MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS

The end of the year is full of activities. With your calendar filling up with family time, office parties, shopping trips, and Santa visits, the end of the year usually means we’re short on two things: time and money. But taking a moment to review your current benefits can save you some money by taking care of things now instead of waiting for the new year.

GET TREATED BEFORE YOUR DEDUCTIBLE RESETS

If your benefits calendar coincides with the calendar year, now’s the time to take a look at it. You may have already met your annual deductible. If you’ve used your insurance this year, you’ve at least made some good progress toward meeting the minimum out-of-pocket expense before your insurance really kicks in. These benefits are yours, bought and paid for. So using them before they recycle could save you some serious money.

So let’s say you have to brace yourself to stand or you suffer back pain when you wake up in the morning. If you put off having a doctor examine you until 2017, you could end up paying the full amount for that exam. If you get your visit in before the end of December, your insurance could likely cover a significant portion of that amount.

USE UP YOUR EXISTING FSA CONTRIBUTIONS

Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer is where you may have elected to have some of your pre-tax earnings put aside for medical expenses. FSA’s are an excellent way to set aside some cash for additional expenses, but if you don’t use all of your contributions by the end of the year, you could lose them.

Your FSA balance is a great way to shore up some loose ends in your health management, including getting some of your lingering issues taken care of. You can also use those benefits to pay for labs, tests, treatments, and prescriptions that may become necessary after you have your issue addressed.

CHECK YOUR BENEFITS NOW

This busy and strapped-for-cash season could be the best time of year for you to schedule a visit. Check with your insurance provider to see what benefits you’ve used and what may still be available to you before the January 1 deadline. Or call us at 303-367-2225 to schedule a consultation with one of our benefits specialists.

The McKenzie Method for Lower Back Pain Control

There is no simple cure for back pain. The spine itself is such a complex part of our anatomy that there’s rarely one fix for the wide range of aches and pains that bring patients to our clinic.

Treatments that offer therapeutic pain relief are only part of the picture of a pain-free life. After relief from the pain of injury or accident has subsided, there are additional steps to restore and maintain a healthy spine. In addition to the treatments we offer for acute and chronic back and neck pain, we offer our patients advice and instruction on using the McKenzie Method for controlling back pain and developing long-term spine health.

THE MCKENZIE METHOD 

 In the 1960’s a New Zealand Physical Therapist named Robin McKenzie noted that extending the spine could provide significant pain relief to certain patients. He developed a series of maneuvers and exercises to help patients take a more active role in their continued health.

The long-term goal of the McKenzie Method is to teach patients suffering from neck pain and/or back pain how to treat themselves and manage pain throughout their lives using exercise and other strategies. Other goals include:

1. Reduce pain quickly 
2. Return to normal functioning in daily activities 
3. Minimize the risk of recurring pain (avoid painful postures and movements) 
4. Minimize the number of return visits to the spine specialist 

 McKenzie’s exercises for back pain are a series of progressive positions. If your back pain is especially acute, you may not be able to work through all stages straight away. In this case work through as many stages as you can and only progress further as your pain subsides.

The stages of McKenzie’s exercises are prone lying, prone lying while resting on elbows, prone push-ups, progressive extension using pillows and standing extension. Numerous variations of the McKenzie sequence exist which add or remove stages according to interpretation of the original sequence.

SOME MCKENZIE EXERCISES

The following diagrams provide examples of some basic McKenzie exercises that can be done to help allay and prevent pain symptoms. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Always consult with your healthcare professional prior to designing an appropriate exercise routine.

Exercise 1 – Lying Face Down

Exercise 2 – Lying Face Down in Extension

Exercise 3 – Extension in Lying

Exercise 4 – Extension in Standing

Exercise 5 – Flexion in Lying

Exercise 6 – Flexion in Sitting

Exercise 7 – Flexion in Standing

McKenzie’s exercises are designed to reposition any displaced intervertebral discs. This is initially done by using gravity to draw the discs back into the spine and then actively to consolidate the effect of gravity. To facilitate disc movement, you must relax as much as possible when performing the exercises and maintain relaxed and even breathing for the duration of the exercise.

The entire range of diagnostic and therapeutic routines offered by the McKenzie Method can be taught and facilitated by the specialists and resources available in our clinic. If you’d like to learn more about how these stretches and exercises can help you maintain a pain-free life, come inand see us!

Is Kyphoplasty an Effective Treatment for Compression Fractures?

Compression fractures occur in your vertebrae when the bone density is no longer enough to support the weight of your spine. This condition often occurs as a result of aging, injury, or osteoporosis. The vertebrae in the spine can develop cracks and fractures over time, resulting in lingering pain and lost height.

Vertebral Augmentation

Veterbral augmentation was developed in 1984 to reduce pain and loss of function from vertebral compression fractures. Prior to the invention of vertebral augmentation, patients suffering from compression fractures had only the option of bed rest until the bones healed and the pain subsided.

There are two types of vertebral augmentation – Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty. These minimally invasive procedures can provide rapid relief from the pain of these fractures, and patients undergoing these treatments are typically able to resume normal activity in the same day.

Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty involves injecting a cement-like substance directly into the fractured vertebrae, which stabilizes the bone and can immediately decrease the pain resulting from the fracture. This procedure is percutaneous (minimally-invasive), requiring only a local anesthetic at the area of the needle insertion. The procedure normally takes an hour, and patients can return home on the same day.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty. The primary difference with Kyphoplasty is it involves a first step of inflating a small balloon (the KyphX Inflatable Bone Tamp) into the fractured area. The balloon expands the vertebrae to resume most of its original size and shape prior to the fracture. After space is created in the vertebrae, a cement-like substance is injected to fill the void and stabilize the bone.

Herniated Disc? Bulging Disc? Slipped Disc? What's the Difference?

If you’ve been to a doctor or done some Internet research, you have undoubtedly come across the terms “pinched nerve,” “bulging disc,” and “herniated disc” while looking for causes of spine pain. These terms are frequently used interchangeably in many articles and discussions, but what do they mean? What’s the difference? And how do you know which one is causing you pain?

All of these terms are ultimately used to describe spinal disc pathology and associated pain. Even healthcare professionals tend to not agree on a precise definition of these terms, which can be frustrating when hearing your diagnosis described differently (such as ruptured disc, torn disc, slipped disc, or disc protrusion) by various physicians.

THE DIFFERENCE EXPLAINED

The difference between a herniated and bulging disc are simple. To use a common metaphor among physicians, think of a disc like a jelly donut. The donut has a liquid center surrounded by a thicker shell. If you press down on the donut, the sides bulge out as the jelly inside presses against them – this is a bulging disc or disc protrusion. If you press down on the donut hard enough that the jelly comes out, it becomes a herniated disc, ruptured disc, or torn disc.

BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?

If you’re in pain, the nuances in the definitions are likely of little interest to you. The question you’re asking is why am I in pain and how do I get better? Here’s a brief primer on how each condition causes pain:

Pinched Nerve Pain

When a disc herniates, the material leaking out from the disc rather than the disc itself causes the pain. The material inside the disc can pinch or irritate a nearby nerve causing what is called radicular pain (or nerve root pain) that may radiate to other parts of the body. Leg pain from a pinched nerve is referred to as sciatica.

Disc Pain

A degenerated disc can cause pain within the disc space itself. This type of pain is referred to as axial pain, or degenerative disc disease.

DIAGNOSING AND TREATING PAIN

All of these terms refer to radiographic findings (such as a CT or MRI scan), and while these findings are important they’re only one piece of the puzzle in diagnosing disc problems. The truth is just because a scan shows a herniated or ruptured disc doesn’t necessarily mean the disc is the cause of your back pain. The pain may be caused by a muscle strain or other soft tissue injury, in which case treating your bulging disc won’t provide any relief.

Your doctor will use the results of a CR or MRI scan combined with your medical history and symptoms to determine the cause of your pain and the best treatment course. The correct treatment plan will depend on this diagnosis.

Learn How to Lower Your Golf Score without Lower Back Pain

As much as we would like to think so, we here at SpineOne are not golf pros, but we do have some back pain tips that likely will also shave some strokes off your game.

It’s our belief that there are two types of golfers in this world; those whom have back pain and those whom will have back pain. However, you can still enjoy the game with less pain by following these simple tips before, during and after stepping onto the tee box.

NOTE: If you already have back pain or if any of the following exercises increase your back pain, you should stop and check with a back pain specialist before continuing.

Make sure you stretch and warm up before you play. Every type of athlete warms up before competition. Golf is no different. Here are a few simple stretches you can do before you grip it and rip it (the golf club, not your back).

Figure 1: Leg Swings

1. Leg Swings (Figure 1). Standing on one leg, swing the opposite leg forward and backward while keeping your knee straight. You can use a driver for balance. Swing the leg from side to side 15 times in each direction and then switch your legs and repeat.

Figure 2: Dynamic Lunge with Reach

 2. Dynamic Lunge with Reach (Figure 2). Lunges are a great way to activate key hip muscles, and since we are golfing, we also need to kick in the upper body musculature and abdominals. To begin, take and hold a golf club at both ends and while performing a lunge and reach overhead. Complete five repetitions for each leg.

Figure 3: Dynamic Lunge and Twist

Next, lunge forward and place the golf club behind your shoulders (Figure 3). Twist your body to the right five times and to the left five times.

3. Pivot Rotations (Figures 4a and 4b). To get the hips and thoracic spine involved in the rotation, take a golf club and hold at both ends with your feet shoulder width apart. Rotate the club to each side. Allow your hips to rotate with this motion and shift your weight to the opposite toe. Complete 20 repetitions.

Figure 4b: Pivot Rotations

Figure 4a: Pivot Rotations

Club up. There is no shame in moving up a club or two to get more distance with less effort, especially if you have back pain.  It is more embarrassing to swing too hard, pull your head up and miss the ball completely only to take an early ride back to the clubhouse with a sprained back and a new appointment with your back pain and spine specialist.

Practice good body mechanics.  Good body mechanics throughout your swing not only improve your game, but they also reduce stress on your low (lumbar) back, which decreases the risk for back injury and pain.  Many golfers try to rotate through their swing at the low back.  The low back is not designed for rotation and will become very unhappy if one repeatedly rotates at their lumbar spine.

Many golfers drop their hips down, tuck in their butt and hunch their shoulders when addressing the ball, causing shear stress across the lower back.  The opposite of this position is a hyper-arched back, which over extends the back muscles, creating un-needed stress on the low back.

The best solution for swinging the club with little or no lower back rotation is to make sure your back is in a “neutral” position (Figure 5) instead of an over-extended or flexed position while addressing the ball.  This is accomplished by moving your back between these two extremes until you find a comfortable and natural posture between the two positions. This allows for rotation at the middle (thoracic) back—alleviating stress, pain and possible injury to the lower back. 

Strengthen your core. As mentioned in a previous blog, 11 Simple Exercises That Prevent Low-Back Pain, prevention is the best prescription when it comes to confronting back pain.  When you are not golfing, you can implement a few simple exercises to strengthen your abdominal and gluteal muscles.  These will help strengthen your core, increase flexibility and assist with rotation in your swing.

If chronic back pain keeps you from doing what you love to do and you are unable to find a solution, it may be time to speak to spine care specialist.  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 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.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, get your life back by contacting us today!

8 Stretches That Can Help Ease the Pain of Sciatica

8 Stretches That Can Help Ease the Pain of Sciatica

'Finally, a provider who wants to fix the problem instead of giving drugs and masking the symptoms.'

Michael Schneider, P.A.-C.

Read what first-time patient, Luke C., had to say about his experience at SpineOne.

'My Search Stopped at SpineOne'

Read what first-time patient, Carl C., had to say about his experience at SpineOne.

"Out of 15 years of searching for a great doctor, my search stopped at SpineOne. You have the best staff I every dealt with. I have nothing to say, except your staff and facility are top notch.  Keep up the great patient relations."  -- Carl C.

http://dlvr.it/LGVCp8 

Spinal Stenosis: All You Ever Wanted to Know and More

What is spinal stenosis?
By definition, spinal stenosis is when one’s spinal column and/or foramina (openings that branch away from the spinal canal providing pathways for root nerves) narrows—putting pressure on the spinal cord or root nerves. The word “stenosis” comes from the Greek word, “choking.” Therefore, spinal stenosis could almost be described as, “choking one’s spine.” 

Mostly affecting the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) parts of the spine, spinal stenosis can interfere with nerve function and cause pain in one’s back and/or other parts of the body. 

Watch this video about spinal stenosis

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on its location and severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Cervical (neck)
  • Pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms/hands/fingers
  • Loss of dexterity often leading to dropping items
  • Stiff or sore neck
  • Pain around the shoulder blades
  • Tremors in the arm or hand
• Lumbar (lower back)
  • Leg pain, weakness and/or numbness
  • Difficulty or poor balance when walking; clumsiness
  • Sciatica—a burning pain throughout the buttocks and down the legs
  • Increased leg pain when walking that is diminishes when resting
  • Foot pain
  • Pain in the buttocks
  • Hip pain and/or weakness

More severe cases of spinal stenosis may include loss of bladder or bowel control. Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency help right away.

How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
The most common procedures used to diagnose spinal stenosis are:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to get detailed images of spinal discs. MRIs use a giant magnetic that circles the body.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan with myelogram is an X-ray used with a special dye injected into the spinal fluid. The CT scan is used to help identify the “bony” causes of spinal stenosis, while the dye helps diagnose soft tissue conditions such as disc herniation or a bulge.
• Selective nerve root block (SNRB) is when a local anesthetic is injected into a nerve root suspected of being affected by spinal stenosis. If the patient’s pain goes away after the injection, it can be determined that the compressed nerve is the cause of pain.

What causes spinal stenosis?
There are a number of conditions that can cause spinal stenosis, including, but not limited to, a herniated disc(s), osteoarthritis, bone diseases, a dislocated or fractured vertebral bone, thickened spinal ligaments, excess growth of bone around the spinal nerves, an injury or blunt trauma that creating pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord, tumors in the spine and people born with a smaller spinal canal (congenital condition).

What are the different spinal stenosis treatments?
Typically, a combination of treatments works best to treat spinal stenosis. Treatment options may include:

• Exercise
• Activity modification
• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Heat and ice therapy
• Injections
• Surgery

Does spinal stenosis require surgery?
In some cases, surgery is required. SpineOne is dedicated to minimally invasive options whenever possible and will do everything we can to avoid surgery.

Where can I get treatment for spinal stenosis?
If you suffer from chronic or acute back pain and cannot find relief, you should always 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.

The First Shot Helped Me Right Away!

Fredric M. Sonstein, M.D., M.B.A

Read what first-time patient, Betty A., had to say about her experience at SpineOne.

“I was happy with the entire visit to SpineOne. The first shot helped me a lot, right away.”  -- Betty

Got a Pain in the Neck? It Could be Poor Posture.

There are multiple conditions that can cause neck pain, one of them being poor posture.  In the article How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain by Gavin Morrison, PT—Spine-Health.com, you will find information about forward head and shoulder posture causing neck pain.  You will also find information about the different muscle groups that can tighten due to poor posture, which can cause severe neck pain.

Are you suffering from neck or back pain?  The experts at SpineOne can help. SpineOne offers the latest in the evaluation and minimally invasive treatment of spine-related injuries and disorders resulting from auto accidents, work related accidents, sports/recreational injuries, acute and chronic back or neck pain.

SpineOne is dedicated to providing each patient with comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan, utilizing the most effective and least intrusive medical techniques available. For more information about SpineOne please call us at (303) 800-5611 or visit us online at www.spineone.com.