Currently viewing the category: "surgery"

Advanced Stretches for Shoulder Pain and Surgery Prevention

By On · Add Comment · In dead arm, labral tear, Los Angeles sports chiropractic, Major League baseball, posterior capsule, shoulder impingement syndrome, shoulder pain, shoulder pain relief, SLAP lesion, surgery

I recently showed you a great shoulder stretch for relieving pain from a tight posterior capsule. As I explained in that post, that first stretch was the basic, and that I would show you an advanced stretch for shoulder pain relief and prevention.

The posterior capsule, when tight, can cause pain in the back of the shoulder joint (GH). A tight posterior capsule can lead to “dead arm” in throwers like baseball pitchers, shoulder impingement syndrome, and labral tears (SLAP lesions). Stretching the posterior capsule, consequently, can prevent the above conditions and even avert surgeries to repair  labral tears/SLAP lesions.

Watch the video below to see the advanced posterior capsule stretch. I call it the 90°-90°-90° stretch, but it also known the sleeper stretch. I advise any athlete that throws or uses a racket to do this stretch. So baseball and tennis players will get a lots of use out of this one. And I would do it daily. Studies show that Major League Baseball pitchers that incorporate this stretch into their routines have less shoulder injuries and repair surgeries than those not doing the stretch regularly.

And if you are just a regular Joe with shoulder pain, then definitely get checked by a Los Angeles sports chiropractor, but also try these stretches–they are that useful and can only help (people with shoulder impingement syndrome might have increased shoulder pain when doing this stretch–more reason to see a sports doctor). Enjoy.

 

Chiropractic Rehabilitation for Motorcycle Accident Leads to Rapid Recovery

By On · Add Comment · In balance, Cedars Sinai, chiropractic, fractures, motorcycle accident, neuromuscular reeducation, orthopedics, physiotherapy, proprioceptive work, rehabilitation, surgery

This summer I was honored to be contacted by a dear friend who had just been involved in a horrible motorcycle accident. He was just coming out of his fifth surgery to repair a fractured femur (thigh bone) and tibia/fibula (shin bones) of his left leg. Through a combination of outstanding orthopedics and plastic surgery, the staff at Cedars Sinai had my friend patched up sufficiently to start a rehab program at my office. You can read his story here to get more of the fascinating details.

The program which I designed to get my friend back up and moving was a combined chiropractic, physiotherapy and neuromuscular reeducation, including extensive proprioceptive work to return balance and sense of position. We worked intensively for three months.  In that time we moved my friend from using crutches, to using a walking stick, to walking without assistance, to climbing stairs. Watch the video below to see his incredible recovery. You can see what is possible with the right care and the right frame of mind.

Rehabilitation following an automobile or motorcycle accident can return one to function and living a normal life. Watch the video to see evidence of this. I have marveled at the rapidity of recovery myself.

Not the Same; A Bit Worse

By On · Add Comment · In erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, sexual dysfunction, sexual health, surgery, urinary incontinence

Listen up, people, to words of wisdom:

“Any intervention that you do to a patient, whether it be surgical or radiation, is never going to make the person (function) better than they are at the present time.” ~ Dr. Tracey Krupski, an assistant professor of urology at the University of Virginia

This statement was in reference to a recent study of 152 men that underwent prostate removal surgery (some only partially).  The men were counseled to educate them of the risks, like erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence, and surveyed before the surgery.  The survey questions asked about their expectations of urinary, bowel and sexual function a year post-surgery.

About half of men expected that they would have the same function after surgery as before, and 17% of men anticipated better sexual function after the surgery.  Better sexual function…hmmm….

Following up one year later, the researchers found that  just 36% of men’s expectations for urinary function matched the true outcomes, and 40% of the expectations for sexual function matched reality.

Daniela Wittmann, the sexual health coordinator in the urology department at the University of Michigan and a researcher on the study, said doctors are unable to tell patients specifically how well they are likely to recover their urinary and sexual functions.

“We can only (inform them) in terms of overall statistics, we can’t predict for the individual man” how well he will recover, Wittmann said, “which means that, if in doubt, people tend toward being hopeful and optimistic.”

Duh!  Not that knowing the risks to sexual and urinary function should, or would stop men from getting the surgery; but what’s important to me is that I’m sure most people feel this way with any medical intervention.  Sure, we can call it hopeful…but we can just as well call it misguided.

Far too many people think the progress of modern medicine is such that we can be made ‘good as new’.  Some even believe that we can become bionic–better, stronger, faster…c’mon, geez!

Let me reiterate what the good Dr. Krupski said: You are never going to come out of a surgery or radiation the same or better than you were before.  Duh!  This ain’t science fiction, people!  I know, I know…you saw it in a movie…not there yet!

Listen, you gotta have your prostate removed, so be it.  But elective c-sections, ass-implants, low back surgeries, two, three, four carpal tunnel surgeries, double mastectomies, hysterectomies—what the f….????? You better understand that the minute your tissue is cut–YOU AREN’T THE SAME!

I see it everyday in my Los Angeles chiropractic practice: people coming in following a bad auto accident, and we work hard to get them back to one hundred percent.  How many do we actually get there?  Not many.  Trauma is trauma.  Cut the flesh…it ain’t a paper cut.  I had an appendectomy five years ago–I’m not the same; wiser but not ‘better’.  That’s a fantasy, peeps.

Let me spell it out:  If you’ve got a choice between letting the innate healing ability of the body do its thing, or removing a body part, think hard.  Looking at enhancing yourself surgically, think hard.  Doctor recommending a ‘routine’ surgery, think hard.  That’s all.  If you still decide to go for it, and they have you take a survey…check the box next to, “not the same; a bit worse.”

Surgery Killed the Video Star

By On · Add Comment · In Big Brother, breast augmentation, breast enlargement, Carolin Berger, porn star, Sexy Cora, silicone implants, surgery

Stop the presses: German porn star “Sexy Cora” died last week after undergoing her sixth breast augmentation.  The porn actress, real name Carolin Berger, went into a coma on January 11, 2011 following the breast enlargement surgery.  Apparently she suffered two heart attacks during the procedure; she was 23 years old.

The BBC reports that Berger was increasing her silicone implants from 18 oz. to 28 oz.  The two surgeons who performed the operation are being charged with negligent manslaughter related to her death, according to prosecutors.  The Hamburg clinic where she underwent the procedure has released a statement saying the doctors deeply regret Berger’s passing and are saddened by her death.

“Sexy Cora” was also known for being a contestant on the German version of “Big Brother” in 2009.

I’m not reporting this story simply because I’m obsessed with breasts; instead I see it’s relevance in the face of an inordinate increase in the number of breast augmentation surgeries performed every year (for kids, too).  Although we tend to think of these operations as “routine”–or in other words, harmless–I think it’s important to make note that any invasive procedure comes with risks.  Yes, 23-year-olds can have complications related to surgery.  That’s why the doctor’s office has you fill out the forms that say, “I understand I might die.”  OK, just as long as you understand.

Yes, yes, yes…relative to the number of breast augmentation surgeries performed every year, the risks are very low.  I know, I get it.  And of course, that was her SIXTH such surgery!  Which is another point I think is relevant: Just like tattoos, breast enlargements can be addictive.  Nevertheless, these are points to consider if you are thinking about getting a boob job.

Listen, I’m no morality pusher…do whatever the hell you please.  But consider this: Trying to “improve” yourself surgically is a perception issue.  Feeling less attractive, low self-esteem, or the unable to wear the clothes you’d like, or whatever other reason women have for changing their chest sizes, won’t go away just because you increase your breast size.  You might escape your self-criticism briefly, but eventually, if the mental component isn’t addressed, you’ll be back to square one.

Nothing else explains six breast augementations by the same person.  And frankly, doctors performing more than three breast augmentation surgeries (I want a boob job; I want to go back to natural; No, I really liked my boob job–I want another) probably should be responsible if something goes wrong; otherwise, who is going to be the level-headed one?

Don’t expect the porn star to play that role, doc.  RIP “Sexy Cora”.

Got MRI? Get Surgery

By On · Add Comment · In chiropractic, chiropractors, disc herniation, low back pain, MRI, surgery

Listen up: Get an MRI, get a surgery–that’s the way it works. According to a new study published in the journal Health Affairs, researchers found that the greater the accessibility to MRI machines, the more likely a low back pain sufferer would receive one. And here’s the kicker: Those people getting MRIs were more likely to be recommended and receive low back surgery. Nice.

For the layman, let it be known that low back surgeries are notorious for not doing diddly squat. That’s right, they are useless in a large number of low back pain cases. As I point out in my book, The Six Keys to Optimal Health, low back surgeries are one of the two most unnecessary surgical procedures prescribed today (the other one is hysterectomies). You should also know that MRIs are waaaay overused by medicos. MRIs are not definitive: plenty of asymptomatic people (no pain) have disc bulges showing on MRI, while plenty of people with low back pain (symptomatic) have normal MRIs. What can we conclude? Bulges are not the end-all-be-all of low back pain causes; or in other words, that $5000 (I’m probably under-estimating here) scan your ortho is sending you for might be rather useless within the big picture.

I don’t think this is merely a money game, not at all. What I really think this is a case of is modern medicine’s having a severely limited arsenal when it comes to treating low back pain. When it come to the lumbago, your medical options are:

  • the drug triad: pain killers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants.
  • physical therapy
  • low back surgery

The biggest problem in this whole mess is not the exhorbitant cost of this most-prdominant treatment protocol (these are the treatment options of choice for the majority of Americans), but instead how it’s crippling people. I speak from experience as my father has had two failed low back surgeries. I say failed because, after two times under the knife, guess what he still has? You’ve got it–low back pain! Oh he can walk alright, but we paid for that–you and me, suckers–because it also put him on early retirement and permanent disability. The surgeries…not the low back pain…just want to make that clear.

Notice you don’t see chiropractic referrals on that list of treatment options. That’s right, because god-forbid you should take that MRI $5000 and put it toward something useful. No, no, harumpfff, never. Good word, son…chiropractors hurt people. We’re better off maiming the poor bloke, wouldn’t you say? Keep it all in the family, you know.

Yes, we know.

Unnecessary Knee Surgeries

By On · Add Comment · In arthritis, arthroscopic, chiropractors, knee, MRI, orthopedic, pain, rehabilitation, surgery

Did you know that arthroscopic knee surgery is one of the most common operations carried out in the U.S. today? Now why do you suppose that? How about it’s quick, it’s easy and–cha-ching!–it pays. Well, the latest reports show that arthroscopic surgery for arthritis of the knee is no better than rehabilitation and medication. Hmm…can’t say I’m surprised by that.

Timing is impeccable as I’ve just written an article on the same subject, but the details are this: When it comes to relieving the pain and stiffness of moderate to severe knee arthritis, surgery is no better than physical therapy and medication. Further, that holy grail of orthopedic diagnostics–the MRI–is not the end all, be all when it comes to predicting surgical necessity. What this means–and something we know quite well in chiropractic–is that many MRIs show tears (and disc bulges) in non-symptomatic people while many with symptoms have no tears (or bulges) at all. What does this mean on a practical level? MRI results may be over-predicting the necessity of what are now routine orthopedic surgeries. And we now have the studies to prove it.

As musculoskeletal clinicians, chiropractors know quite well of this misdiagnostic and mismanagement practice. Practically every patient of mine who has walked into an orthopedists office with knee pain has been recommended a knee surgery, despite the fact that they were prime candidates for conservative rehabilitative care. The same is true for the low back pain patient with radiating pain into the leg. Many things cause radiation, but walk into an orthopods office and expect a surgical recommendation. Damn shame, considering many people still take the M.D.’s word as law. Guess what people? Arthroscopic knee surgery was a low risk money maker for your doctor. Cha-ching.

Here’s the bottom line: If you are having knee pain, stiffness and other symptoms, read this article before you make a treatment decision. It could save you an unnecessary trip to the surgeon. Many knee problems can be fixed through conservative rehabilitative care. You’ve got nothing to lose, and the surgery will always be there if you need it later.

Elective C-Sections Rampant in Iran

By On · Add Comment · In cesarean section, elective c-section, Iran, natural child birth, surgery

Don’t fret, Americans! We’re not the only prima donnas on the planet. Looks like our rivals in Iran want it easy too. According to recent reports, women in this Middle Eastern country are electing to have c-sections by the boatload. In fact, a whopping 40% of children in Iran are born by cesarean section.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a cesarean rate of 10-15% only, but in the Iranian capital of Tehran, the numbers are as high as 50%. Crazy? Not to people in the Isfahan and Gilan provinces. 60% of the women in these regions are choosing to give birth this way. Dang!

Looks like vaginal child birth is so last year in Iran. The women there–like many here in America–don’t want to feel the pain and discomfort associated with child birth. And they figure, if science can alleviate this, why not use it? Some women believe that they’ll actually save themselves physical damage by opting for the surgery. Oh, little do they know it’s quite the contrary.

Doctors there, however, aren’t disclosing the risks to the soon to be sliced-opened moms. According to gynecologist Nasrin Changizi, who heads the mothers’ health bureau in the Iranian health ministry, Iranian women are not generally well-informed about the benefits and risks involved with each form of childbirth, and that elective c-sections potentially have more side effects than having a baby the natural way. She also points out that local doctors (like our own) abhor the long hours of deliveries (must interfere with tee time), and that fears of malpractice suits also lead them to push mothers into c-sections at the slightest sign of difficulty. And of course let’s not forget the difference in price between natural child birth and c-sections. Chaching!

You know how I feel about cesarean deliveries–I discussed it in an earlier post–but it deserves mentioning again. C-sections are a Godsend. They’ve saved countless lives of both mothers and children, and we should count our blessings every day that we have this valuable procedure at our disposal when we need it. However, choosing a c-section to simply make it easier is absurd and dangerous. There is always a risk to the mother (or anybody having a surgery for that matter). Further, I believe that the birthing process develops an emotional and neurological (energetic) bond between mother and baby that is important to the nurturing and parenting process. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that children born by c-section don’t bond with their mothers–they do. But why lose out on this valuable and beautiful experience for sheer simplicities sake? Life ain’t easy, and you can’t escape challenges, so why bother in this regard? For lack of a better analogy, it’s like hoping to win the lottery–you’re living in a dream world, mate.

Anyway, it makes me snicker a little to know that Americans aren’t the most spoiled rotten softies on the globe. At least in this case, Iranians have got us beat by a mile.

Social Connections Help Surgical Outcomes

By On · Add Comment · In anxiety, bodywork, chiropractic, chiropractor, exercise, fitness, friends, maintenance, massage therapy, pain, social circles, social support, socially connected, surgery, well-being

No, no, no…this story is not about who you know, but about how large your social circle is. People who are heavily connected–those with lots of friends and strong family ties–do better before and after surgery, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Socially connected people feel less pain and anxiety before going under the knife, and they spend fewer days in the hospital and use less pain meds following surgery than their more isolated peers.

The study looked at 605 patients at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor who underwent major surgery of the chest or abdominal area. The original study actually sought to determine the benefits of massage therapy on surgery patients, but also collected information on the subjects social support networks. They grouped people according to how many close friends and relatives they had, how often they saw them, and whether they attended a place of worship or other social function at least once a week. Participants with large social networks were less likely to exhibit anxiety or feel pain before the surgery or afterward, and required less opiate drugs. As an aside, the research team found that massage relieved pain equivalently to a 1 milligram dose of morphine.

Well, two thoughts here: First, I’m not surprised by these findings but am pleased that this sort of thing has finally been looked at. Far too little time is spent on the mental and emotional components of health and healing. I speak about the social connection aspect of achieving fitness in my upcoming book, The Six Keys To Optimal Health–it seems obvious to me: The more connected you are to others and society as a whole, the more your health will flourish. Further, exercising in groups of two or more does wonders, as people who take advantage of this connection tend to work out more often and push themselves a little harder.

The second thought has to do with the findings on massage. Let’s see, regular bodywork–working out the stresses and tensions of muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments–helps reduce pain? You don’t say? Not only is this one of the major premises of my book, nothing is more obvious to a chiropractor. That’s precisely why we get such great results in chiropractic offices helping people who are in pain; because everybody–and I mean everybody–needs regular maintenance care to work out the wear and tear that accumulates in the body from daily living. Just as a car needs its oil changed and its tires rotated regularly, the human body needs its own regular bodywork.

Bravo! Great study. Heed the results folks–your social life is important in more ways than one. It greatly enhances your mental and emotional well-being, it’s fun, and it positively affects your physical health. And regular bodywork is as good as a shot of narcotic. Whoa! Now that’s a party.

Revirgination Blues

By On · Add Comment · In designer vaginoplasty, hymen, labia, revirgination, surgeries, surgery, vagina, vaginal rejuvenation

Ah, to be young again. Young and, uh…uh…well…uh, young and…oh dadburnit; I guess I’d have to say that, for the first time in a long time, I’m at a loss for words. Let me just get to it then: Vaginal rejuvenation, designer vaginoplasty, or revirgination is not medically necessary, and it may even be unsafe. That’s right, cosmetically touching up the Garden of Eden may be a procedure of futility or worse! This message comes straight from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in its journal, Obstetrics & Gynecology.

My simple question is – why? I hate to sound like a totally predictable and broken record but I really don’t get it. Who does this and for whom? The process includes changing the shape of the labia, “restoring” the hymen, and tightening the vagina (check out this piece by the Washinton Post). What are we back in antiquity? I guess virginity is en vogue once again. Whew! I was getting worried there.

But doctors are performing these surgeries as if they are routine. According to Dr. Abbey Berenson, one of the lead authors of the ACOG guidelines, some women may be fooled by deceptive marketing practices into thinking they need the surgery because they are somehow abnormal. “Many women don’t realize that the appearance of external genitals varies significantly from woman to woman,” Berenson said. She goes on to say, “There are always risks associated with a surgical procedure. It’s important that women understand the potential risks of these procedures and that there is no scientific evidence regarding their benefits.”

Ah yes, please listen to the good doctor. All surgical procedures come with risk. Period. Some of the potential complications here include infection, altered sensation, pain and scarring. And for what? An illusion? I can’t imagine anyone other than the person considering this surgery caring about this kind of thing. No chance. And if your man does – you think it’s for your man, right? – then maybe he needs a new brain.

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