxycodone-acetaminophen combination.
Anticonvulsants are usually prescribed for patients who have seizures but they can help treat nerve pain caused by a herniated disc as well.
Muscle relaxers if you have muscle spasms-common with a herniated disc.
Cortisone injections for relief of inflammation.

Patients who follow doctors orders and their pain medication regimen normally feel relief within a few days or weeks.

You may be thinking “I’ve rested. I’m taking my pain meds. I’m still in pain.”

Doctors have another conservative treatment they suggest for patients when pain isn’t significantly reduced within a few weeks.

Physical Therapy Next

Physical therapy is also considered a conservative care treatment for a herniated disc.

During physical therapy, patients learn techniques which help avoid activity that aggravates the disc. You may also learn ways you can improve your posture so that you reduce pressure on the disc.

Physical therapy is designed for minimization of the pain of a herniated disk.

The timeline for healing ranges from 2-8 weeks. Of course, healing depends on dedication to the physical therapy program. Dedication of the patient, not the physical therapy team.

Some patients simply don’t respond to rest, medication, or physical therapy and at that point, doctors begin discussing what are considered invasive treatment methods.

Before looking at those, however, let’s take a moment and discuss a few other ways doctors can help patients manage pain.

Alternative Pain Management

Medication isn’t the only treatment method used for pain management.

Doctors who treat disc herniation have access to a wide range of non or minimally invasive treatments.

If you’re more interested in trying pain management your doctor may suggest anything from surgical stimulation to spinal injections. Remember, each patient is unique and will respond to treatment in their own way.

What works for a friend may not be the best pain management option for you.

Let your doctor discuss the best options so that you have the best chance of successful treatment.

There will always be patients who don’t respond well to any of the already mentioned treatments for their herniated discs.

The best option may be surgery.

Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment

The most critical action you can take as a patient getting in for a visit with the doctor. You may only need rest or medication but the doctor is the best judge of what treatment method is best for your unique needs.

Surgery may be your answer!

Spine-health has come a long way. There are several minimally invasive surgical treatments available for treatment of a herniated or bulging disc.

Your doctor won’t make rash decisions when determining whether you’re a candidate for surgical treatment. Before any surgery is scheduled you’ll have a complete review of your MRI. Then, you’ll have a surgical consultation.

Modern surgical techniques include:

Minimally invasive decompression surgery
Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Anterior Cervical Discectomy

There are many other surgical treatments available and your doctor will go over each with you before you both determine which is best for you.

Whichever treatment method you and your doctor decide is best, the end goal is life without the painful and debilitating effects of a herniated disc.

Which Treatment Option is Best for You?

Staff at Executive Spine Surgery get excited about helping patients enjoy spine health.

If you’re experiencing back pain, or if you’ve already been diagnosed and are ready for herniated disc treatment, let us help you understand your treatment options.

We invite you to get to know us and find out whether you’re a candidate

January 8, 2019

By Staff Writer Spinal fusion spinal fusion surgery

The Ultimate Guide on Preparing for Spinal Fusion Surgery

Eight out of ten Americans will experience back pain during their lifetime. For many of these sufferers, at-home care can sometimes reduce symptoms. But what if an operation such as spinal fusion surgery is necessary to ease the pain?

Back surgery may sound like a stressful and scary experience. A little planning ahead of time and knowing what to expect, however, can calm your worries.

Here’s everything you need to know about preparing for spinal fusion surgery and how to make your recovery easier.

Prep Your Home

One of the most important tasks to do in the weeks leading up to surgery is to make your home as comfortable and recovery friendly as possible.

You won’t be able to bend over for a while, so remove anything off the floor that you think you may need such as footwear and clothing. Place them in a dresser drawer or another easily accessible area that’s off the ground. That goes for personal care items, reading material, and anything else you’ll want access to.

Kitchen items that are stored close to the ground such as pantry food products, pots, and pans should be moved to a higher location. Refrigerated food should be placed at a comfortable level.

Throw rugs can be a safety hazard as they’re easy to trip over. Roll them up and store them so they’re out of the way. Place non-slips mats in the shower and bathtub.

You may want to prepare or purchase meals that be easily defrosted and heated up if you don’t want to deal with cooking after surgery.

Keep your cordless or mobile phone next to your bed for easy access. If your home has more than one story, try to confine what you need on one floor if possible.

Enlist Help

Managing your needs after surgery will be easier if you have assistance. You won’t be able to drive yourself home when you’re discharged from the hospital, so make arrangements to have someone dependable drop you off and take you home.

You’ll require a helping hand to do cleaning, run errands, or take you to your post-op appointments until you’re fully mobile and able to drive. Arrange for a friend, family member, or professional care to visit and help you until recovery is complete.

Just Before the Spinal Fusion Surgery

Depending upon your particular medical condition, your doctor may advise that you be fitted with a cervical collar or lumbar brace to help with the recovery. This is usually done in the months or weeks leading up to the surgery.

Your home may need to be equipped with a toilet seat extender, walker, and long-handled reacher to make going about your daily routine a little easier.

You may be required to undergo a blood test, electrocardiogram (EKG), and chest X-ray prior to surgery.

If you’re physically active, you should keep up with the regular exercise or activity until you have the surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can keep circulation healthy which can even help prevent post-op risks such as blood clots.

Some patients experience constipation after back surgery. You can help prevent this by eating foods high in fiber a week before the procedure and drinking plenty of water.

Your surgeon will most likely advise you to stop taking ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen about a week before the procedure. These medicines are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can thin your blood too much, leading to complications.

Disclose to your surgeon all pills you take including over-the-counter medication and any herbal supplements. You may be instructed to stop taking certain prescriptions such as blood thinners until after surgery. You should abstain from drinking alcohol a week before the surgery date, as it can also thin the blood.

If you smoke, you may be required to quit using all nicotine products a few months before surgery. Smoking can make healing longer and more difficult.

The Night Before Surgery

Expect a call from the hospital with final instructions the night before your operation. You won’t be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your surgery, even if it’s taking place later the following day. Even water is not permitted after midnight.

You’ll need to bathe with an anti-bacterial soap and you may be required to take an enema. Remove all jewelry including wedding bands and other rings the night before, as swelling in the morning may make them difficult to slip off.

The Day of Surgery

You’ll meet with a nurse who will ask questions about your medical background as well as the anesthesiologist who will walk you through the sedation process.

Remove all jewelry including wedding bands and other rings the night before. On the morning of your surgery, you’ll be asked to remove any jewelry, dentures, hairpieces, contact lenses, and artificial limbs.

Bring a supply of your own toiletries and clothing including slippers to the hospital with you to make your stay more comfortable.

Recovery and Coming Home

Most spinal fusion surgery patients stay in the hospital between two and five days. Hospital staff will assess you to make sure you can take care of your personal hygiene and walk the hallway without assistance before you are discharged. Light physical activity is often an important part of your at-home recovery from back surgery.

The hospital will give you careful instructions on how to care for your dressing and any warning signs to be aware of.

When someone takes you home, you should be reclining in the front seat or lying down in the back.

At home, follow these seven must-have tips for recovering from spinal fusion surgery.

Be Prepared For Your Spinal Fusion Surgery

Now that you know what to expect for your spinal fusion surgery, you can better prepare yourself and your home for the procedure.

At Executive Spine Surgery, we specialize in a full range of surgical procedures and treat many back conditions that include bone spurs, bulging discs, and arthritis of the spine. To learn if you’re a candidate for back surgery, book an appointment with us online.

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