What I Wish Patients Knew Before Their Pain Became Chronic
Watching Pain Change Over Time One of the hardest conversations I have with patients happens when acute pain has already turned into something long lasting. Many come into my office frustrated and tired. They tell me their pain started as something small. A sore back after yard work. A stiff neck that never quite went […]
The Most Common Spine Myths Keeping Patients in Pain
Why Myths Matter More Than You Think Many of the patients I see are not just dealing with pain. They are dealing with fear created by misinformation. Spine myths are powerful because they sound logical, they are repeated often, and they are reinforced by imaging reports, internet searches, and well-meaning advice. These myths can keep […]
The Ethics of “Too Soon” Surgery: Protecting Patients in an Era of Overtreatment
Why This Conversation Matters Spine surgery can be life changing when it is done for the right reasons. It can also cause harm when it is done too soon or when it is done without a full understanding of the patient’s story. Over the years, I have met many patients who were told surgery was […]
When Surgery Fails: How to Thoughtfully Evaluate and Treat Patients After Unsuccessful Spine Procedures
The Weight Patients Carry After Failed Surgery Few moments in medicine are as heavy as meeting a patient who has already had spine surgery and is still in pain. These patients often walk into my office guarded and exhausted. They are not just dealing with physical symptoms, they are carrying disappointment, fear, and sometimes a […]