A former champion of opioid use for pain management has changed his tune, and he is sending out a strong warning against misusing the treatment that he once championed. Dr. Russell Portenoy’s public change of heart underscores the urgency of addressing this important health crisis: addiction to opioid derived pain medicines. Shaky data, but a […]
Former Opiod Use Advocate Admits He Was Wrong Read More »
As usual, your mom was right. Most of us can recall our mother’s voice each morning, sternly reminding us to eat breakfast. After all, she would say, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Well, she might not have known just how right she was. Not only do we need energy to start
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Breakfast Read More »
Either put one knee on the ground or assume a squatting position, and use your arms and legs to move the object up close to the opposite thigh. Stand up and keep your back straight. Never bend at the waist while lifting. When lifting, always maneuver the object close to your body, and use the
Each year, low back injuries account for 40 to 50% of all worker compensation costs. 80% of all back injuries are lower-back related. The total number of spine operations in the US alone has approached 500,000 annually. The majority of all back surgeries are unsuccessful. When disability payments are considered, the cost to American industry
Facts About Back Pain Read More »
I was recently asked by a physician patient about the use of back braces. She wanted to know whether I thought their use was indicated, and noted that in her experience a lot of people depend on the back brace to provide support to their lower backs throughout their day at home and at work
Back Braces-Should I or Shouldn’t I? Read More »
The other day I was speaking with one of my patients who have a history of chronic lower back pain and she mentioned to me that getting in and out of her car was always difficult. It always seems to cause pain and discomfort in her lower back. This reminded me of a case I
Is there a better way to get in and out of my car? Read More »
Let’s face it; you are probably not a radiologist! If you were, understanding all those images would be easy, but for the average person looking at an MRI is overwhelming to say the least, and all those big ‘doctor’ words on the radiology report are even more confusing! In reality, reading and understanding an MRI
Taking the Mystery Out of MRI Images Read More »
Remember our discussion about Gravity? Well how about the effects of our weight on our spine? Excess weight obviously will play a role on the health and well being of each of us, and without question lugging around a lot of extra weight is going to add insult to injury when it comes to our
Does my weight affect my back pain? Read More »
Remember when we were kids in school and we learned about Sir Issac Newton sitting under the apple tree? Old Sir Issac got hit on the noggin and suddenly the light went off in his head and we all got to learn about this incredible force in the universe called Gravity. Is Gravity a friend
Gravity: Friend or Foe? Read More »
Do you find yourself always wanting to lean over the shopping cart as you go strolling down the aisles in your local supermarket or wander around Costco or Walmart? Does your lower back just feel better when you are leaning forward? Believe it or not, Doctors often refer to this as a “Positive Shopping Cart
Shopping Cart Sign Read More »