spineadvisor - spineuniverse.com back pain and neck pain eNewsletter

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spineuniverse.com

August 12, 2009

Ask The Experts

I Have a Spinal Fracture—Is Rest Enough to Heal It?
When to Seek Further Treatment

Question:
I have a T3 and T4 compound fracture from diving in a pool. After a trip to the emergency room, I'm now in a neck brace. Do I need to see a neurosurgeon for further treatment or will it just heal on its own with bed rest?
—Cicero, IL

Answer:
While you may think bracing and rest are enough to fully heal your injury, all spinal fractures warrant follow-up by a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine specialist.

Even with a brace, these fractures can progress...

Read Complete Answer

This Week's Expert
Jason M. Highsmith, MD
Neurosurgeon
Charleston Brain and Spine
Charleston, SC

Tips for Pain-free Travel

A Vacation from Back Pain

Summer’s almost over, but there’s still time for a last-minute getaway.

But summer travel often includes cramped flights and seemingly-endless road trips. And that can take a real toll on your back. To fully enjoy your summer destination, read this article to know how to protect your back during the journey.

Research Findings

Study: Vertebroplasty Similar to Placebo

Each year, thousands of Americans undergo vertebroplasty to treat osteoporosis-related spinal fractures. But a new study released in the New England Journal of Medicine questions the true effectiveness of the treatment.

Is vertebroplasty truly beneficial for patients—or is unnecessary?

Sponsor: DIAM Clinical Trial

Featured Clinical Trial

Patients Needed with Low Back Pain

Spinal surgeons around the country are now enrolling candidates in this clinical trial. This clinical trial will study the safety and effectiveness of the DIAM™ device for treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) at a single level between L2-L5.

The DIAM™ Spinal Stabilization System is designed to treat patients with moderate lumbar (low back) degenerative disc disease. Men and women between the ages of 18 and 70 years with moderate low back pain secondary to lumbar degenerative disc disease at one level may meet selection criteria. Patients selected to participate in this trial will either undergo minimally invasive posterior (from the back) spine surgery to implant the DIAM™ device or receive a regimen of non-operative treatments.

Non-surgical Treatments for Osteoporosis

Bracing
Calcium and Vitamin D
Chiropractic
Drugs and Medications
Exercise
Physical Therapy

Back Pain Videos

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