Patients will hear me say over and over “MRI is really only for surgical planning. If you’re ready for surgery, then you need an MRI.” It doesn’t tell you “what’s wrong” or tell us if you need surgery or not. I ran into a research study today that demonstrates my point. [Read more…] about Don’t I Need an MRI?
Spine
Physician with Chronic Low Back Pain
After treating her mother for chronic low back pain, she decided to tackle her own long-standing back pain that had prevented her from participating in long walks, car travel, or heavy activities. She underwent back surgery about 6 years ago, with return of her pain on and off since then. [Read more…] about Physician with Chronic Low Back Pain
Male with Chronic Recurrent Low Back Pain
In this case, the back pain was chronic/intermittent, meaning that he has experienced severe pain on and off for decades. This episode was not clearing up like it normally does, and each episode was becoming more painful and lasting longer. [Read more…] about Male with Chronic Recurrent Low Back Pain
It Must Be More Complicated Than THAT
This is something that goes unsaid in my office, but I can read it on the faces of patients. Today’s patient had suffered 6 months of nagging headaches and neck pain. After a few visits to the doctor for NSAIDs and muscle relaxants, he was referred to a neurosurgeon and pain management physician, an MRI was ordered, and his neurosurgeon referred him to see me. [Read more…] about It Must Be More Complicated Than THAT
Chasing “The Latest Thing”
I recently received a voicemail message from a former patient (whose son I had also treated) asking if I practice a specific proprietary, trademarked, and well-publicized technique. I responded via email, and then realized that this response could have been written a dozen or so times over my previous 17 years as a therapist, so I ought to just make a generic letter regarding all such techniques: [Read more…] about Chasing “The Latest Thing”
Fear, Avoidance, and Beliefs
Fear, Avoidance, and Beliefs negatively impact patient care on a daily basis, however, they can be helpful in recovery when properly oriented an placed in perspective. [Read more…] about Fear, Avoidance, and Beliefs