Modern spine surgery bears almost no resemblance to the spine surgery your parents or grandparents had. Innovation and technological advances have drastically transformed the field. So what does that mean for patients? How different are things today? Wendell and Katie Sissler are uniquely positioned to help tell this story. The father/daughter duo had spine surgeries…
When it comes to back surgery — you might be surprised to know that many patients here in the U.S. hop on a plane and travel several hours to Europe and Germany — where they’ve historically done more artificial disc replacements than the U.S. But is that really necessary? I get asked several questions on…
Recovering from surgery can be a fairly predictable journey. But not always. Sometimes it’s more of a rollercoaster. When that happens, it can be disappointing, frustrating and even painful. One of my patients, Dori, discovered that after she underwent spine surgery. “Generally most people have a pretty linear, upward trajectory of recovery and I assumed…
More people than ever are turning to weight lifting and bodybuilding — nearly 200% more year over year! Weight lifting and strength training come with a ton of health benefits — when done correctly. But injury is also common given the demands of the sport and a common question that comes along with that is…
For Valentine’s Day this year, I want to share a powerful love story — not the kind that focuses on first dates, first kisses or over-the-top marriage proposals. I’m talking about partners in pain — and how you help the one you love when debilitating back pain takes over their life. 80% of Americans experience…
Today we’re busting a big and long-held myth – that all surgeons just want to do surgery. The truth is, there are so many modern spine treatments and procedures out there that patients and their doctors have a lot of options to treat pain and injury – not just surgical but non-surgical ones too. A…
Many people have preconceived notions about spinal fusion surgery. Maybe you remember your parents or grandparents having one. If so — you likely think of an open-back surgery with a long recovery time, a lot of pain and restricted movement. But that was then and this is now. In today’s era of modern back surgery,…
Many people have preconceived notions about spinal fusion surgery. Maybe you remember your parents or grandparents having one. If so – you likely think of an open-back surgery with a long recovery time, a lot of pain and restricted movement. But that was then and this is now. In today’s era of modern back surgery,…
When Maggie was a junior in high school, the competitive cheerleader suddenly found herself in pain so excruciating, it felt like her leg was on fire. The active tumbler couldn’t sit for more than 20 minutes, sleep, bend, easily walk or cheer. She was forced to give up her sport for several months while she…
Are there symptoms or signifiers that a patient may have a tumor on their spine? Patients may have similar symptoms to other pathologies such as disc herniations or stenosis from spondylosis that cause spinal cord or nerve root compression. This may include pain, decreased sensation, or motor weakness. For example, when a patient has signs…
