Last updated 1 year ago
Your spine is in good health when the vertebrae are stacked on top of each other and separated by relatively thick disks that contain a gel-like center to absorb shock. This structure is surrounded by joints and nerve roots. Unfortunately, as a person ages they will experience spinal degeneration.
This video shows models of spinal degeneration along many stages. At first, the discs will show slight flattening and eventually calcium will build up along the vertebrae and the discs will become herniated. This may cause painful damage to the nerves and joints.
For more information about how you can eliminate your back and neck pain, contact the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. 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.
Last updated 1 year ago
When you’re young you often take your back for granted, and many adults feel the pain later. Maintaining good back health is critical to your overall well-being. The following resources provide great information and tips on how to help lower your back pain.
- Find out more about out of traffic auto injuries that may affect your neck and spine with this Forbes Magazine article.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some advice on eating to maintain a healthy weight.
- The Society for Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery has answers to your questions about spine surgery.
For more information about how you can eliminate your back and neck pain, contact the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. 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.
Last updated 1 year ago
Some conditions that affect the spine are only treatable with the use of surgery. Typically, surgical solutions are considered a last resort when it comes to back pain, but advanced techniques have made spine surgery a lower risk operation involving fewer scars and shorter recovery times.
What conditions may require surgery?
Minimally-invasive spine surgery is actually a blanket term that covers several kinds of surgery. It is a surgical technique that utilizes endoscopes, lasers, operating microscopes, and computer-assisted navigation systems. This technology allows doctors to target specific areas to treat many conditions including:
- Back and neck pain.
- Sciatica.
- Herniated discs.
- Tumors
- Fractures.
- Scoliosis.
- Infections.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Spinal stenosis.
Not all doctors are qualified to perform minimally-invasive spine surgery as it is highly technical and requires special training. However, a growing number of specialists are learning and utilizing this surgery technique to give patients quicker recovery, less pain, and reduced blood loss during surgery.
Recovery Time
Patients who have undergone this type of surgery are usually able to get up and walk around within one day of surgery. During the first 6 weeks following the procedure, patients are limited to walking and non-strenuous daily activities. Most patients are able to return to work part-time 1-2 weeks after surgery, but the exact timeline may vary depending on the procedure that was performed.
For more information about how you can eliminate your back and neck pain, contact the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. 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.
Last updated 1 year ago
During a collision, passengers in a vehicle are usually thrust forward or sideways, depending on the point of impact. This force is usually felt primarily in the back and neck. There are also several auto-related injuries that occur out of traffic that can lead to painful back injuries. Here are a few problems you may encounter after an auto accident.
Spinal Cord Injury: The spinal cord is an essential part of the nervous system that extends from the brain down the spine. It is a long, tubular bundle of nervous tissue that is subject to tearing and stretching. Twisting or compressing the back may cause injury, but the spinal cord may also be damaged from cuts and direct wounds. Collisions are often accompanied by pieces of glass and metal that may embed themselves in your back.
Whiplash: This is among the most common of auto injuries. It occurs when stress is put on the neck, and it is typical in rear-impact car accidents because the head is often thrust forward. Those who suffer from whiplash sometimes experience pain immediately, but others do not notice symptoms for a few days. A neck brace may be necessary during recovery. Your doctor will recommend exercises to strengthen the neck muscles and ensure proper healing.
Overextension: This type of injury is common when removing cargo, changing a tire, or pushing a vehicle. It is the overload of pressure on your back from lifting or pushing an object that is too heavy. Use caution when experiencing car trouble to avoid this sort of injury.
For more information about how you can eliminate your back and neck pain, contact the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. 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.
Last updated 1 year ago
The health of your spine is highly dependent on your lifestyle. Making a conscious effort to exercise and eat a balanced diet is the best way to prevent spinal injuries. Below are some areas that you should focus on in order to decrease your chances of back pain and injury.
Diet: Maintaining a healthy weight will take extra pressure off of your spine. You should try to avoid consuming fatty foods that are high in sodium and stay away from sweets that offer no nutritional benefits. Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and stick to lean proteins, such as fish, nuts, and skinless poultry. Making changes in the preparation of your food will also make an impact. For instance, sautéing instead of frying will cut fat and retain flavor.
Aerobic Exercise: You don’t have to join a gym to get daily exercise. Low-impact activities, such as walking, can be done anywhere. Dancing and martial arts are fun ways to include aerobics in your daily routine. These activities will improve circulation, burn fat, and strengthen your muscles.
Strengthening Exercises: Building strength in your core is essential to reducing back problems. The muscles in your abdomen, pelvis, and lower back all provide support to your spine. Stronger muscles lower the chances of injury. There are many core strengthening activities that you can do in your home, including abdominal crunches, yoga, and push-ups. You only need to commit 15-20 minutes a day to benefit from these exercises, so don’t let time be a constraint.
For more information about how you can eliminate your back and neck pain, contact the Spine Institute of Marc A. Cohen, M.D. 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.
