Up to 80% of Americans report experiencing back pain at some point during their life. Often, it’s lower back pain. However, pain can occur anywhere along the spine or the broad canvass of the back and may be caused by any number of conditions—some acute and some chronic. Despite working as a spine surgeon caring …
Back pain? 9 possible causes and what to do about it Read More »
Though the spread of COVID-19 has thankfully waned, many people are still feeling the after-effects of what is referred to as “long COVID.” The cases of long COVID are becoming so common that lawmakers introduced a bill to fund research into the long-term effects of the disease and expand treatment resources for people experiencing them. Baylor …
As many as 20% of US adults complain of heartburn and regurgitation—the classic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. And proton pump inhibitors, known as PPIs, remain one of the most powerful medicines we have today to provide relief. In recent years, it’s become more common for people to ask about the possible side …
Are PPIs the answer for your acid reflux or GERD? Read More »
Most people consider taking a dietary supplement at some point in their life in order to improve their health. Maybe you see a convincing ad on TV or social media, or perhaps you hear from a friend about how a particular supplement benefited them. Enhancing your diet with supplements can be an effective way to …
The truth about vitamins and supplements: Are they helpful or harmful? Read More »
The spine plays a critical role in the body’s structural network, keeping you upright and connecting different parts of your musculoskeletal and nervous systems. While debilitating back pain afflicts eight out of 10 adults at some point in their lifetime, the spine’s structure is something you may rarely consider—unless you have scoliosis. Recognizable by its …
The symptoms of heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure (CHF), can be subtle and easy to dismiss. Feeling tired? Well, you’ve been staying up later than normal this week… Weight gain? It has been a few weeks since you went to the gym… However, these subtle symptoms can be the first indicator …
“Mindfulness” is a word we seem to see everywhere lately, but what is it really? Dr. John Kabat-Zinn, one of the lead researchers in the field of mindfulness, defines it as “awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experiences moment by moment.” Have you …
4 mindful money habits to help you achieve your financial goals Read More »
Scoliosis, the medical term for curvature of the spine, affects millions of Americans, an estimated 2 to 3% of the population. For the most severe cases—curves that exceed 45 degrees—surgical intervention may be necessary. But for the majority of people diagnosed with scoliosis, your doctor will advise non-invasive treatments, each clinically proven to forestall the …
We know that having strong, supportive social relationships positively affects our health and well-being, and that both the quantity and quality of our relationships matter. Yet for many, maintaining our relationships remains a challenge. The idea of making new friends can seem like an impossible task. As we grow older, life changes such as marriage …
How to make new friends and expand your social network Read More »
Your initial appointment to see a spine doctor can feel a bit daunting at first. If you’ve never been treated for back and spine issues, you might be unsure of what to expect. On top of the back pain you’re likely experiencing, there are the additional considerations of paperwork, questionnaires and overall uncertainty about your diagnosis, treatment …
Seeing a spine doctor? How to prepare and what questions to ask Read More »