In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview - (Page 12)

Back myths —BuSTED! 8 surprising facts about spine problems When it comes to back problems, there are many misconceptions out there. Douglas Orr, MD, spine surgeon at Lutheran Hospital, gives us the truth. MYTH #1: If you go to a spine surgeon, you’ll end up having surgery. douglas orr, Md spine surgery specialty interests: Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal areas, specializing in adult spinal surgery, including minimally invasive surgery, deformity surgery and spinal tumor surgery FACT: “I spend more time trying to talk people out of back surgery,” Dr. Orr says. “The vast majority of back problems can be resolved without surgery— although it’s the best option for certain individuals.” MYTH #2: Exercise can hurt your back. FACT: Safe exercise (performed under the direction of a healthcare professional) actually helps your back by strengthening muscles that support your bones. MYTH #3: Herniated disks need to be fixed. FACT: Roughly 80 percent of herniated disks get better on their own, no matter what you do, Dr. Orr says. While waiting it out, he recommends exercising gently. Take ibuprofen an hour beforehand so you can exercise better. suffeR no MoRe if your back is bothering you, make an appointment with the Center for spine Health at Lutheran Hospital by calling 216.636.5860. FACT: MRIs only show tears and injury, not weak muscles that contribute to back pain. MYTH #6: The best thing for a sore back is bed rest. FACT: “The best thing for your back is exercise,” Dr. Orr says. MYTH #7: Fusions always require additional surgery. FACT: “We’ve all heard of someone who had a failed back surgery,” Dr. Orr says. “Yet, the reality is that for the right indication, skilled surgeons very rarely perform fusions that need to be repeated.” MYTH #8: Pinched nerves make your back hurt. FACT: In general, an irritated or compressed nerve actually causes pain in your leg, Dr. Orr says. MYTH #4: Bulging disks are major medical problems. FACT: “Bulging disks are often a normal part of aging,” Dr. Orr says. “Our disks are like car tires that gradually lose air and flatten down. This is why we may become shorter as we age.” MYTH #5: MRIs always show the source of back pain. benefits 12 i toyou The Center for Spine Health team includes medical spine specialists, neurological surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons, who are supported by a skilled team of physician assistants, nurses, rehabilitation specialists and pain management specialists. in Good HeALtH

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview
Contents
Give birth your way-midwives are ready to help
Could you have an irregular heartbeat?
Truck driver steers his heath back on track
Doing it her way
Don't fall for these eight myths about back problems

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview