The Great Communicator – The Human Spine

3 May 2023 Spine News , , , ,

The spine is a complex structure that is responsible for several functions, including providing support to the body, protecting the spinal cord, and facilitating movement.

The spine communicates with the body in several ways, including:

  1. Nerves: The spine contains nerves that run along its length and branch out to various parts of the body. These nerves are responsible for sending and receiving signals between the brain and the body, allowing for movement, sensation, and other bodily functions.
  2. Blood vessels: The spine is also connected to a network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
  3. Muscles: The muscles that attach to the spine also play a role in communication with the body. These muscles help to support the spine and facilitate movement, and they also provide feedback to the brain about the position and movement of the body.

Overall, the spine is an integral part of the body’s nervous, vascular, and musculoskeletal systems, and it communicates with the body in various ways to ensure proper function and movement.

4 Stretches to Alleviate Sciatica and Lower Back Pain

29 Apr 2020 Back Pain, Sciatica, Spine News , ,

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. 

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Kyphoplasty Minimally Invasive Procedure for Compression Fractures

16 Nov 2018 Back Pain, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

18 Sep 2018 Back Pain, Spine News, Spine Patient Resources , , , , ,

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.
 

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