VSI Blog

Ask the Expert

ASK THE EXPERT: WHAT IS FOOT DROP AND HOW IS IT TREATED?

I was recently asked about a condition called foot drop, what the causation is and how it is treated. To start, let’s define what foot drop is; it is a term used to describe the loss of ability to pick one’s foot up.  The medical term for this is dorsiflexion of the foot or raising [...]

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ASK THE EXPERT: CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME VS CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

  I was recently asked “how to recognize the difference between a cervical spine issue versus carpal tunnel syndrome with accompanied numbness.” As a spinal neurosurgeon, I frequently encounter a patient who has symptoms in his or her upper extremity (arm) that seemed to either extend from the shoulder down toward the fingers or extends [...]

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ASK THE EXPERT: HOW DOES A LOW BACK MUSCLE STRAIN OCCUR AND HOW IS IT TREATED?

  How does a low back muscle strain occur and how is it treated? When force exceeds a muscle’s threshold for strength production, injury can occur. Regarding the lumbar spine musculature, lifting from a position of flexion and rotation is the most common mechanism of injury, often creating forces greater than eight times a person’s [...]

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ASK THE EXPERT: CAN REPEATED SPINAL INJECTIONS OVER TIME CAUSE FURTHER DISC DEGENERATION?

Question {Lisa B.}: Can repeated spinal injections over time cause further disc degeneration? Answer {Dr. Nguyen}: Lisa, thank you for your question. There is no data at this time that points to any correlation between repeated spinal injections leading to further disc degeneration.  Most of the time, there is a limit on the number of injections [...]

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THE NUTS & BOLTS OF SPINAL HARDWARE

  Spinal surgeons have the option of using external support for the spine as opposed to implantation of hardware. Much like a cast is used for a broken arm, braces are used for the spine, but are often uncomfortable, ineffective, and typically worn for prolonged periods of time. Internal hardware on the other hand, has [...]

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REEL IN THAT NAGGING BACK PAIN WITH THESE SAFE FISHING TIPS

Fishing elicits many memories of spending quality time on the lake with dad and grandpa.  Nowadays it is tinged with a bit of apprehension. Why you ask? Back pain. Fishing is a favorite pastime for many folks and for others it is a competitive sport. So whether you are out fishing leisurely or participating in [...]

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HOW ARE BACK PAIN AND GENETICS RELATED? SHEDDING EXCESS WEIGHT CAN MINIMIZE PAIN.

Question [Mary L.]: Everyone in my family seems to have problems with their neck and back.  Both of my parents have had spine surgery and I am worried that this may happen to me.  I have two young children and never lost the weight after my pregnancies.  Will losing weight make it less likely that [...]

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WHO’S WALKING WHO? PROPER STEPS TO AVOID BACK PAIN WHILE WALKING YOUR DOG.

Walking your furry little friend is a great way to maintain a healthy daily exercise routine. In fact, regular walking can help with chronic low back pain. Walking is essential exercise for the dog but as a caretaker it is important for you to continue walking without injuring your back. Follow these proper steps before [...]

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WHERE DO I SEEK TREATMENT FOR MY BACK PAIN? NOT ALL SPINE INSTITUTES ARE CREATED EQUAL.

When individuals suffer from neck or back pain, especially for the first time, they are unaware as to where to seek treatment. Ideally they want to go to the place that will get them pain free the safest and fastest, and preferably without surgery. In addition to the stress of deciding where to go to [...]

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GET THAT MONKEY OFF YOUR BACK WITH 5 WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS TIPS

Do you find yourself  leaving work with headaches, back aches, sore shoulders and neck, or wrist pain? These common complaints are typically attributed to poor ergonomics in the workplace. Ergonomics is the science of blending the workstation with the worker in order to increase health and productivity and decrease work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In this post [...]

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