In recent years, medical advancements have revolutionized the field of spine surgery, making it safer and less invasive than ever before. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) has emerged as a game-changer in the world of healthcare, offering patients a faster recovery, reduced pain, and smaller incisions. MISS has evolved as...
Recovering from spine surgery can be challenging, but it's a journey towards healing. One concern you may have is the possibility of blood clots. In this easy-to-understand guide, we'll explain the risks, why blood clots are a concern, and how you can prevent them to ensure a safe and successful...
When it comes to the treatment of spine conditions, finding the right surgeon is imperative. Of utmost importance, you have to find a surgeon you trust. I believe open communication and a trusting relationship is key to creating the best plan of action that aligns with my patient’s goals.  Prior...
Introduction Navigating the recovery phase after spine surgery can be a daunting task, especially due to post-operative pain. This guide offers insights and actionable strategies to help you manage this pain and ensure a smoother, more comfortable recovery. Understanding the Nature of Spine Surgery Spine surgeries, such as spinal fusion,...
Introduction The human spine is a remarkable structure that provides support, stability, and flexibility to the body. However, it is also susceptible to various conditions that can cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms and restore the spine's normal function....
Dr Michael R Wheeler, MD fully understands that facing spine surgery can be an overwhelming experience. We are here to guide you through the process and provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about your spine health. In this article, we will walk you through...
It has been repeatedly proven that staying mobile is one of the most important aspects to improving pain and recovery time following surgery. In the immediate postoperative period following spine surgery, there may be temporary challenges and limitations to your physical activity. The following is meant to provide you with...
Spine surgery is sometimes a necessary procedure to provide relief and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from various spinal conditions. However, it is not uncommon for patients to experience nerve pain following spine surgery. Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, can be challenging to manage. In...
Sciatica is a term commonly used to describe pain felt within the back or leg. The formal medical term for sciatica is lumbar radiculopathy. What is sciatica? There are many causes of sciatica, and I will go over the different causes later in this post. When I use the term...
When it comes to spine fusion, there are different techniques and multiple ways to fuse the spine. The spine can be fused from the front, the back, or both. "Lumbar 360" is a term used to describe the circumferential fusion of the lumbar spine. The spine can be fused using...
Around 80% of the population experience back pain at least once in their lifetime. However, some people are more predisposed to acute and chronic back pain due to injuries because of their lifestyle. Athletes have an increased risk of sustaining a lower (lumbar) spine injury due to the amount of...
If you work in an office, you likely have experienced back pain at some time or another. Working in the same position for hours can cause neck stiffness and tension in the shoulders or back. However, it is possible to work at an office without neck and back pain. Some...