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

Lower Back Exercises

Strengthening the muscles in your lower back is a great way to reduce your risk of developing back pain.

This video offers a closer look at exercises that can benefit your lower back. Stretching out your hip flexors can help strengthen your lower back. Start with one knee on the ground and the other knee bent ahead of you at a 90-degree angle. Bring your belly button into your spine and drop your hips underneath to stretch the front of your thigh. Watch this video for more tips and a visual demonstration.

It is important to meet with your spine surgeon before beginning any type of exercise routine. Call laser spine surgeon Dr. Marc A. Cohen, M.D. at (888) 902-3768 for more information on our services. You can also schedule a consultation with the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. through our website.

The Importance of Sitting Up Straight

While back and neck pain can be caused by a number of factors, the things you do on a daily basis can have a direct impact on your spinal health. Poor posture, for example, can increase your risk for developing a number of conditions affecting the integrity and health of your spine.

Importance of Proper Posture

Proper posture keeps your spine balanced, decreases strain on your muscles and ligaments, and reduces the risk of back and neck pain. Failure to maintain poor posture puts unnecessary stress on your spine, which constricts your blood vessels and nerves, changes the anatomical characteristics of your spine, and increases the development of a number of disc and joint problems.

Posture Tips

It is important to maintain proper posture throughout the course of your day. Help promote better posture by following these tips:

• Stand up with your chin lifted slightly and your ears directly over your shoulders, keeping your shoulders in line with your hips.
• Avoid slouching with your shoulders hunched forward.
• Place a cushion or rolled-up towel between your lower back and chair when sitting or driving for long periods of time.
• Keep both feet on the floor while sitting.
• Avoid leaning back excessively, as this causes a large inward curve in your lower back.
• Use ergonomic office equipment.
• Sit in chairs that provide sufficient lumbar or low-back support.

Maintaining proper posture helps to prevent muscle fatigue, decrease abnormal joint wear, and decrease stress on the ligaments that support your spine. The best way to determine if your posture is affecting the integrity of your spine is to consult your laser spine surgeon. Dr. Marc A. Cohen, M.D. will review your symptoms and lifestyle habits to determine if your spinal health is at risk. You can set up an appointment with the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. by visiting our website or by calling (973) 538-4444 today.

Is It Time for Conventional Spine Surgery?

Conventional spine surgery, also known as open back surgery, is a procedural method used to treat a wide variety of conditions affecting the back and neck. Examples of conventional spine surgery include treatments such as dynamic posterior stabilization fusion, posterior pedical screw fusion, anterior cervical spine fusion, and posterior cervical spine fusion. However, open back surgery is considered a major operation and is therefore only recommended under certain circumstances. Continue reading to learn when it may be time to consider conventional spine surgery with your spine surgeon.

Severe Symptoms

While nearly everyone will experience an episode of back or neck pain at some point in their lives, certain symptoms may indicate the need for a more invasive treatment method such as conventional spine surgery. When your condition is causing uncontrollable or debilitating pain, extremity weakness, numbness, tingling, or loss of bowel or bladder function, it may be time to consider conventional spine surgery.

No Relief Using Other Treatments

Conventional spine surgery may be right for you when other treatment methods have failed to provide relief. For example, individuals who have been unable to find relief from conservative therapies such as oral medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections may be ideal candidates for conventional surgery. Similarly, open spine surgery may be beneficial for individuals whose symptoms have not been alleviated through previous minimally invasive spine surgery procedures.

Your Spine Surgeon’s Recommendation

The best way to determine if conventional spine surgery is right for you is to consult your laser spine surgeon. An experienced surgeon will perform a physical evaluation, consider your symptoms, and perform a number of diagnostic examinations to determine if surgery is the right solution for your specific needs.

World-class laser spine surgeon, Dr. Marc A. Cohen, is also renowned for his surgical expertise in the field of conventional spine surgery. Learn more about your conventional spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, and laser spine surgery options by contacting the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. at (973) 538-4444.

How to Avoid Back Strain from a Shoulder Bag

Carrying around heavy items may be easier with a shoulder bag, but that doesn’t mean this accessory will eliminate the risk of back pain.

This video provides several tips on avoiding back strain while using a shoulder bag. It is important to limit the weight of your bag so that it is no greater than two percent of your body weight. A good way to reduce the weight of your bag is to clean out any items that you do not need at the end of each day. Check out this full clip to learn more!

For more information on preventing painful back and neck conditions, contact the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. in New Jersey at (973) 538-4444 today! We are your number-one resource for high-quality minimally invasive spine surgery.

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.

What To Do When Previous Spinal Surgery Fails

Despite the technological advances and innovative techniques utilized during spine surgery, some patients continue to experience back pain after a previous surgical procedure. This may be the result of a recurrent disc herniation, pressure on a spinal nerve, or the development of excessive scar tissue. Fortunately, a laser spine specialist can provide relief for patients still experiencing painful symptoms after prior surgical intervention. Check out this overview of common treatment methods to learn more about your options following a failed spinal surgery.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a treatment method designed to make completing daily activities easier by improving muscle strength and flexibility, improving balance, and increasing range of motion. Physical therapy may be utilized alone or in conjunction with other conservative therapies and includes a number of modalities, such as: stretching, core exercises, weight lifting, manual therapy, heat or cold application, and ultrasound.

Nerve Blocks

Nerve block injections are commonly used to diagnose and treat back pain by injecting the area around the nerve with an anesthetic or numbing medication. Most patients experience rapid numbness and near-complete pain relief following a nerve block injection.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is a procedure in which low-level electrical signals are sent to specific nerves within the spinal cord to block pain signals from reaching the brain.

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, therapy is similar to spinal cord stimulation in that it delivers low-voltage electrical currents through your skin to stimulate the affected nerves and distort their normal pain perception.

If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, sharp or pricking pain in your extremities, or an aching feeling in your back and legs, it may be time to contact a minimally invasive spine surgery specialist. As a leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Marc A. Cohen, M.D. with the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. is devoted to treating adults suffering from a wide variety of spinal conditions. For more information on laser spine surgery and our other treatment methods, contact our office at (973) 538-4444.