Back Pain and Neck Pain from an Orthopedic Surgeon

What is Physiatry?

2009-05-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Physiatrists are physicians specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Established as a medical specialty in the 1940s, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a discipline primarily concerned with acute and chronic problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system.

Not all spinal conditions require surgery, and in many cases a well-trained physiatrist can greatly assist in pain management and enabling the patient to live a normal and productive life.

Danish Healthcare

2008-11-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

A fascinating article from the Toronto Star discusses the Danish approach to seniors healthcare. The Danes apparently work very hard at keeping seniors integrated in the community. The Scandinavians enjoy an excellent reputation for healthcare in general. It seems that they apply a community based approach to care for their senior citizens.

Many long-term-care facilities in Denmark and Sweden are homey, intimate environments where quality of life is paramount. Fresh flowers on dining-room tables, wine with meals and real camaraderie among staff and residents are among the hallmarks.

Perhaps it's no wonder that Danes are the happiest people in the world. We found this on an intriguing website about Denmark. It appears to be an ambitious project intended for business and travel users.

Spinal Stenosis Video Education

2008-10-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

A new video presentation can be found on the web at this location. Stewart G. Eidelson, M.D. is a well known specialist in the treatment of spinal stenosis. He has a particular interest in the treatment of this condition in the elderly.

Spinal Stenosis Foundation

2006-05-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce a new charitable foundation based in Florida which is focused on spinal stenosis research and progress. The foundation has a formalized relationship with SpineUniverse.com, which is the largest website specifically dedicated to back pain.

The Spinal Stenosis Foundation of Palm Beach County represents the fulfillment of a long time dream of mine: to create a foundation dedicated to encouraging research on this debilitating yet often over-looked disease.

With our aging population, it becomes more important than ever to find solutions to Spinal Stenosis. In the past, spinal stenosis was viewed as a "natural" part of the aging process, however today's seniors want and should expect active lifestyles. I hope you will consider contributing to the objectives of the Foundation.

Spine Education in Russia

2006-04-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

An interesting example of international collaboration here. Dr. Mark McLaughlin is a well known neurosurgeon practicing in Princeton, New Jersey. He is a member of the SpineUniverse Editorial Board and is also Scientific Program Chairman of the AANS/CNS Joint Spine Section.

With collaboration from the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons, he initiated the first ever Russian-American Spine Symposium held in St. Petersburg, Russia, May, 2000. In August 2005, this initiative was followed by the very successful Advances in Brain and Spine Surgery: Technology and Care symposium.

We congratulate Dr. McLaughlin on his educational activities and wish him success in his future international endeavours.

Back Pain

2006-04-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

For some years I've been concerned about the availability of good quality patient information about back pain and spinal conditions. As a practicing orthopedic surgeon, I am well aware of how important information is in the patient's decision making process. In fact, I believe that the availabilty of good information has a significant effect on surgical outcomes. Knowledge is indeed power.

To start everyone down the road to good information we should start with the basics. What is lower back pain?

This is an outstanding article from Richard Fessler, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Fessler is the Chief of Neurosurgery at University of Chicago Hospitals