4K Video Imaging Platform is a State-of-the-Art Visualization Solution for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

New State-of-the-Art Platform for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery 

Joseph Spine Institute partners with pioneers of emerging spine care technology which brings state-of-the-art procedures to Tampa Bay and to our patients. Offering new hope and a transformative leap forward in spinal surgery.

Dr. Joseph continues to pioneer new techniques for minimally invasive spine surgery by implementing cutting edge techniques and utilizing a brilliant new 4K video imaging and integrated video recording to enhance the spine surgeon’s visualization experience. Viseon’s new 4k video platform, MaxView® 4K, improves surgical efficiency and safety across all minimally invasive spine procedures. 

Read More

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. 

Read More

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.

Read More

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. 

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.

Proper lifting protocols for back and spine safety
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Kyphoplasty Minimally Invasive Procedure for Compression Fractures

Kyphoplasty has transformed the way we are able to take care of patients with compression fractures. In this segment, Dr. Samuel Joseph, Jr., will review what you can expect and the benefits of this minimally invasive spine procedure. 

Kyphoplasty may be recommended for damaged vertebrae or certain spinal fractures. In most cases, a weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) has caused the vertebrae to compress or collapse, causing pain or a hunched posture.

The procedure may be performed as an outpatient in 30 minutes or less. The relief from pain may be immediate and patients may resume normal activities immediately.

Kyphoplasty uses a small balloon that gently lifts bone fragments into their correct position.  The balloon is inflated to create a space that the surgeon later fills with a special bone cement. The bone cement creates an internal cast that holds the vertebra in place. This extra feature allows kyphoplasty to help restore vertebral height, and thus, help reduce spinal deformity.  It also allows a thicker cement to be used which has less risk of leaking out and causing complications.

It is important to accurately diagnose vertebral compression fractures, as there are a number of potential adverse effects if a diagnosis is missed and there is no treatment. In general, vertebral fractures are associated with both increased morbidity which includes continued pain, decreased physical function, deformity, and potentially social isolation, all of which negatively impact the individual’s overall quality of and enjoyment of life. Mortality is also associated with vertebral fractures, as women diagnosed with a compression fracture of the spine have a 15% higher mortality rate than those who do not experience fractures.

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone, which literally means porous bone, and is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. As bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased.

Osteoporosis the Silent Killer – October 20, Osteoporosis Awareness Day

World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on October 20th and launches a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. Joseph Spine joins the community to raise awareness to this silent disease progression.
 

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder in which the density and quality of bones are reduced, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, wrist, and hip. This disease often occurs silently without symptom and the first symptom is a fracture, which is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone, which literally means porous bone, and is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. As bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased.
 

Read More

Dr. Ron Chatterjee Provides Interventional Pain Management to Spine Patients At Joseph Spine Advanced Center for Spine Care

Joseph Spine is pleased to announce Dr. Ron Chatterjee has joined our practice in all locations, including our new location in Brandon Florida that will focus on Interventional Pain Management.

“It is Joseph Spine’s goal to use a multifaceted approach to treating our patients that come to us in pain, said Dr. Samuel Joseph, founder of Joseph Spine. “Having Dr. Chatterjee on our team allows us to remain a leading provider of minimally invasive treatments for pain, and delivering on our promise to provide patient-focused, customized spine care and pain relief to our patients.”

Dr. Chatterjee specializes in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic pain syndromes through a variety of techniques. His goal is to quickly relieve pain and restore function to his patients. 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.

Dr. Chatterjee also has expertise in the management of sports-related injuries and has been the team physicians 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.

Dr. Ron Chatterjee was accepted into the highly sought-after and competitive BS/MD program right after high school. He received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree at Kent State University. Dr. Chatterjee studied abroad at Leicester University in Leicester, England after leaving Kent State and before his medical doctorate program began. He then proceeded to Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (now called Northeast Ohio Medical University) where he completed his medical degree.Dr. Chatterjee went on to a transitional year internship at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio.

Dr. Chatterjee completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Chatterjee was fellowship trained in Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine at Ahwatukee Sports and Spine in Phoenix, Arizona.

About Joseph Spine

Joseph Spine 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. His practice includes the specialized, conservative, and surgical care of patients. Treatment includes therapeutic injections, physical therapy, pain management, stem cell therapy,  disc replacement surgery, minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, and complex reconstruction of adult and pediatric spinal disorders. Dr. Joseph is among a select group of surgeons to offer cutting-edge regenerative injection (stem cell) therapy and robotic-assisted surgery for patients to provide the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) available globally.

Joseph Spine has four locations in Tampa Bay, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, and Brandon, FL.

Joseph Spine is dedicated to offering humanitarian spine services internationally in the form of education, awareness, and surgery. Please visit JosephSpine.com for more information.

6 Smart Year-End Tips to Maximize Your 2017 Health Insurance Benefits

Take steps to ensure you are utilizing all your benefits and money set aside in 2017 for your healthcare expenses. Use those benefits or lose them when the new year rings in.

The end of the year is approaching quickly. Now is the time to ensure you maximize your medical insurance benefits. The annual deductible you’ve been paying on all year is about to reset January 1 and your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) most likely will not rollover to the next year, you may lose that money altogether.

Here are some tips to avoid leaving money on the table this year.

Make the most of your deductibles.

Deductibles are becoming more prevalent and more expensive with each passing year. A deductible is a set amount of money that you’re required to pay each year toward your medical expenses. This is before your insurance policy starts to cover your bills. At the beginning of each year, it starts at zero and all eligible medical expenses go toward your deductible until it has been reached.

Once you have met your deductible for the current year. Your insurance company will cover the majority of your medical expenses. You pay a copay or coinsurance.

If you’ve met your annual deductible for 2017, now may be a good time to schedule any medical treatment you’ve been delaying.

 

Understand what types of deductibles your insurance policy has.

There are several different types of deductibles insurers may offer. For example, if your health insurance policy covers your entire family, it likely comes with a family deductible. Family deductibles work differently than individual deductibles and you may have met your deductible via other family members medical services this year. Contact your insurer with any questions and to confirm if your deductibles have been met.

 

Schedule your doctor’s appointments and tests now.

The holiday season is beginning and it may be difficult to be seen if you procrastinate making a doctors appointment. Doctor’s schedules are getting tight as year-end approaches. Waiting too long to schedule an appointment during this busy time may make it difficult to get treatment in 2017.

The earlier you contact your medical provider for treatment the more likely they will be able to accommodate you before year-end.

 

Make sure your insurance company has an accurate record of all medical expenses for the year.

It should be easy to determine whether you’ve met your deductible for the year. But there usually is a lag time, sometimes months long, between the time your doctor submits a claim and your insurance company processes it. You and your insurer may not have the same information in regard to how much you’ve spent during this benefit year. Make sure your insurance company has current and accurate information.

 

Use all of your existing FSA contributions.

If you set up a flexible spending account, or FSA, through your employer as a supplemental benefit to your health insurance, you were able to contribute pre-tax money to it each year and use that money for qualifying health expenses. Check your balance now to know how much you have left. Even if you have more deductible your FSA may help you reach the deductible.

Unlike Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, which allow you to roll over pretax dollar savings from one year to the next, FSAs do not. Typically you need to fully spend the account by year’s end or you’ll lose the money left over.

 

Contact your insurance provider to make an informed decision.

When it comes to medical procedures and services cost can be a major concern. However, your next procedure may end up being far more affordable than you ever imagined. Informed decisions when utilizing your healthcare benefits may save you a tremendous amount of money. Be sure to contact your insurance provider to make an informed decision about affordable healthcare options for you and your family.

Please feel free to contact us at Joseph Spine with any questions about your spine healthcare that may benefit from an end-of-year treatment or service. The earlier you contact our office for an appointment or procedure the more likely we can accommodate you before years end.

1 2

Search

+