Meet the Experts

Dr. Melissa Guanche

Physiatrist with Baptist Health Neuroscience Center

Videos

Herniated Disc

Herniated disc is very common and can happen to anyone, says Dr. Melissa Guanche, Physiatrist at Baptist Health Neuroscience Center. The specialist explains that it doesnâ€™t matter if you have a healthy lifestyle or if you are sedentary, a constant bad posture, for example, can cause this condition. “Whether you are healthy and in shape, or sedentary, or have a physical job it can happen to everybody," she adds.

Back Pain Is Treatable

Back pain is absolutely treatable, affirms Dr. Melissa Guanche, Physiatrist at Baptist Health Neuroscience Center. Physical therapy is one of the alternatives that the specialist explains to the patients, who can expect their complete recovery. “Physical therapists help patients to understand their bodies and teach them ways to self-manage in order to prevent further injury. With the proper therapy, it is possible to expect to be pain- free," she says.

Pregnancy & Back Pain

Being pregnant is a delicate topic because the woman is limited to what postures and what positions she can assume towards. Before she gets pregnant it is important to have a strong core and strong back muscles, recommends Dr. Melissa Guanche, Physiatrist at Baptist Health Neuroscience Center. Also she says it is important to take rest brakes, to do stretching and never start a new exercise routine that's not supervised. If the patient was an active person before the pregnancy, she can continue doing some gentle routine under the specialist's supervision.

Treatment For Acute Pain

To treat acute back pain the first thing to do is consulting a physician, affirms Dr. Melissa Guanche, Physiatrist at Baptist Health Neuroscience Center. Anti-inflammatories are one of the best indications for acute pain, she says, but It's very important that the patient makes sure he can take them, rather no longer than two weeks. Fresh natural food can help anti-inflammatory, the specialist argues, and also adds that when all the traditional treatment doesnâ€™t work, the doctor can recommend some injections.

The Best Sleeping Positions

A neutral alignment and neutral position, having a pillow that sits at the natural curve of the neck, putting a pillow between the knees when sleeping on the back or side are some of the recommendations of Dr. Melissa Guanche, Physiatrist at Baptist Health Neuroscience Center in order to maintain a good posture while sleeping. The specialist also says if someone tries Yoga, he has to know what exactly his condition is in order to avoid some postures and stretches that can aggravate the back pain. Pilates, however, is great for spine, she affirms and recommends listening to the body as the best key when practicing any kind of activity.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions expressed in the programs on this channel and website are intended to address specific questions asked or situations described in each particular program, are for educational purposes only, and are not designed to constitute advice or recommendations as to any disease, ailment, or physical condition. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in these programs without seeking the advice of your personal physician or a qualified medical provider. If you have any questions about the information or opinions expressed, please contact your doctor or other medical professional.

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