Spine Institute Of Marc A. Cohen, M.D.

Common Recreational Sports-Related Back Injuries and What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

It’s estimated that approximately 80% of the world’s population will experience back pain at some point; while proper exercise can help to strengthen the structures and ligaments that support the spine, sports injuries are among some of the most common causes of back injuries. Recreational sports such as football, basketball, soccer, and swimming can all lead to a number of back injuries. 

Disc Conditions

Disc conditions are common among individuals who participate in recreational sports. Some common disc conditions associated with sports include:

• Herniated disc: Also known as a slipped disc, this condition occurs when the jelly-like substance within the intervertebral discs is forced outward, causing the disc to bulge or leak through a tear. Herniated discs usually affect the lumbar spine and cervical spine and cause numbness, muscle weakness, pain that worsens after sitting or standing, and pain that is isolated to one side of the body.

• Bulging disc: Similar to herniated discs, bulging discs occur when the interior of the disc is pushed against the membrane creating an outward push that exerts pressure on the spinal nerves.

• Torn disc: Torn discs are more severe and occur when the membrane containing the jelly-like substance is ripped or torn open until the fluid leaks out from the disc.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Another common sports-related back injury is cervical radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve. This occurs when the root of the spinal nerves in the cervical spine becomes damaged, causing numbness or pain that radiates down into the shoulder and arm.

Prevention Tips

While some individuals are genetically predisposed to conditions or injuries of the spine, there are several ways you can lessen your risk of injury by increasing circulation to the muscles and ligaments of your back through easy movements, stretching, and starting sports movements slowly until your body is warmed up.

Dr. Marc A. Cohen, of the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., can help relieve the pain you are experiencing as a result of vertebral disc injuries with personalized treatments tailored to your needs. At the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., we offer the very best in minimally invasive laser spine surgery for patients in New Jersey and New York City. Our team works hard to provide the latest in technologically-advanced prevention plans and treatment methods. Visit us online or call us at (973) 538-4444 to learn more about our services or to make an appointment.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

How Your Chair Could Be Causing Harm to Your Spine

Proper posture and back support are essential to maintaining the health of your spine. It’s well known that certain health conditions and physical activities can increase your risk for back pain, but the chair you use on a regular basis may be also causing harm. While an experienced laser spine surgeon can determine the underlying cause of your pain, it is important to understand exactly how your chair may be negatively affecting your spine and why a more ergonomic option may be in order. 

How poor posture affects the spine:

Static posture can increase stress in your neck, back, shoulders, arms, and legs, ultimately putting large amounts of pressure on the back muscles and spinal discs. In addition, many individuals tend to slouch over or down in their chairs when sitting for long periods of time; over time, this posture stretches the spinal ligaments and puts unwanted strain on the structures of your spine. Poor posture not only worsens preexisting back and neck pain but may also contribute to additional spinal conditions.

How to be spine-smart when sitting:

There are several steps you can take to reduce the negative effects that prolonged sitting has on your spine. This includes using an ergonomic chair that maximizes back support and maintains good posture, as well as adjusting the chair to meet your body’s proportions. For example, you’ll want to sit as close as possible to the desk so that your arms are parallel to your spine and at a 90 degree angle.  You will also want to be able to slide your fingers easily under your thighs at the leading edge of the chair and to press your buttocks firmly against the back of your chair. You may also consider placing a cushion against your lower back so that it arches slightly to avoid slouching.

Dr. Marc A. Cohen, of the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., can help relieve the pain you are experiencing as a result of vertebral disc injuries with personalized treatments tailored to your needs. At the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., we offer the very best in minimally invasive laser spine surgery for patients in New Jersey and New York City. Our team works hard to provide the latest in technologically-advanced prevention plans and treatment methods. Visit us online or call us at (973) 538-4444 to learn more about our services or to make an appointment.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

Why There is Still Hope After Suffering a Traumatic Spinal Injury

Spinal injuries are especially common among Americans. In fact, the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that more than 10,000 individuals suffer from traumatic injuries to their spinal cords each year in the United States. Injuries to the spine may be the result of car accidents, diving accidents, slips and falls, and other activities that cause a direct blow or rapid twisting motion to the back. Fortunately, a laser spine surgeon can offer hope to individuals following traumatic injury to the spine. 

Trauma to the spinal cord can lead to damage of nerve roots and the cell bodies of the nerves themselves. This not only negatively impacts the neural messaging capabilities to and from the brain, but also interferes with a number of bodily functions. The three main types of spinal injuries include:

• Complete: Complete injury occurs when there is a lack of sensation and movement below the injury that equally affects both sides of the body. 

• Incomplete: Incomplete injury occurs when there is limited sensation or movement below the injury site.

• Paralysis: Paralysis may be classified as quadriplegia if the arms, legs, trunk, and pelvic organs are affected, or paraplegia if all or part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs are affected.

While the physical and emotional effects of a spinal cord injury can be extremely detrimental, there are a number of ways that a spine specialist can improve your long-term outlook. For example, acute spinal injuries may be treated or reduced through the use of medication or body immobilization. More severe cases of injury, however, may require minimally invasive spine surgery. Unlike traditional open surgery, laser spine surgery or minimally invasive spine surgery offers shorter recovery time, fewer risks of complications, and lower procedure costs.

Dr. Marc A. Cohen, of the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., can help relieve the pain you are experiencing as a result of vertebral disc injuries with personalized treatments tailored to your needs. At the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., we offer the very best in minimally invasive laser spine surgery for patients in New Jersey and New York City. Our team works hard to provide the latest in technologically-advanced prevention plans and treatment methods. Visit us online or call us at (973) 538-4444 to learn more about our services or to make an appointment.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

Back Pain and Your Spinal Health

When your back is in pain, it can often feel like your world is coming to an end. Don't let your back pain linger. Read the following articles in order to maintain and improve your spinal health. 

• Preserve the health of your spine with these tips from the American Chiropractic Association.

• Learn when to see a doctor for your back pain with ABC News.

• The causes for neck pain are explained at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ website.

• See how to stretch your back to avoid injury.

Dr. Marc A. Cohen, of the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., can help relieve the pain you are experiencing as a result of vertebral disc injuries with personalized treatments tailored to your needs. At the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., we offer the very best in minimally invasive laser spine surgery for patients in New Jersey and New York City. Our team works hard to provide the latest in technologically-advanced prevention plans and treatment methods. Visit us online or call us at (973) 538-4444 to learn more about our services or to make an appointment.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

How to Prevent Back Injuries Due to Improper Lifting

Many cases of back pain can be prevented with good habits for lifting and performing physical activities. Even the most basic activities can be detrimental for the lower back; because these activities are seemingly harmless, their risks can be overlooked and cause injury. 

This video talks about how to keep your back healthy by changing the way you move during everyday activities. Any time you lift an item, the intervertebral discs are put under higher pressure from decreased space in the spinal column. As you get older, your spine is weakened, so you should be more aware of how to properly lift items.

Dr. Marc A. Cohen, of the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., can help relieve the pain you are experiencing as a result of vertebral disc injuries with personalized treatments tailored to your needs. At the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D., we offer the very best in minimally invasive laser spine surgery for patients in New Jersey and New York City. Our team works hard to provide the latest in technologically-advanced prevention plans and treatment methods. Visit us online or call us at (973) 538-4444 to learn more about our services or to make an appointment.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.