Several million people in the U.S. struggle with some sort of abnormal spinal curvature. Many of these individuals have a condition known as kyphosis. Kyphosis can plague both children and adults for a variety of reasons, potentially leading to visible deformity as well as causing pain and other symptoms.

If kyphosis has affected you or someone you love, benefit from learning some basic facts about this condition. Take a look at the answers to these frequently asked questions about kyphosis.

While you may smile knowing that nice weather is here, it also means you likely have responsibilities in your yard. Whether you enjoy gardening or not, leaning over and pulling weeds is often strenuous on your back. You may notice you have pain in your back when you weed whack as well. Through these few tips, you can reduce the amount of pain you experience and help prevent worsening a pre-existing back condition.

If everyday twisting, bending, or stooping motions have become a painful ordeal, you may have developed a case of spinal arthritis. Many varieties of spinal arthritis plague exist, any of which can leave you suffering from chronic pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

If you suffer from chronic lower back pain, you may have sought various remedies for many years. But many of those treatments fail to solve the painful issues of some patients. The good news is that modern technology is constantly updating, and today you have new options using the latest techniques. 

Fun fact of the day…
Did you know Dr. Dennis Crandall performed a successful lumbar microdisectomy on former Phoenix Suns player P.J. Tucker?

"Phoenix Suns' Tucker out 6-8 weeks for back surgery"

"Suns' P.J. Tucker out 6-8 weeks following back surgery"

See if this sounds familiar: Through no fault of your own, you somehow “tweaked” your back while on the job. It’s difficult to move around, let alone come back to work.

Now What?

No matter how many years you’ve been on the job, or how careful you are, sometimes injuries are unavoidable and inevitable. That’s why workmen’s compensation laws are in place to protect employees against loss of income should they become injured on the job. AZ workmen’s compensation can cover the following:

• Injuries
• Accidents
• Illness

Disease

In other words, this coverage is designed to help you financially and medically should you end up out of work through no fault of your own. Something to keep in mind is that workers compensation is not mandatory in all states, but most employers will choose to use it as it can save them significant trouble later on. Protecting your employees, after all, should be one of the utmost priorities. And when it comes to back and spine injuries, your chiropractic health is of particular priority, since working on a balky back is likely out of the question.

How Much is Covered?

Keep in mind, these benefits are only provided if the injury or accident occurred on the job. You’ll need proof or documentation of how and where the injury occurred.

Of course, this isn’t like hitting the lottery. Wage-loss benefits normally cover only about half to two-thirds of the average weekly wage. In some cases, this may not be enough to live on, so plan your finances accordingly.

Coverage and Fault

Only full employees will be covered by the workmen’s comp benefits, and that will automatically exclude 1099 independent contractors. In addition to that, fault is something that is not taken into account with workmen’s compensation. In other words, it does not matter who was at fault for the incident, all that matters is that the incident occurred.

Forfeiture of Rights

Feeling like suing the company now? Think again. Once you are approved for and begin receiving workmen’s compensation, you automatically give up the right to sue your employer for the incident that occurred. However, you still retain the right to sue third parties, such as the manufacturer of any equipment that was involved in your injury.

Aftercare

Dr. Crandall was interviewed by Becker’s Spine Review in the recent article - "7 areas of exciting spine technology development and acquisition in value-based care."

He discusses his thoughts on seven key areas of spinal innovation development and where he sees the best opportunities for future technology advancement in the value-based care environment.

Read Full Article

Individuals struggling with pain, especially chronic pain, often feel there is no solution. However, new technologies and tools are becoming more available to help with even the most debilitating conditions. By visiting pain management specialists in AZ, you can gain insight into treatments that may help you. Local practices offer spinal surgery treatment with options such as radiofrequency ablation.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

This type of treatment focuses on using radio waves to create just a small amount of very localized heat. This is used to kill or damage the tissue in a specific area. This can be applied to the specific nerves causing the pain you are feeling. This type of treatment can offer the pain relief you need if other types of treatments have not helped. This is often an ideal choice for those seeking spinal surgery treatment in AZ, but want the least invasive option available.

Why Choose Radiofrequency Ablation?

There are a variety of treatment options available today, but radiofrequency ablation works well for hard to treat pain, including neck pain. Because surgeons can control the very specific area of treatment, it can create very targeted results. Many people who cannot find relief through other procedures or those who wish to avoid the complications from a more aggressive spinal surgery will find radiofrequency ablation is an ideal choice. It is one of the most advanced solutions for treating complex cases of pain in the neck and the surrounding areas. It offers a fast recovery time and limited downtime overall.

When it comes to finding the pain management specialists in AZ you need, call Sonoran Spine. Our team is happy to offer you the most advanced solutions for pain management and relief. Call us for an appointment today.

Facing spinal surgery? Here are five facts you may not have known about recovery, so you can plan yours properly.

Sleep Will Be Difficult

NSAID Drugs May Be Off Limits

Ice and Heat Can Help

Rehab Isn’t Optional

You’ll Need to Ask for Help Sometimes

Likewise, talk to the staff at your AZ spinal surgery treatment center about upping your pain relief medication, changing up your rehab schedule, or whatever else you may feel that you need. The experts at Sonoran Spine can help you navigate your recovery process and get back on your feet quicker than you ever imagined.

We are pleased to announce Robert A. Waldrop, MD has successfully passed the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery exam. Congratulations on your board certification, Dr. Waldrop!

Back pain is the most common work-related disability, and experts reveal that office computers have much to do with this. Here’s how your computer usage correlated to back problems and what you can do to prevent it.

Causes of Back Pain

Computer-related back pain is normally caused by three problems: uncomfortable chairs, poor posture, and inactivity.

Uncomfortable Chairs

Office chairs that don’t support your body properly and have poor body alignment can create pressure on various areas of your spine. They can contribute to pain in your back, neck, shoulders, and even arms.

Poor Posture

Inactivity

Sitting in any position for more than twenty minutes contributes to back pain by reducing the flexibility of your tendons and ligaments. It's estimated that 40 percent of people with back pain have spent long hours at their computer each day.

Prevention Methods

• Use an adjustable computer desk
• Have the computer monitor at eye level
• Have your keyboard at a height that allows your elbows to rest at your sides. Forearms should be level with the keyboard and parallel with the floor
• Adjust your chair so your feet are flat against the floor
• Use an ergonomic chair designed to hold your spine’s natural curve
• Use an ergonomic keyboard that supports a natural hand-wrist position
• Take short breaks
• Do stretching exercises at your desk
• Stand as much as possible

Seek Help

If you’re suffering from back pain, seek the help of spine specialist immediately. At Sonoran Spine, our expert team will provide you with conservative and effective methods to relieve your pain. Request an appointment today.

A scoliosis diagnosis doesn’t mean kissing sports goodbye. In fact, it’s recommended that individuals with scoliosis stay active. Here’s how.

Benefits of Sports

Sports and specific exercise have proven to stop scoliosis progression and reduce curvature by retraining the brain to correct the spine’s posture.

Sports…

• Strengthen core muscles that support the spine
• Keep the body nimble
• Prevent stiffness
• Support overall health
• Boost self-esteem

Sports that Help

Sports that require using both sides of the body, are low impact, and utilize burst training, are extremely beneficial for those with scoliosis.

Swimming

Swimming is recommended because it uses the body’s muscles in a balanced and symmetrical fashion.

Soccer

Soccer strengthens the core muscles of the thoracic spine, which is why it’s helpful for individuals with curvature in the mid-back.

Cross-Country Skiing

Skiing minimizes shock o the vertebra and works both sides of the body, which supports a strong and balanced spine.

Strength Training

Individuals with spinal problems shouldn’t avoid strength training. Stronger muscles help the spine. It’s important, however, to increase weight very slowly during strength training to avoid adding stress to the spine.

Stretching

Regular stretching relieves tension, restores range of motion, and counteracts the spine’s curvature. Individuals need to be sure they don’t hyperextend or severely rotate the spine, though.

What to Avoid

Compressing the Spine

• High-impact activities
• Squatting
• Lifting weight over the head
• Hard landings
  • Cheerleading
  • Gymnastics
• Long-distance running
  • More than 400 meters

Hyperextend the Mid-Back

• Repeatedly extending the thoracic spine
• Back bends
  • Ballet
  • Gymnastics
  • Yoga

Unevenly Work the Spine

• Sports that work one side of the body more than the other
• Figure skating
  • Tennis
  • Skiing
  • Javelin throwing

Your spine is important, and you need expert doctors who understand both conservative and surgical treatments. If you need spine care, contact Sonoran Spine.

Cervical Spine

What is it?

The cervical spine is in your neck region and houses the spinal cord that sends messages from the brain to control all aspects of the body. It consists of seven bones which are separated by one another by intervertebral disks. These disks act as shock absorbers.

Common Problems

Overtime, intervertebral disks become worn and can begin to degenerate. This process is known as cervical degenerative disk disease, and research finds that approximately 25% of people under 40 and 60% of people over 40 have some degree of degenerative disk disease.

Symptoms

Neck pain and a stick neck are symptoms of cervical degenerative disk disease.

Thoracic Spine

What is it?

The thoracic spine runs from the base of the neck down to the abdomen. It protects the spinal cord and anchors the rib cage. The thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae.

Common Problems

Two major issues that tend to happen in the thoracic spine are muscular problems and joint dysfunction. Muscular problems are usually felt in the upper back and shoulder muscles. Joint dysfunction can happen when cartilage tears and degeneration develops in the fact joints.

Symptoms

There are lots of symptoms of thoracic spine issues including: stiffness, limited range of motion, muscle spasms, nerve pain, muscle weakness, and stooped posture.

Lumbar Spine

What is it?

The lumbar spine is in the lower back, where the spine curves inwards toward the abdomen. It’s built for power and flexibility—lifting, twisting, and bending. The lumbar spine has two vertebrae and provides protection from jarring movements.

Common Problems

Lower back pain is normally caused by the following: muscular problems, degenerated disks, and lumbar disk herniation. Out of these issues, lumbar disk herniation is the most common problem. A herniated disk happens due to injury or heavy lifting.

Symptoms

Interestingly, leg pain (sciatica) is the most common symptom of a herniated disk.

If you believe you are suffering from one of these problems, it’s important to have a spine doctor diagnose you. Contact Sonoran Spine today to speak to our experts. about spine issues and management methods.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. Lower back pain, specifically, affects 31 million Americans. Many who suffer from back pain need to seek methods from a trained specialist. Some can manage this pain with exercise. Here’s how.

Upper Back Pain

These exercises work best for upper back and pain right behind your shoulders.

Rear Deltoid Pulls

This exercise involves a cable tower and rope handle. Making sure the rope handle sits high above you, use both hands to pull it towards you, past your shoulders, until your fists are at your face.

Lateral Raises

This simple exercise only involves two dumbbells. Using your preferred weight, raise your arms away from your body until they’re aligned with your shoulders, like giant wings. Repeat.

Back Pain

These exercises work best for mid back pain.

Row Machines

• A seated row allows you to straddle the machine and press your chest against a padded cushion. Keeping your back as straight as possible, pull the handles on the machine towards you.
• A cable row is a similar concept, but without the pad, meaning your body is completely dependent on you sitting as straight as possible. Use both hands to pull one handle from the cables.

Dumbbell Rows

Another option is a dumbbell row. Place your right knee and right hand on a bench in front of you. Then, use your left hand to lift a dumbbell towards your body. As usual, your back must stay at straight as possible. Switch hands and knees, and repeat.

Lower Back Pain

This exercise works best for lower back pain.

Lower Back Extension

With a lower back extension machine, you’ll be sitting upright with your feet placed on cushion under you. Lean back against the machine as far as possible and repeat.

If you’ve been suffering from unrelenting back pain, it’s time to see a spine specialist. Our expert team can diagnose your issue and use conservative methods to find you relief.