Northern California Spine Institute Blog
Cervical Epidural Steriod Injection
A pinched nerve can cause a lot of problems and be very painful. The medication injected in a Certical Epidural Steriod Injection helps to decrease the swelling in the nerves. The patient is first sedated while lying down and then the needle is inserted into problem area. Contrast dye is used to ensure the needle is properly positioned in place. Once completely, a bandage is placed and the patient is put in a recovery room to come to and be discharged. In some patients, one injection may be sufficient, while others may require 2 or 3, each performed two weeks apart.
Got back pain? Learn more about this and other non-surgical treatment done at the Northern California Spine Institute here.
Posted in Non-Surgical Treatment on February 14th, 2012
Our Patient’s Share Their Stories of Pain and Pain Management
Who knows better what you are going through than those who’ve been there themselves before? Our Pain Management – Patient Experiences page features several videos of actual patients describing their experiences of pain and subsequent depression, prior to treatment, how the process of recovery went for them and how their lives have changed since.
Feeling hopeless? Find the light at the end of the tunnel. Click here to watch the testimonies of those who’ve tread the path before you and came out on the other side. Ready to talk to someone and find out what treatment options may be available to you? Here at Northern California Spine Institute we offer several kinds of treatment options for your back ailment. Contact us today!
Posted in Testimonials on February 7th, 2012
Does Your Desk Job Have Your Back?
A sedentary lifestyle is easier to find yourself in than you may think. Working a 9-5 desk job means many are spending the majority of their 40 hour work week sitting. Poor posture and ergonomics, incorrect lifting of heavy objects and even wearing unsupportive shoes all can contribute to your future back pain. For desk workers it is more important than ever to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your body aligned and healthy to prevent serious injuries and strains in the years ahead.
Walking on your lunch break, doing yoga and pilates to help improve core strength and posture, sitting in a chair (or ball!) designed instruct and support your body’s best alignment, wearing supportive shoes and getting massages are all positive preventative measures which can be taken to help keep your desk job and your back on the right track.
For further reading, check out this article: Sitting too long causes aches and reduces work productivity.
Posted in Prevention on February 2nd, 2012
San Francisco Spine Surgery – Resources
Here at Northern California Spine Institute we aim to inform, prevent injury, reduce pain and heal. Whether you are looking for the right place to find the treatment you need, are ready to schedule an appointment or are just beginning to explore what options may be available to you, we’ve worked hard to make your research, at whatever stage you’re at, as easy as possible.
Check out our online Resources page for additional information on all things Spine-related. Still have questions? We’re here for you! Give us a call and remember, if it’s an Emergency dial 911. Our NCSI physicians are on call 24 hours a day and may be contacted by our service when conditions necessitate by calling our main number (925) 469-6274.
Posted in Resources on January 26th, 2012
San Francisco Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture is a popular method utilized today by licensed acupuncturists to help patients who are experiencing a wide range of issues from headaches, neck and back aches, tension, stress, and various neurological and musculoskeletal disorders receive permanent or temporary relief of their ailments. While most people would cringe at the idea of have needles inserted all over their body, the needles used in acupuncture are altogether unlike the needles people mostly think of from getting shots or having blood drawn. Acupuncture needles are thinner, lighter, with a finer point and they only go skin deep. While the experience of acupuncture varies from patient to patient, most feel little to no pain while the needles are being inserted, and none after they are in place. Along with the needles, occasionally heat or electrical stimulation may be used at precise acupuncture points to complete the treatment.
If you are ready to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture, we encourage you to read our online guide and to contact our office for any remaining questions you may have to to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you be more comfortable in your body!
Posted in Acupuncture on January 18th, 2012
San Francisco Spine Surgery Testimonials
The success of our patients is how we measure our success, but how do you measure the success of a spine surgery procedure? Patient safety and care is our first- most important goal, with a close second being our patient’s satisfaction upon feeling their results in the days, weeks, months, and years that follow.
When considering where to get your spine surgery procedure done, you have many factors to research. Accreditation, education, training and experience are all incredibly important. Beyond that it is the track-record for success and reputation both among the patients and the peers which counts the most. One way to get a good feel for other patient’s experiences is to read testimonials. Find out about the patient experience from those who’ve been there by clicking here!
Posted in Testimonials on January 11th, 2012
Prevention, Early Detection and Maintenance Care
It is important to understand how to properly care for our bodies and to know our own limitations. Just like diet and exercise, it’s not only something you should do after you’ve already gained 20 pounds, but rather something that needs to be practiced on a day to day basis. If you are already experiencing back pain, the most beneficial thing you can do for yourself is have it looked at by a profession. In our Patient Experiences, Tips and Suggestions media page, one patient tells the importance of his early detection through an MRI scan. You don’t want to waste days being in pain, or waste money on treatments that may make things worse.
Check out our Patient Experiences, Tips and Suggestions media page to hear more from our patients. Got questions? Give us a call!
Posted in Patient Tips and Suggestions on January 6th, 2012
Physical Therapy – Northern California Spine Institute
Physical Therapy is an important aspect of any recovery. After a thorough evaluation of your needs and goals, your Physical Therapist will devise a plan which you both will work towards achieving. There are many different treatment options available to help you reach your goals, including therapeutic ultrasound, cold packs, hot packs, traction and electrical stimulation. Exercise is also an extremely important aspect of therapy. Hand-on treatments like soft tissue or joint mobilization may also be utilized. Your therapist will help you developing a home program to manage your condition on your own and prevent further injuries.
Our therapists also perform analysis on site for work environments to help keep preventative measures in place and create a safe and effective working environment. To learn more about the services we offer or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today! We look forward helping you in any way we can.
Posted in Physical Therapy on December 29th, 2011
San Francisco Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
Here at the Northern California Spine Institute we offer many treatment options for patients suffering from spine issues. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty are just two of these options that are commonly used to improve stability, mobility and create relief from spine fractures caused by osteoporosis or cancer.
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgery for spine fractures caused by osteoporosis or cancer. The back is numbed, a tube is placed and one or two needles are inserted into the collapsed vertebra to collect the diseased bone tissue to be studied. The weakened area is then filled with bone cement to stabilize it. Once filled, the tube is removed and the internal cast is placed. This creates rapid mobility and pain relief.
Similarly, Kyphoplasty is also a minimally invasive procedure to strengthen the spine and create rapid back pain relief. The area is numbed and a half inch incision is made. An Inflatable Bone Tramp, or IBT, is then placed in the fracture and inflated to create a cavity. Once the cavity has been created, the instrument is deflated and the cavity is filled with bone cement. This internal cast creates stability, rapid relief and mobility, as well as reduces the risk of spinal deformity.
To learn more, contact our office and schedule your appointment today!
Posted in Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty on December 21st, 2011
How Are Trigger Point Injections Performed?
Trigger points typically manifest as tight muscle bands that can refer pain to other regions of the body. They are usually managed with physical therapy, stretching, and aerobic conditioning and sometimes with injections. These injections do not require any pre-procedural preparation. Trigger point injections are performed in our offices without x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy). A needling technique accompanied by medication (local anesthetic with or without steroids) is performed directly into the muscle or around the tendon or ligaments. The injection may reduce inflammation and tightness in the specific area and therefore reduce your pain.
Posted in Non-Surgical Treatment on September 6th, 2011