Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of hand pain, numbness and weakness.  It is caused by a ligament in our wrist pressing on the median nerve which supplies sensation and strength to parts of the hand.  In most cases, a specific cause is not known.  However overuse (such as typing on a computer), thyroid…

Minimally Invasive Tumor Resection

It is clear that minimally invasive spine surgery using tubular retractors is beneficial compared to traditional spine surgery. In both decompressions (discectomy) and lumbar fusion, there appears to be less pain, less muscle injury, a lower rate of adjacent segment disease, lower complications and quicker recovery with tubular minimally invasive approaches.

How Can a Squirrel Help Stroke Research?

How Can a Squirrel Help Stroke Research?

About 800,000 Americans experience a stroke each year, and about 90 percent of those are ischemic strokes. Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops. This usually results from a “clot” blocking blood flow in a blood vessel. As your brain requires about 20 percent of the blood flow from the heart to…

The Art of Bending

The Art of Bending

Many other cultures, especially non-Western, have a much lower prevalence of back pain and spinal arthritis. What’s more surprising is that the peoples of these cultures often do a tremendous amount of bending and lifting. So, how is this possible?

What is Neuromonitoring?

What is Neuromonitoring?

Brain and spine operations are typically performed with patients asleep. While these surgeries are intricately executed by surgeons with highly specialized training, the nervous structures commonly are manipulated. Techniques for examining the nervous system are limited in the asleep patient. To ensure temporary or permanent damage does not occur, intraoperative monitoring (IOM) is commonly performed.…

This is Your Brain on Drugs

This is Your Brain on Drugs

The D.A.R.E. program, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, was started by the LA Police Department Chief of Police, Daryl Gates, in the early 1980’s. It blossomed from a tiny local program to a massive national campaign practicing in 75 percent of American schools. The message was simple, “Just Say No.” Unfortunately, at its peak, D.A.R.E was…