All disks of the spine degenerate at some point, but not all degenerative disks cause pain, affirms Dr. Georgiy Brosuvanik, Spine Surgeon with Baptist Health South Florida. When disks degenerate, they become shorter and wider, he affirms. The functions of vertebral disks are: shock absorption, hold vertebrae together and allow for mobility in the spine,…...

Epidural is for pain relief during labor. It’s given by anesthesiology or certified CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) in a catheter into women’s back and will provide pain relief for the entire labor and delivery. Dr. Ellen Schwartzbard, Obstetrician and Gynecologist with Baptist Health South Florida, describes with a graphic how epidural works. Here's…...

Minimally invasive injections for back pain are not a cure for the symptoms. Dr. Jose Mena, Interventional Spine Specialist with Miami Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, explains what is the role of this type of treatment...

The epidural is injected in the “Epidural space” into the spine, explains Dr. Alberto Sirven, Medical Director of the West Kendall OB/GYN Program and Women and Infant Credentials Committee Chairman with West Kendall Baptist Hospital, with a digital imaging. The specialist says epidural does not change natural birth. He considers the epidural is for a…...

When a patient doesn’t want to have surgery, he has to consider different options such as: resting, over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle, relaxers, cold compresses or ice and physical therapy. However, Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik, Spine Surgeon with Baptist Health South Florida, affirms he performs surgery when patients tell him they’re ready for that. Obviously there…...

There are three general types of the pain: acute (pain that lasts less than 4 weeks), subacute ((pain that lasts 4 to 12 weeks), and chronic (pain that lasts 3 or more months). Dr. Jose Mena, Interventional Spine Specialist with Miami Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, says chronic pain becomes more challenging in terms of…...

Dr. Deepa Sharma, Family Medicine Physician with Baptist Health Primary Care, explains osteoarthritis is very common, and having some blood work or imaging like X-rays can be helpful. She points out it is useful getting the help of a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, who specializes in these conditions and autoimmune conditions. She also says…...

Alternative medicine can be useful in sciatica cases. Dr. Jose Mena, Interventional Spine Specialist with Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, says acupuncture should be safe but he recommends doing an exercise program for improving the condition. Dr. Manor do you also recommend alternative medicine like acupuncture or maybe visiting a chiropractor…...