Brent A. Felix, MD - Blog
Duration of pre-operative pain linked to chronic opioid use after adult spinal deformity surgery
In a Johns Hopkins Medicine study of patients who underwent adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, pre-operative opioid use and pain duration of four or more years were independently associated with higher odds of chronic post-surgery opioid use.
Could Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Help My Low Back Pain?
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a treatment approach to lower back and pelvis pain. The sacrum and the ilium naturally form a joint — and this fusion procedure joins the two together. If conservative treatment methods such as medications, exercises, and injections don’t help the back pain, surgical treatments in the form of a sacroiliac joint fusion may help.
How to strengthen the lower back
Strengthening exercises for the lower back can help stabilize the lower spine and support the upper body. They may also help alleviate and prevent lower back pain.
Spinal fractures in the elderly are preventable with simple X-rays
Among older people, vertebral compression fractures are very common, and those with such fractures are at high risk of incurring new ones. Findings in a new thesis from the University of Gothenburg indicate that a simple X-ray method should be introduced as a routine procedure
Ankylosing spondylitis and spinal stenosis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that typically affects the spine, lower back, and sacroiliac joints. People with the condition have an increased risk of developing other spinal problems, such as spinal stenosis.
Aching Backs in Seniors: An Expert's Guide to Pain Meds
Back and neck pain are often an unfortunate part of aging, but older adults can safely find relief with various medications, a new research review concludes.
What are the most likely causes of upper back pain?
Pain in the upper back is usually the result of poor posture, muscle overuse, or injury. Treatment may include home remedies, such as rest and gentle exercises, or possibly seeing a physical therapist.
Back pain is common in highly active older adults
In a Journal of the American Geriatrics Society study, many well-functioning and highly active older adults experienced back pain, which was linked with poorer perceived and observed walking endurance.
Arachnoiditis: Symptoms, diagnosis, and outlook
Arachnoiditis is a neurological condition that causes pain in the back, perineum (the space between the genitals and the rectum), legs, arms, and feet. Arachnoiditis can also affect a person's vision, sight, and mobility.
Stuck in an opioids crisis, officials turn to acupuncture
Federal research evaluators say there's some good evidence acupuncture can help some patients manage some forms of pain. But they also have described the benefits of acupuncture as modest, and say more research is needed.
