Dr. Ball – Page 2 – Bret G. Ball, MD, PhD, FAANS

Living with Degenerative Spine Disease: Challenges and Lessons

Degenerative spine disease is a basket term for the gradual accumulation of wear and tear that affects the structure and function of the spine over time, often leading to chronic pain, mobility challenges, and a profound impact on daily life. As someone whose mission is helping others navigate life with this condition, I’ve learned to adapt, find strength in small victories, and redefine what it means to live fully.

Understanding Degenerative Spine Disease

How to Quit Smoking Before Surgery

Quitting smoking is challenging, but the benefits of quitting far outweigh the burden of the effort required, particularly for spine surgery patients. Quitting smoking not only improves your chance of success with this surgery, it also makes it less likely that you will need additional surgery in the future. Here are some steps to help you quit:

1. Make a Plan

Understanding Myofascial Pain

There’s a common misperception that back pain is always due to injuries to the spine itself, like disc herniations, disc bulges, pinched nerves, slipped discs, and so on. But actually, the vast majority of back pain can better be described as myofascial pain. Myofascial pain is a common yet often misunderstood condition that can significantly impact daily life. Characterized by pain originating from the muscles and connective tissue (fascia), this condition can range from mild discomfort to debilitating symptoms. So what is it? And how does it happen?

What is Myofascial Pain?

Considering a Laminectomy? Well, What Is a Lamina Anyway?

The spine is a remarkable structure, providing support, flexibility, and protection to the body, and the nervous system in particular. The spine is basically a stack of bones, but each bone is composed of several parts. Among its many parts, the lamina is often overlooked but plays an important role in spinal anatomy and function. It also can be a source of some back problems. Whether you’re curious about your spine’s mechanics or preparing for a medical procedure, understanding the lamina is a key part of understanding your spine.

What Is the Lamina?

Can You Say “Zygapophysial”?

Although it’s more commonly known as the facet joint, zygapophysial joint just is so much more fun to say. It’s a mouthful to get out, but it’s worth it because the zygapophysial joint plays a pivotal role in the stability and flexibility of the spine. These joints are essential components of the vertebral column, contributing to its range of motion while also limiting excessive movement to prevent injury. Understanding their anatomy provides insight into spinal mechanics and their involvement in various musculoskeletal conditions.

Why Do You Have to Quit Smoking for Spine Surgery?

Everyone knows that smoking is one of the most harmful habits affecting the body. But did you know that its detrimental impact is particularly evident in surgical outcomes—especially for procedures involving the spine? For individuals preparing for spine surgery, quitting smoking is not just beneficial; it can be a decisive factor in the success of the procedure and the recovery process. Let’s explore why quitting smoking is essential for spine surgery patients and how it can significantly improve outcomes.

Understanding the Anatomy of an Intervertebral Disc

The spine is a remarkable structure that provides support, flexibility, and protection to the spinal cord and nerves. It’s hard to do anything really without engaging your spine. At the core of its mobility and shock absorption are the intervertebral discs—vital structures located between each vertebra that play an essential role in spine health.

New Year, Stronger Spine: Resolutions for a Healthier Back in 2024

As we step into a new year, many of us are busy crafting resolutions focused on health, fitness, and overall well-being. While goals like eating better or hitting the gym are common, one aspect of health shouldn’t be forgotten: spine health. Your spine supports your entire body, affects your posture, and plays a key role in mobility, general wellbeing and comfort. And honestly, most things that are good for your back are also just good for overall general health.

Why Use a Lumbar Support?

Using a lumbar support offers numerous benefits:

• Reduces Back Pain: Proper alignment alleviates pressure on the spine and muscles.

• Promotes Good Posture: Encourages sitting upright, reducing the risk of slouching.

Proper Body Mechanics, Where to Start?

I tell patients to use proper body mechanics all of the time. But it’s really hard to explain exactly what that actually means. If you really want to understand it, going to “back school” with a licensed physical therapist is probably the best way. However, I will try to lay out some of the basics elements of proper body mechanics here to get you started on the right foot.