SpineUniverse Blogs

Road Trip

My first bit of freedom

Posted on April 25, 2014 | by Susan Ann Meade in The Broken Mother

I was driving a 1967 Mustang coupe before I was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor. I have not driven it since.

The Tiger Treatment - Microdiscectomy for a Pinched Nerve

Understanding pinched nerves in the spine

Posted on April 21, 2014 | by Neel Anand, MD in Spine Surgery Advice

Since Tiger Woods' withdrawal from the Masters tournament due to spinal surgery on a pinched nerve in his spine, questions are swirling about why he chose a surgical solution to his back pain and what the rest of us should know.

FDA-approved spinal decompression is proven to eliminate herniated discs

Just before resorting to back surgery, mason discovers non-invasive solution to work-related chronic pain

Posted on April 12, 2014 | by Dr. Michael J. Cooney, DC in Defeating Chronic Pain Without Drugs

A new male patient in his 60’s who works in construction came to see me a few months ago as a last ditch effort to lessen his debilitating back pain due to damaged discs.

Spring Cleaning and Your Spine

Do's and Don'ts to Avoid Back Pain

Posted on March 24, 2014 | by Neel Anand, MD in Spine Surgery Advice

If you're like most people, you want to avoid a back injury at almost any cost. So how do you balance being bitten by the cleaning "bug" and spine safety while performing these out-of-the-ordinary chores?

Your First Doctor Visit for Back Pain

How to prepare and what to expect during a quality visit

Posted on March 24, 2014 | by Dr. Michael J. Cooney, DC in Defeating Chronic Pain Without Drugs

If you have back pain, it’s important to “choose your words” carefully when you initially meet with your medical doctor or chiropractor the first time.

Marching On Through March

Handling Breakthrough Pain

Posted on March 20, 2014 | by Susan Ann Meade in The Broken Mother

When I first started going to pain management I only had to go every three months. That was great for me because the trip itself was very painful. I had settled into a routine of doctor visits and trying to adjust to my life at home.

March Madness: Part II

St.Patrick's Day

Posted on March 15, 2014 | by Susan Ann Meade in The Broken Mother

Today is the day my family is getting together to celebrate St. Patrick's day. We are going to a parade and then back to my house for corned beef and cabbage.

March Madness

Part I: March should be Pain Management Month!

Posted on March 11, 2014 | by Susan Ann Meade in The Broken Mother

March is a strange month for me. I celebrate an anniversary that is both terrible and happy at the same time. This year it will be six (6) years since I have taken narcotics!

Balances and Checks

Lack of balance doesn't keep me away from the gym!

Posted on February 28, 2014 | by Susan Ann Meade in The Broken Mother

I practice my balance just about every day. I know not to give up and that the spinal cord is very surprising sometimes.

Back Pain and My Son

I couldn't believe my son already is having "back problems"

Posted on February 18, 2014 | by Susan Ann Meade in The Broken Mother

My son called me and said he had to go to the ER because of back pain. Don't you know my heart dropped. They did a CAT scan and referred him to a neurosurgeon.

In Pursuit of Less Pain

How it has been going

Posted on February 11, 2014 | by Susan Ann Meade in The Broken Mother

Before I had a spinal cord tumor (SCT), I never had a backache. I never really had any ache except labor pains. I was strong and healthy. Always played with my children.

The "Manning Mend"

Recovering from Minimally-Invasive Cervical Fusion Surgery like an Elite Athlete

Posted on February 03, 2014 | by Neel Anand, MD in Spine Surgery Advice

Peyton Manning, four-time league MVP and former Super Bowl Champion has undergone cervical fusion surgery. But, you don't need to be an elite athlete in order to recover from cervical fusion surgery like this one.

Snow Bound X Two Weeks

Talk about an aching back...

Posted on January 31, 2014 | by Susan Ann Meade in The Broken Mother

Cold weather is tough on me in general. Cold, wet weather is torture. My back just radiates pain all the way down to my legs.

Is your mattress worsening your back or neck pain?

Think about how many hours a day you use your bed

Posted on January 27, 2014 | by Dr. Michael J. Cooney, DC in Defeating Chronic Pain Without Drugs

If you are visiting spineuniverse.com, you already know how back or neck pain hampers the quality of your sleep. I always make a point to talk with every patient about their mattress and their pillow.

RESOLVE for Better Spine Health in 2014

Banishing Back Pain with "Dual Purpose" Resolutions

Posted on January 08, 2014 | by Neel Anand, MD in Spine Surgery Advice

I read an article recently that discussed the categories that most New Year's Resolutions fall into - and how most of us tend to ditch those New Year commitments by mid-January.