Joint & Spine

February 24, 2020March 3, 2020

Arthritis and heart disease: The surprisingly strong link

Other than both being potentially serious conditions affecting millions of people, osteoarthritis and heart disease may not seem to have that much in common. Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the joints, while heart disease impacts the heart and blood vessels. Musculoskeletal system versus circulatory system. Separate issues, right? Actually, there is a relationship between … Continue reading Arthritis and heart disease: The surprisingly strong link

January 7, 2020January 13, 2020

3 exercises to relieve lower back pain

We’ve all heard the old adage, “if it hurts, don’t do it,” at some point in our lives. Well, I’m here to share with you that if your back hurts, this popular belief in avoidance as the solution could not be further from the truth. In fact, avoiding activities may actually lead to more back … Continue reading 3 exercises to relieve lower back pain

October 9, 2019January 13, 2020

What is scoliosis? Everything you need to know

The spine plays an important role in your body structure, keeping you upright and connecting different parts of your skeleton. But your spine is something you probably think of rarely — unless you have scoliosis. Scoliosis is defined as sideways curvature of the spine that results in an “s” or “c” shape. Mild cases of … Continue reading What is scoliosis? Everything you need to know

August 7, 2019August 19, 2019

How to get rid of knee pain after running

Many people, myself included, have a love/hate relationship with running. On the one hand, running allows for a high caloric burn within a short amount of time, meaning it’s one of the most efficient options for exercise. It also improves your cardiac strength and output, and it can improve your respiratory function. All in all, … Continue reading How to get rid of knee pain after running

July 24, 2019August 5, 2019

Why rotator cuff injuries are the most common cause of shoulder pain

As the popularity of high-impact, strength-building exercise programs increases, the shoulder is being increasingly called upon to function as a high demand, weight-bearing joint. This has led to an increase in shoulder-related complaints among active adults. If that’s you, read on to gain a better understanding of what is causing your shoulder pain — and … Continue reading Why rotator cuff injuries are the most common cause of shoulder pain

June 24, 2019January 20, 2020

5 myths people believe about lower back pain

Your health risks change as you age, but lower back pain is virtually ubiquitous throughout the human lifespan. An estimated 80 percent of the population will experience at least one episode of low back pain at some point in life. Lower back pain is now the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 540 … Continue reading 5 myths people believe about lower back pain

June 6, 2019August 15, 2019

Martial arts instructor thriving, pain-free after spinal surgery

Kurt Clauser spent the day as he had spent most Saturdays since the late 1980s: honing his mind and body to perfect his martial arts technique. But unbeknownst to Kurt, this particular Saturday would have a much different ending. The next morning, Kurt, 54, awoke in his Rowlett home in debilitating pain. “It felt like … Continue reading Martial arts instructor thriving, pain-free after spinal surgery

January 10, 2019August 15, 2019

The do’s and don’ts of recovering from knee replacement surgery

After living with aching knees for far too long, you finally pulled the trigger, talked to an orthopedic specialist and explored your options to put a stop to your knee pain. You started with imaging, you tried strengthening your knees through physical therapy and alleviating your pain through injections — yet nothing provided longstanding relief. … Continue reading The do’s and don’ts of recovering from knee replacement surgery

December 17, 2018August 16, 2019

Why being a physician is a blessing and a privilege

I feel privileged to be an orthopedic surgeon. Every day, I have the chance to make an impact on someone else’s life, to give someone back their independence, to help someone walk again. No two days are the same, but each one is fulfilling. But sometimes, I forget what a gift this job is. I … Continue reading Why being a physician is a blessing and a privilege

December 3, 2018August 15, 2019

What to expect from hip replacement surgery

If you’re thinking about a hip replacement, chances are you’ve been dealing with pain in your hip for some time. There are many things that cause a hip joint to degenerate — normal wear and tear, injury, bone necrosis or even genetics — but the ultimate treatment for a degenerated hip joint is the same: … Continue reading What to expect from hip replacement surgery