Endoscopic Spine Surgery Minimally Invasive Procedure Now and Future Applications
Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, Jr. explains endoscopic spine surgery and what he is developing for future use of what he considers “the ultimate in spine surgery”.
Joseph Spine Institute Supports the Scoliosis Research Societies Awareness Campaign
During these uncertain times it is important not to forget our health, the health of our children, and young adults. At Joseph Spine Institute we proudly support the Scoliosis Research Society every June with their efforts to promote scoliosis awareness.
National Scoliosis Awareness Month takes place yearly in June with the goal of highlighting the growing need for education, early detection and awareness to the public about scoliosis and its prevalence within the community. It is crucial to try and diagnose scoliosis as soon as possible to start corrective treatment before the condition worsens.
Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder that results in a curved spine. While complex in nature, medical breakthroughs are leading to exciting new treatment options that allow children and adults with this condition to enjoy rich, full lives. Three in every 1,000 people end up developing scoliosis at some point.
Around 1 in 30 Americans experience some degree of scoliosis. It is both the most common spinal deformity as well as the least predictable one, as we are still unsure of what causes almost 80% of cases. However, with recent medical advancements, treatment allows the majority of people with scoliosis to heal and continue living normal, healthy lives.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis accounts for about 8 in 10 cases of scoliosis. This type of scoliosis typically presents during adolescence, but it can also start earlier in childhood or infancy.
Warning Signs and Treatment
Speak with your doctor if you or your child experiences any of the following:
- any natural humps or bumps along the back or rib cage
- an uneven appearance in the hips or shoulders when standing straight
- shoulders that appear to be different heights
- one hip that protrudes further than the other
- back pain or an inability to get comfortable while sitting/standing
At Joseph Spine each we believe each patient deserves a customized treatment plan utilizing the most advanced and innovative techniques. Our comprehensive spine team takes a fully integrated approach to the treatment of pediatric and adult spine conditions.
Dr. Samuel Joseph is at the forefront in the treatment of pediatric and adult scoliosis and is recognized globally for his leadership, contributions and philanthropic endeavors at home and abroad for severe scoliosis patients.
4 Stretches to Alleviate Sciatica and Lower Back Pain
Let’s be honest, the self-quarantine we are all under can be a pain…literally. More specifically the lack of movement and sitting around for weeks can aggravate lower back pain and sciatica nerve pain. People with sciatica can see a worsening of the symptom and many will develop it during this time.
Exercise and stretching can be useful in helping prevent or alleviating sciatica and manage lower back pain while we are sequestered at home during this pandemic. It is important to enter into the exercises slowly and carefully to eliminate the risk of further injury while you are home.
4 Ways to Alleviate the Pain of Sciatica and Protect Your Back and Spine During the Pandemic
A sedentary lifestyle can cause or aggravate sciatica.
During this pandemic when we are adhering to the “shelter in place” order people are sitting for much longer periods of time with little to no exercise or activity. This can wreck havoc on your spine and overall physical health of your body.
People who sit for long periods and are physically inactive are more likely to develop sciatica, compared with active people. A big reason for this is that sitting compresses your spine and discs, which – depending on your’s spines condition – may irritate a spinal nerve root. Another reason is that sitting may put pressure on the sciatic nerve directly, as in the case of piriformis syndrome.
Joseph Spine Institute (JSI) Announces New Practice Location for East Hillsborough County
Joseph Spine Has Moved Brandon Practice Location to Riverview
To better serve our spine patients in the east Tampa Bay Area, Joseph Spine will open a new office in Riverview, FL as of April 1, 2020. This new JSI office will provide comprehensive spine medicine for patients, including Interventional Pain Management headed by Dr. Ron Chatterjee and advanced spine medicine headed by Dr. Thuy M. Nguyen, both highly recognized fellowship-trained physician and surgeon.
Joseph Spine Institute Introduces Spine and Back Workers Compensation Program
Workers Compensation Plan for Back and Neck Injuries
Joseph Spine Institute is dedicated to restoring injured workers to maximum function in a timely manner. Our specialists understand all aspects of the workers’ compensation process with the goal of providing advanced, specialized care in a cost-effective manner.
Our programs are focused on reducing medical costs and time lost from work, while providing the highest level of care to the patient through our state-of-the-art procedures. We communicate and work closely with employers and case managers to assist patients through the process.
Why Choose Us
- Workers’ Compensation injuries are treated by a team of fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic specialists.
- Quick access to evaluate and treat the patient injured at work via team of spine experts.
- A centralized approach for comprehensive clinical care, using nationally recognized treatment protocols.
- Centralized access to state-of-the-art diagnostic testing to quickly assess complexity of work injury.
- Timely reporting and documentation of medical and work status directly to employers and managed care representatives for efficient claims processing.
- Direct contact with employers to develop transitional work adjustments to minimize costs associated with lost work time.
- Our spine specialists offer a full range of care from non-surgical care, interventional pain management, to a full range of surgical treatment including minimally invasive outpatient procedures to complex deformity and revision surgeries.
Dr. Chatterjee to Serve as a Team Physician for the Buccaneers
Dr. Chatterjee Team Physician for Tampa Bay Bucs
Dr. Ron Chatterjee, a highly experienced, board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician has been chosen to serve as a team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2019 season. He joins Dr. Samuel Joseph, founder of Joseph Spine Institute, on the field who is now entering his 3rd season with the Bucs.
As a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation with a sub-specialty in interventional pain, spine, and sports medicine Dr. Chatterjee brings a unique and multidisciplinary skillset to the team. Chatterjee is highly trained in the treatment and prevention of sports and exercise-related injuries and improving performance.
Interventional Pain Management
Interventional pain management is the healing art of providing treatment and prevention to pain. It includes the evaluation of the existing condition of the musculoskeletal system of the body and giving a diagnosis as to the cause and origin of pain and discomfort.
“I look forward to bringing my complimentary skill set to the team”, said Dr. Chatterjee, “My experience in the care of athletes and my expertise in the management of sports-related injuries will contribute to the comprehensive medical treatment the team receives. My goal is to quickly relieve pain and restore function to our athletes.”
Chatterjee specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes through a variety of techniques. His commitment to a multidisciplinary and holistic approach and treatments are designed to improve quality of life, reduce the need for long-term pain medication, and offer cutting edge interventional techniques to treat and manage acute and chronic pain, including stem cell therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy.
About Dr. Ron Chatterjee
Dr. Chatterjee is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Interventional Pain, Spine, and Sports Medicine physician. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Chatterjee was fellowship trained in Interventional Pain, Spine and Sports Medicine at Ahwatukee Sports and Spine in Phoenix, Arizona.
From the training he received, his focus is on pain originating from the spine and affecting any part of the body, although he has a strong ability to assess all types of pain and distinguishing its source. He also has expertise in the management of sports-related injuries and has been the team physician for high school football and independent professional baseball teams, along with working with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His education in physical medicine and rehabilitation has allowed him to help patients successfully improve their quality of life and be as independent as possible through multiple modalities. Dr. Chatterjee is a physician that will always spend extra time with patients making sure their problems are addressed and ensuring they receive the best care available. He is up-to-date with all current treatments including regenerative and stem cell treatments. Dr. Chatterjee is not only interested in improving your current pain and disability, but also your long-term health through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and holistic approach.
About Joseph Spine Institute
With all four of our locations in the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Joseph has assembled a comprehensive team of highly skilled spine specialists that are devoted to offering the highest level of spine care available today. He has also strategically partnered with some of the most innovative leaders in the spine care industry in order to bring our patients the latest in technology, products, and resources.
From state-of-the-art technology to alternate therapies and interventional pain management treatments our industry-leading spine care practice offers our patients a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of spinal conditions. Our highly-trained and comprehensive spine, the team offer an integrated approach to patients that includes surgical and non-surgical options such as pain management and physical therapy.
Joseph Spine Announces Name Change to Reflect Broader Scope of Expertise and Services
Joseph Spine of Tampa, Florida announces that the practice has officially changed its name to Joseph Spine Institute as of August 5, 2019, to reflect its expansion of spine specialists, expertise and treatments options.
Joseph Spine, Center for Spine, Scoliosis and Minimally Invasive procedures was founded by Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, Jr. in 2016. The spine institute offers our patients the latest technological treatment advances in spine medicine and brings a comprehensive, multidisciplinary spine care approach to Tampa Bay.
Our commitment to quality and exceptional patient care has driven us to expand our scope of talent and resources to enable us to provide the most comprehensive spine care program to our patients. “We have built a strong reputation for quality and innovation in advanced spine care”, said Dr. Samuel Joseph, “we are dedicated to continuing to offer the finest spine care available and with that Joseph Spine Institute has constructed a comprehensive team of spine specialists to deliver on that promise.”
The institute’s specialized team will be comprised of board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, Dr. Samuel Joseph, and Dr. Andrew Moulton, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, Dr. Thuy Nguyen, and a board-certified interventional pain and spine physician, Dr. Ron Chatterjee. This comprehensive team allows us to Joseph Spine is the advanced center for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Joseph Spine Institute offers the following in advanced spine care:
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- Pediatric & Adult Spine Surgeries & Deformities
- Scoliosis Treatment
- Revision Surgeries
- Customized Spinal Implants
- Interventional Pain Management
- Alternative Medicine – RIT, PRP and Fat Transfer
About Joseph Spine Institute
Joseph Spine Institute is the advanced center for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive spine surgery. Founded by Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, Jr., a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. From state-of-the-art technology to alternate therapies and interventional pain management treatments our industry-leading spine care practice offers patients a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of spinal conditions. Our highly-trained surgeons and physicians offer an integrated approach to patients that includes surgical and non-surgical options such as pain management and physical therapy.
About Our Founder Dr. Samuel A. Joseph Jr.
Dr. Joseph has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for over 10 years and is the founder of Joseph Spine Institute. He is dedicated to pioneering minimally invasive, outpatient spine surgical techniques along with complex scoliosis and revision surgery. He is also the team spine surgeon for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dr. Joseph has assembled a comprehensive team of highly skilled spine specialists that are devoted to offering the highest level of spine care available. He has also strategically partnered with some of the most innovative leaders in the spine care industry in order to bring our patients the latest in technology, products, and resources.
5 Tips for a Successful Move When You Already Have Back Pain or a Spine Injury
If you or someone you love is moving and has already had a back or spine condition the process of moving can have serious consequences to your spine health. Extra precaution and planning are key to preventing more damage to your spine, back or neck during this stressful and exhaustive process.
It is estimated that approximately 43 million Americans will move this year with over half of those moves occurring in the months of June, July and August. Almost all people that have relocated complain of back pain during or after the process of moving has been completed. If you are planning a move during this peak season it will be even more important to plan ahead as the resources of help available will be tight and the weight of poor planning for your move will literally fall on your back!
The following tips may not only help you avoid additional injury to your back, spine or neck but could actually save you money and alleviate additional stress on the entire family.
- Use Proper Lifting Protocols
To make sure you prevent further injury, you’ll want to be sure to follow the fundamentals of heavy lifting, which include keeping your spine alignment as neutral as possible during the process. When picking heavy loads up off the ground, bend at your knees—not your waist and power lift up through your legs keeping your spine straight in alignment. Also, be aware to engage your abdominal muscles for further support of your spine. Carry heavy loads close to your body to maintain balance, and don’t twist your body lifting or carrying. If you do have to twist or turn, do so with your hips first, not your feet - Give yourself enough time to properly prepare for your move.
Most people will underestimate the time needed to prepare for a move, thus leaving a tremendous amount of physical work to be done at the last minute with little or no extra help from outside sources. Most professional moving consultants suggest you start your moving preparation 8 weeks in advance of your move. - Don’t overpack your boxes
Moving boxes are each designed to hold a certain amount of weight, and exceeding that can lead to additional strain or injury on your back, spine, and neck. It may be tempting to stuff a large box full of items, however, you should consider the weight of the items in the box and correlate those to the box sizes. Small boxes are great for heavy items such as books, while large boxes should be used for lighter bulk items such as clothes, pillows, and light fragile items such as lampshades. - Delegate the heavy lifting to someone else
It is important to realize that investing in movers to help you do the heavy lifting is an investment in your health. If you are on a budget you may want to rent a truck yourself but hire people to pack and to move your objects. This will lower the cost and give you more time to have a truck on your property but spare you the chance of risking further injury to your back or spine. - Consult with your doctor
If you are under the care of a spine physician it is a good idea to check with your doctor and to let him or her know that you are about to embark on this major life event. Your back or spine physician may have special instructions for you in consideration of your particular back or spine condition.
Moving is not only emotionally difficult, but your body can also undergo a lot of stress with minor and more severe injuries a possibility. If you already have a back or spine condition the move and stress can cause much further damage. Be sure to take the time to insure the health of your spine so you can enjoy your new home and new adventure!
About Joseph Spine
Joseph Spine is an advanced center for spine, scoliosis and minimally invasive spine surgery. Founded by Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, a fellowship trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. His practice includes the specialized, conservative, and surgical care of patients. Treatment includes therapeutic injections, disc replacement surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and complex reconstruction of adult and pediatric spinal disorders. Dr. Joseph is also among a select group of surgeons to offer cutting-edge regenerative injection (stem cell) therapy.
Joseph Spine Participates in “Walk for Wishes” to Support Southern Florida’s Make-A-Wish Foundation
This past weekend, employees from Joseph Spine joined fellow businesses and volunteers to “Walk for Wishes” in support of Make-a-Wish Southern Florida’s 6th annual walk at Raymond James Stadium.
Walk for Wishes celebrates thousands of wishes that have already been granted while raising funds for future wishes. The event is powered by wish families, volunteers, donors and friends, and participants help to bring the life-changing impact of a wish to children battling life-threatening medical conditions in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding communities in Southern Florida. In the United States and its territories, a wish is granted every 34 minutes.
More than 980 participants, including 81 teams, made the Walk For Wishes an impactful morning. 21 wish kids participated, and many of them started their own teams to raise funds to help grant more wishes. In all, everyone came together to raise enough funds to grant 16 heartfelt wishes for kids like 14-year-old Corin who battled leukemia. Her wish was to go on a Mediterranean cruise with her family.
Corin needed an escape from the grueling treatments and always wanted to get a passport. During her voyage, she visited three countries and five cities. Normally during a cruise, a passport isn’t stamped but for Corin, Make-A-Wish found a way! There were so many special moments but Corin’s favorites were visiting the Coliseum in Rome and touching the Mediterranean Sea in Cassis, France. Corin said, “This wish gave me a lot of joy in the middle of my treatment and has made a huge impact on my life.”