Why Prolonged Sitting And Standing Is Unproductive by Anna Vital, author--Funders and Founders

We thought we would share this infograph that explains why it is not good for your neck and back (and other parts of the body) to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time by Anna Vital, author-- Funders and Founders.

If you suffer from chronic or acute back pain and cannot find relief, it may be time to contact a spine specialist like the physicians at SpineOne.  SpineOne offers a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. The physicians at SpineOne practice minimally invasive procedures combined with other practices to get you back on your feet and enjoying your life again. SpineOne provides doctor consultations, MRIs and treatments all from the same facility for your convenience. Same-day appointments are also available upon request.

Visit www.SpineOne.com or call 303.500.8611 today.

A List of 6 Best Low Back Pain Exercises for Fast Relief from Misato Alexandre of Fitwirr

A List of 6 Best Low Back Pain Exercises for Fast Relief

How to Tell if You Have Sciatica

Sciatic pain (sciatica), symptomatic of other medical conditions, is when the sciatic nerve or one of its origins along the lumbar (lower) spine is irritated, pressured or damaged causing pain, weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the lower back and extremities.

While a spine specialist can officially diagnose whether you are showing symptoms of sciatica, you can also educate yourself about key sciatic pain indicators. To assist you, SpineOne has provided an online infographic that illustrates some of the sciatic pain symptoms and their locations. Simply click on the image to enlarge, save and/or print it.

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic sciatica and is unable to find a solution, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a spine specialist like the ones at SpineOne. The physicians at SpineOne provide each patient with a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and personalized treatment plan designed to meet their individual health needs. SpineOne offers both minimally invasive services for mild to moderate back pain and more advanced options for discomfort that is either severe or unresponsive to conservative techniques.

Call us at 303.500.8611 or visit www.spineone.com to learn more about our services.  For your convenience, SpineOne offers same-day appointments with consultation, imaging and treatment all within one facility.

How to Avoid Back Pain from Shoveling Snow this Winter

In a national study conducted by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), U.S. National Library of Medicine in 2011, approximately 66,919 (34.3 percent) people sought medical care for lower back injuries caused by shoveling snow from 1990 to 2006. Caused mostly from acute musculoskeletal exertion (54.7 percent), many of these patients suffered from low-back strain followed by a herniated-vertebral disc and then spinal fractures.  That’s an average of 11,500 shoveling-related injuries a year!

Why this happens
Many of us lead sedentary lives that involve working in front of a computer all day, every day, watching sporting events, TV shows and movies and eating less-healthy food (especially during the holidays). Then the first snowfall arrives, and we soon forget the physical demands shoveling hundreds of pounds of heavy, wet snow in freezing temperatures puts on our bodies.  This can be a recipe for disaster if we haven’t kept ourselves in some type of physical shape previously. 

Some information to keep you on your feet this winter
The back specialists at SpineOne have provided some information to help keep you out of the doctor’s office or emergency room this winter.

Check with your doctor
You should always check with your doctor before shoveling if you’ve already injured your back or you have another medical condition. Not only may you hurt your back, but also conducting strenuous work in the cold when you are not used to exercise may increase your chances for a heart attack. It may be best to hire someone else to clear the snow from your driveway.

Warm up
Let’s not kid ourselves. Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity. And you need to stretch to avoid injury like you would with any strenuous activity such as running, swimming, biking or playing sports.

Pace yourself
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks. If the forecast calls for snowfall over an extended period of time, start shoveling early; it’s better to shovel a few inches of snow at a time than a foot or two all at once. 

Use proper shoveling techniques
Distribute your weight evenly by bending at your knees and hips. Avoid twisting your back to throw snow on a pile; instead, turn your whole body. Take a look at this instructional video—Shoveling snow: How to prevent back injuries courtesy of Lenny Bernstein of the Washington Post before tackling old man winter this season.

Get the proper equipment

Use a shovel that is the right height for you.  We recommend one with an “S” shaped handle for more efficient leverage and better body mechanics when shoveling.  You should always try to push the snow instead of lifting it. Spread rock salt or an “ice melter” on slick spots along the walkway and/or driveway to avoid falls before shoveling.

Dress for success

Dress in layers that are warm and breathable, and like mom says, “Don’t forget to put on your hat!” Choose thicker gloves that keep your hands warm while providing a better grip on the handle of the shovel. Probably most importantly, wear boots with a slip-resistant sole.

Listen to your body

If you feel any type of pain or shortness of breath while shoveling, stop immediately and seek assistance. If you develop pain in your lower back that radiates down one, or both of your legs, you may have a more serious condition. If this is the case, or you fall down and injure your back, you should seek out a qualified spine specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment like the physicians at SpineOne. 

SpineOne offers a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. The physicians at SpineOne practice minimally invasive procedures combined with other practices to get you back on your feet and enjoying your life again. SpineOne provides doctor consultations, imaging and treatments all from the same facility for your convenience. Same-day appointments are also available upon request.

Call 303.800.5611 or visit www.spineone.com today.

Spinal Functions, Disorders and Associated Symptoms

Click to see larger infograph

Nearly 1/3 of Americans suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain, defined as pain that lasts more than six months, can be continuous, episodic, inconvenient or even life altering. While a sudden injury has an expected trajectory of healing, chronic back and/or neck pain can become a frustrating prospect with no recovery in sight. The ability of chronic pain to ebb and flow over months or years makes it difficult for sufferers to decide whether they should seek treatment. If you have chronic back or neck pain, the following infograph can help you better understand your condition.

If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic neck or back pain and is unable to find a solution, you should always schedule an appointment with a spinespecialist like the ones at SpineOne for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Alizadeh Gets to the Cause of Patients' Back Pain.

Kayvon Alizadeh, M.D., SpineOne

Read what first-time SpineOne patient, Abigail, had to say about her experience and treatment by Dr. Kayvon Alizadeh.

"No doctor (or healthcare provider) has explained the spine as Dr. Alizadeh did. He used terms that I could understand and seemed genuinely interested in getting to the cause of my back pain."

 --Abigail

How to Prevent Back Pain this Ski Season

With Thanksgiving weekend starting this Thursday, many of us Coloradans will head up to the slopes for the first time this year. In fact resorts such as Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Winter Park and Vail have already opened, and six more resorts will follow over the holiday weekend including Steamboat and Telluride.

And with a brand-new ski season, will come weekend warriors who have spent the last two to three months on the couch watching football, drinking and eating instead of working out in preparation of the ski season.  

Skiing is a physically demanding activity that requires our muscles to be flexible and strong to avoid falling and more serious injuries. Knee and ankle joints are the most common of skiing injuries, but back pain can limit one’s mobility and balance, leading to muscle strains, falls, whiplash, concussions and in rare occasions—paralysis. To help you avoid injury and get the most out of your skiing investment this season, we at SpineOne recommend the following preventative measures before you (shall I say, ‘conquer?’) the slopes.

Get in shape now.
Most of us need at least six weeks to get in decent enough shape to strap wood to our feet and speed down the side of a 14,000-foot mountain. If you haven’t started, begin working out now. You will want to focus on your thighs, hamstrings, hips and buttocks for strength and support of your lower back. It is also very important to follow through with core exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Being in good condition will provide you with better stability and balance and help reduce the chances of falling and injury.

Warm up.
Before an athlete or an “average Joe” does anything athletic, he or she stretches and warms up. We often don’t think to stretch before skiing or snowboarding because we consider skiing as a fun “activity,” not necessarily a demanding sport. However, nothing could be further from the truth—especially in cold weather. Muscles are more apt to be injured in cold weather. You should stretch your hamstrings, hips, back, neck, shoulders and triceps. It is also a good idea to take a light practice run on a bunny hill before really carving up the slopes.   

Use the right equipment.
One of the most important preventions to back pain, falling and injury is to make sure you
have equipment that is the right size for your body, in good condition and that feels comfortable when you wear it. You don’t want to be battling your equipment while trying to

maneuver the mountain. Oh yeah, and wear a brain bucket. It will significantly reduce the
chances of a serious brain injury.

Pay attention on the lift.
“Tips up!” Many falls and accidents occur before getting on or off the lift. One should be comfortable with how to get on and, more importantly, off a chair lift. Many skiers are

injured on the lift because they have not ridden one before, or are just not paying attention. If you have not ridden a ski lift before, it is important that you learn what to do and ride up
the mountain with someone who has experience.

Give it a rest.

Fatigue and dehydration may also lead to injury on the slopes. You need to pay attention to your body and rest at times between runs when needed. One should also stay hydrated. Although you are surrounded by snow, you are at higher altitudes, which means drier conditions and the risk of altitude sickness.

Know your limits.
“But all the cool kids are doing it!” Ah, common sense is not always that common. It is easy to get caught up in friendly competition or to try to impress that date for the first time on the mountain. However, your day or season could be cut short if you do not ski at your skill level. If you want to improve your skiing skills, take some lessons with an instructor before going commando off a headwall. You will look cooler and most likely avoid a yard sale.
Remember, you want to enjoy and remember your ski trip like this guy:

Not this guy:

What to do if you sustain a back injury.
If you suffer from chronic or acute back pain due to a sports injury or other condition and cannot find relief, it may be time to contact a spine specialist like the physicians at SpineOne. 

SpineOne offers a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to meet the pain management needs of each individual patient. The physicians at SpineOne practice minimally invasive procedures combined with other practices, such as physical therapy, to get you back on your feet and enjoying your life again. SpineOne provides doctor consultations, MRIs and treatments all from the same facility for your convenience. Same-day appointments are also available upon request.

Visit www.SpineOne.com or call 303.500.8611 today.

SpineOne Partners with the Fresh Harvest Food Bank this Holiday Season.

SpineOne and the Fresh Harvest Food Bank are providing non-perishable food items to local families in need this Thanksgiving holiday.  Read more...

Thank You SpineOne!

Hashim Khan, M.D. at SpineOne

Read what first-time SpineOne patient, Stephanie, had to say about her experience and treatment by Dr. Hashim Khan.

I was very impressed with your facility. The staff was very friendly, compassionate and professional. I felt very comfortable and well taken care of. Dr. Khan was very attentive and I appreciated the time he spent with me.    

THANK YOU SPINEONE!  --Stephanie

Are You at Risk for Sciatic Pain?

What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to a type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve which extends from your lower back down into the back of each leg. Sciatic pain occurs when the sciatic nerve or its origins along the lumbar spine are pressured, irritated or damaged causing pain, weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the lower back and extremities. Sciatica is symptomatic of other medical conditions such as a herniated disc, disc degeneration or spinal stenosis. 

While a spine specialist can determine whether you are showing symptoms of sciatica, it is important to educate yourself on the risk factors for sciatic pain. To assist you, SpineOne has provided an online infographic that explains some of the key contributors to sciatic pain. Simply click on the image to enlarge, save and/or print it.

If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic neck or back pain and is unable to find a solution, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a spine specialist like the ones at SpineOne.

The physicians at SpineOne provide each patient with a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan. SpineOne physicians subscribe a personalized treatment plan to ensure that patients receive the highest level of medical and rehabilitation services specifically tailored to meet each person's individual health needs.

Call us at 303.500.8611 or visit www.spineone.com to learn more about our services.  For your convenience, SpineOne offers same-day appointments with consultation, imaging and treatment all within one facility.

10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Back Pain from STYLECRAZE.

What You Should Know About Chronic Back & Neck Pain.

                Chronic neck or back pain can be more 

                traumatic than the injury that caused it.

In many ways, chronic back or neck pain can be more traumatic than the injury that caused it. While a sudden injury has an expected trajectory of healing, chronic neck or back pain can become a frustrating prospect with no recovery in sight. The ability of chronic pain to ebb and flow over months or years makes it difficult for sufferers to decide whether they should seek treatment. If you have chronic back or neck pain, the following information can help you better understand your condition.

Injuries increase the likely hood 

of long-term, chronic pain.

Why Chronic Pain Occurs
Under some circumstances, chronic back or neck pain stems from an initial injury. Car accidents, slip and fall incidents and sports injuries can all lead to chronic pain. Some individuals may experience ongoing pain for less apparent reasons. In some cases, pain results from repetitive motions that gradually compromise the spinal column’s health. For instance, a job that requires heavy lifting on a daily basis may cause chronic pain. Chronic pain can also develop from no apparent cause at all, as is the case for many who sit at a desk for hours at a time.

The constant battle against chronic neck or back pain
can leave suffers depressed or withdrawn.

What Chronic Neck & Back Pain Does to Sufferers
The primary effect of chronic pain is having to cope with ongoing discomfort. This discomfort can have other repercussions as well. The constant battle against chronic back or neck pain can leave sufferers depressed or withdrawn. It may impact other physical aspects as well. Studies have found that ongoing pain may adversely affect a person’s immune system.

How Chronic Pain Can Be Treated
No matter its cause, chronic pain can be successfully managed. A back specialist has at his or her disposal a diverse array of treatment options that can provide lasting relief for back pain. Multiple pain management techniques are available for those whom require medical intervention for their chronic back pain.

SpineOne Medical Center | 8500 Park Meadows Drive | Lone Tree, CO 80124

SpineOne Medical Center
The physicians at SpineOne provide each patient with a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan.  They promote a personalized treatment approach to ensure that patients receive the highest level of medical and rehabilitation services specifically designed to meet each person's individual health needs. For your convenience, SpineOne offers doctor consultations, MRIs and treatments all from the same facility for your convenience.  Same-day appointments are also available upon request.

Get back to living your life today! Call us at 303.500.8611, or visit www.SpineOne.com

How to Relieve Back Pain without Surgery

Back pain can be debilitating. When it is keeping you on the sidelines of your life, you may be willing to consider any treatment that works, including surgery. There are occasions when back surgery is the best option for relieving your pain, but it is not your only choice. Less than five percent of back and neck pain patients are good candidates for spinal surgery. The good news is that there are alternative treatments for conditions such as herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative discs, sciatic pain and more.

At SpineOne, we can manage your pain using targeted injections and therapeutic care to provide you with relief often without powerful medications that can be habit-forming. To learn which treatment options are right for you, it is important to schedule a consultation with a spine specialist like the experts at SpineOne. The following infographic illustrates the different choices you have for treating back and neck pain.  If you are considering open- or laser-spine surgery, visit the doctors at SpineOne for a second opinion. The back specialists at SpineOne can likely relieve back or neck pain without surgery.
 
Call us at 303.500.8611 or visit www.spineone.com to learn more about our services.  For your convenience, SpineOne offers same-day appointments with consultation, imaging and treatment all within one facility.

The Relationship Between Stress and Back Pain

Stress isn’t something you simply feel emotionally. Stress has definitive physical manifestations as well. Back pain and neck pain, in particular, are both associated with stress. Why does stress lead to an aching back and stiff neck? Doctors aren’t sure about the precise reasons why stress causes physical symptoms, but there some clues to help explain the relationship. Consider these links between stress and back pain:

Muscle Tension 
When you’re stressed, you have a tendency to tense your muscles. You may not even realize that you’re doing it, but chances are that if you’re coping with stress, you’re squeezing your muscles. Your back muscles and neck muscles tend to take the brunt of most of this tension. When you tighten your muscles and hold them that way for an extended period, carbon dioxide, lactic acid and other muscle waste chemicals build up, causing inflammation and pain. The tension also increases your nerve activity, which makes your back muscles more sensitive.

Brain Reaction 
Your brain also plays a significant role in neck and back pain you feel when you’re stressed. Under normal conditions, your brain’s pain receptors release chemicals to control pain sensations. When you’re feeling stressed, your brain can increase certain neuro-chemicals that can activate pain-processing pathways that make pain perception more intense.

Treatment Options 
Stress-coping mechanisms and reducing stress in your life can help you cope with stress-induced back pain. However, these techniques may not be enough to alleviate your pain. A spine specialist, such as a physician who specializes in back and neck pain, can offer treatments to help you manage or eliminate your pain.

At SpineOne, our back specialists can help you overcome stress-related back and neck pain, as well as a number of other spinal issues. We offer minimally invasive treatments with quick recovery times and fast results. Call us today at 303.800.5611 or visit www.spineone.com and let us help you get past your back pain.