Spine Universe Author Biography

Susan has more than 10 years of experience as a medical editor and medical writing experience exclusive to spinal disorders and treatment. She has extensive experience writing for spine professionals, such as neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, pain management specialists, and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians.

Materials written for spine professionals include textbook chapters, continuing medical education programs, video presentations, case studies, abstracts, journal articles, website content, and marketing materials. In addition, Susan is a published author of hundreds of patient educational materials in many media including consumer spine care books.

Overall, Susan has 25 years of writing and editing experience in complex fields such as engineering, finance, legal, other technologies, and human resources.

Susan is an active member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA). She also attends medical meetings for spine professionals to stay current with and expand her knowledge of treatment technologies and techniques.

SpineUniverse articles from Susan Spinasanta

• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
  5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is beneficial in treating depression, obesity, insomnia, fibromyalgia, migraines, and headaches.
• Acupressure: A Safe Alternative Therapy
  Accupressure therapy does not involve the use of any invasive techniques. A skilled practitioner simply uses his or her thumbs and fingers (sometimes the elbow) to exert pressure to specific body points.
• Aloe
  Aloe can be an effective herbal treatment taken both internally and externally.
• Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
  Alpha-linolenic acid is the parent substance of omega-3 fatty acids which regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, heart rate, blood vessel dilation, the immune response, and the break down of fats.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
  Alpha-lipoic acid (also called thioctic acid) helps slow the aging process and fight disease.
• Alternative Treatments to Reduce Sciatica
  Some patients turn to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, or biofeedback to help relieve sciatica.
• Barberry
  Barberry is an herbal treatment that can be used as an antibiotic and to boost the immune system.
• Benign or malignant? What is the difference?
  What is the difference between a benign and malignant spinal tumor?
• Bilberry
  Bilberry is an herbal remedy that can be used to improve circulation,treat hemmorroids and varicose veins and can help control blood clots.
• Blackcohosh
  Black Cohosh is an herbal remedy that can help in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and is helpful for circulatory and women's health.
• Blood Tests and Other Laboratory Tests
  Laboratory tests often include blood work from which many aspects of the patient's physical health can be determined.
• Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Measurement
  Bone mineral density testing measures the amount of calcium in the bones. The results are used to formulate a treatment plan to reduce the risk for fracture. Learn more here.
• Bone Scan
  A bone scan is an imaging test that detects increased activity in bone. The results help to diagnose fractures, infections, inflammation, and tumors.
• Brewer's Yeast
  Brewer's yeast contains almost all the B vitamins, 16 of 20 amino acids, and 14 different minerals. Brewer's yeast is a high source of protein for vegetarians and is high in phosphorus.
• Bromelain
  Bromelain is a digestive enzyme that is known as a digestive aid and for its anti-inflammatory effects in traumatic injuries and after surgery.
• Burdock
  Burdock is an herbal remedy that is used for liver and gallbladder function, and can help relieve gout, arthritis and other inflammatory ailments.
• Cartilage
  Cartilage supplements can be used to treat and prevent cancer. There are two kinds that are used as supplements: bovine, and shark.
• Cats Claw
  Cat's Claw is one of the most popular herbal preparations in the U.S. Use it as an anti-inflammatory,antioxidant or to fight hunger, fatigue and thirst.
• Cayenne
  Cayenne Pepper can be used for circulation,lowering cholesterol and preventing heart disease.
• Celery Seed
  Celery seed is an herbal remedy used to treat high blood pressure, nervousness and anxiety, muscle spasms, and appetite.
• Cervical (Neck) Facet Joint Pain: Pulsed Radiofrequency Neurotomy (PRFN) Provides Many Patients Relief
  Pulsed Radiofrequency Neurotomy is a minimally invasive procedure pain specialists use to treat painful cervical (neck) joints.
• Cervical Plates: Provide Neck Stability Using Spinal Instrumentation
  A cervical plate is a medically designed implant used to provide neck stability. Cervical plates enhance the rate of fusion and, in some cases, may reduce the need for external bracing following surgery.
• Chamomile - German and Roman (English)
  Chamomile is an extremely versatile herbal remedy. Treatments include; common cold, slow-healing wounds, psoriasis, eczema, diaper rash, chickenpox, and burns from cancer radiation therapy.
• Chromium
  Chromium is an essential trace element that aids in metabolism. 90 percent of American diets are low in chromium.
• Comfrey
  Comfrey is an herbal remedy that can be used to help with bedsores, stings, bruises, burns, dry skin, dermatitis, leg ulcers, rashes, and sunburn.
• Copper
  Copper is an essential nutrient that helps make hemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells. Copper may make your immune system stronger and may help relieve the pain of arthritis.
• Creatine
  Creatine is an energy enhancing supplement for athletes. If you are looking to increase strength, improve endurance, and delay fatigue for high intensity, short duration sports, then creatine supplements may benefit you.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography) and CAT Scan (Computed Axial Tomography)
  A CT Scan (or CAT Scan) reveals the relationships between the spine's bony and soft tissues.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
  The level of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) in your body decreases as you age. DHEA deficiencies make individuals more susceptible to some cancers, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and many more diseases.
• Devil's Claw
  Devil's Claw is an herbal remedy that can be used to treat inflammation,arthritis,rheumatism,appetite and treat gastrointestinal problems.
• Diagnosis of a spinal tumor
  Evidence of a spinal tumor may be found incidental to a work up for a different disorder. However, back pain is the foremost symptom that prompts a patient to see their doctor.
• Discogenic Low Back Pain
  Discogenic low back pain is caused specifically by one or more intervertebral discs in your lumbar spine. Activities that increases the pressure on the disc can make your pain worse, so sitting or bending forward may hurt. You may also have leg pain.
• Discography (Discogram)
  Provocative Discography is a form of discography that replicates the patient's 'discogenic' pain.
• Echinacea
  Echinacea is an herbal remedy that works on the immune system and has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
• Electromyography (EMG)
  An EMG measures muscle response to nerve stimulation and evaluates electrical activity within selected muscle fibers. The test can help your doctor differentiate between a muscle and nerve disorder.
• Embarazo, dolor de espalda y ciática
  ¡Ah, las maravillas del embarazo! Ya sea que se trate de su primer bebé o del quinto, muchas son las previsiones a tener en cuenta y para las que hay que prepararse.
• Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)
  EDTA chelation therapy is a nonsurgical treatment for heart disease. It can help you avoid heart and artery disease or could be an alternative to bypass surgery.
• Eucalyptus
  Eucalyptus as an herbal remedy can help clear chest congestion, kill bacteria, increase blood flow thereby reducing swelling, relax tired sore muscles, and even as a deodorant.
• Evening Primrose
  Evening Primrose Oil is an herbal remedy that can be used to control dermatitis, breast pain resulting from PMS, menstrual cramps, hot flashes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Fall Prevention Benefits All Age Groups
  Injuries resulting from falls are a leading cause of back pain in North America. Be pro-active!
• Fall Prevention: Be Proactive
  Information to help you to take a proactive approach to preventing falls.
• Fall Prevention: Flooring, Furniture and Footwear
  How many times have you heard that most accidents occur at home? Often! Now add to that the increased number of people who work at home.
• Fall Prevention: Home and Office
  How many times have you heard that most accidents occur at home? Often! Now add to that the increased number of people who work at home.
• Feverfew
  Feverfew is an herbal remedy that can help alleviate migraine, stimulate appetite,increase the fluidity of lung and bronchial mucus, pain, muscle tension, menstrual difficulties, and rheumatic diseases.
• Flaxseed Oil
  Flaxseed oil is an omega-3 fatty acid. It is an essential fatty acid in the breakdown of fats and in making brain and nerve tissue. Learn all about flaxseed oil and how a supplement could benefit you.
• Garlic
  Garlic is known as an herbal remedy that can aid in immune function, detoxifies the body, lowers blood pressure and blood lipid levels, and improves circulation.
• Ginger
  Ginger is an herbal treatment that can be used to cleanse the colon, stimulate circulation, and to reduce the symptoms of motion, morning, and seasickness. It can relieve dizziness, sweating, nausea, headache, fever, cold/flu symptoms, and pain.
• Ginkgo Biloba
  Gingko Biloba is an herbal remedy that may help with memory loss, vertigo,tinnitus, headaches, depression, leg cramps, asthma, eczema, and some heart kidney disorders as antioxidant.
• Ginseng - American, Asian, Siberian
  Ginseng as an herbal remedy is known to alleviate stress, fatigue (increases endurance, stamina), poor mental performance (i.e. concentration), symptoms associated with menopause, and for protection against colds.
• Glutamine
  Glutamine plays an important role in all parts of the body. It speeds recovery and healing, helps curb cravings, and can improve mental acuity.
• Goldenseal
  Goldenseal as an herbal remedy cleanses the body, counters infection, and strengthens the immune system.
• Grape Seed Extract
  Grape Seed Extract is an herbal remedy known to reduce swelling, improve blood circulation, protect the body physically and mentally.
• Green Tea
  Green tea as a herbal remedy is known to prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, improve circulation, regulate blood sugar, improve digestion, control diarrhea, increase mental acuity, and neutralize poisons.
• Hawthorn
  Hawthorne as an herbal remedy dilates coronary blood vessels, may help deteriorating heart function, arteriosclerosis, arrhythmia (mild types), and anemia. It may also lower cholesterol and build immunity.
• High-Risk Jobs - Are You at Risk?
  Many occupations place workers at high risk for back injury. You might be surpirsed to learn how extensive the list is.
• Iron
  Iron delivers oxygen from the lungs to all parts of your body, helps your muscles work, and helps break down substances that can cause damage to your body. If you don't get enough iron you can get anemia.
• Is Sciatica a Symptom or a Spinal Disorder?
  A bulging or ruptured (herniated) disc is the most common cause of sciatica. Although the low back and leg pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most patients find non-surgical treatments help to relieve pain and symptoms.
• Kava Kava
  Kava Kava is an herbal remedy that may aid in stress-related disorders, depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain, stiffness, and infections affecting the reproductive and urinary organs.
• Lemon Balm
  Lemon Balm is an herbal remedy used to ease gas, bloating, headache, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress and anxiety. It promotes digestion and helps to control cold sores due to herpes viruses.
• Licorice
  Licorice is an herbal remedy known to cleanse the colon, relieve bronchitis (increase fluidity of mucus), kill staph and strep infections, control Candida, relieve rheumatism and arthritis (inflammatory disorders), and promote adrenal gland function.
• Lipase (Pancreatic Lipase)
  Lipase helps your body digest fats to be used more easily. Lipase can be used to treat digestive problems.
• Low Back and Pelvic Pain: Treating Sacroiliac Joint Pain Using Bipolar Radiofrequency Neurotomy
  Bipolar Radiofrequency Neurotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that disables and prevents specific spinal nerve branches from transmitting pain signals.
• Lysine
  Lysine helps your body process fatty acids and is important for proper growth. Find out what foods provide lysine and if you could benefit from a supplement.
• Magnesium
  The mineral magnesium is important for your heart, muscles, and kidneys. Most Americans do not get enough magnesium in their diets.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  MR imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool that produces 3-D images of the sagittal (left/right), coronal (front/back), axial (head/toe), and oblique (slanted) planes of the body.
• Melatonin
  Melatonin is an important hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin helps to regulate our sleeping patterns and can be used to treat sleeping disorders.
• Milk Thistle
  Milk Thistle is an herb that can be used to treat liver disorders (hepatitis, cirrhosis). This herb stimulates production of new liver cells, benefits adrenal disorders and inflammatory bowel syndrome.
• Mininally Invasive Spine Surgery: Top 5 Questions Answered
  Minimally invasive techniques have changed and improved the way many spine surgeries are performed today.
• Myelography (Myelogram)
  A myelogram (myelography) is performed to diagnose disorders of the spinal canal and cord, such as nerve compression that can cause extremity pain and weakness.
• Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Testing
  NCV and EMG tests measure nerve conduction and muscle action potential. These tests are performed to determine if symptoms (e.g. sciatica, weakness) are caused by a nerve or muscle disorder.
• Neurological Exams: Nerve Deficits
  A detailed mechanical examination of the movement of the arms, legs, and trunk can greatly help the doctor in making the correct diagnosis of a spinal disorder.
• Neurological Exams: Sensory Nerves and Deep Tendon Reflexes
  During a neurological examination the doctor will tests the patient's sensory abilities and reflexes.
• Neurology Basics: Neurological Exams
  The neurological examination, along with a detailed mechanical examination (movement of the arms, legs, and trunk), can greatly help the physician in making the correct diagnosis.
• New Drug Development
  With new research on disease comes new drug development. Here is a complete understanding of how new medications become a part of our lives.
• Non-Surgical Treatment of Spondylosis (Spinal Arthritis)
  Very few patients with spondylosis (spinal arthritis) require surgery. Non-operative therapies are tried first and are often successfully alleviate the patient's symptoms.
• Nonsurgical treatment of spinal tumors
  Nonsurgical treatment of a spinal tumor may involve more than one therapy. Treatment recommendations are based on many considerations including your tumor type and health status.
• Nuclear Imaging: PET and SPECT Scans
  As part of the family of nuclear imaging techniques, PET and SPECT scans are performed to detect abnormal metabolic activity, which could lead to structural changes (in the vertebrae, for example).
• Pain Control after Surgery - Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)
  Post-operative pain can be consistently controlled by the patient by means of a PCA device; patient-controlled analgesia. Pain is relieved around the clock without the danger of an over-dose.
• Pau d'Arco
  Pau d'Arco is an herb used to treat candidiasis (vaginal and oral thrush), warts, ringworm, herpes simplex, flu, tumors, allergies, ulcers, diabetes, rheumatism, inflammatory bowel disease, and some cardiovascular problems.
• Pedicle Screws
  Pedicle screws can be used in spine surgery to correct spinal deformity. This article explains what they are and how they can be used by your surgeon. This article also contains excellent pictures and diagrams of pedicle screws.
• Peppermint
  Peppermint is an herb that can be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, morning sickness, menstrual cramps, poor appetite, gas, diarrhea, headache (and migraine), skin irritations, colds and cold symptoms.
• Phenylalanine
  Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that you need to get from food because your body cannot make enough of it. Learn all about phenylalanine, its uses, and what foods provide it for you.
• Phosphorus
  Phosphorus helps the body to utilize vitamins and functions to convert food into energy.
• Pilates: Strengthen Your Body Without Pain
  Pilates is a form of exercise combining mental and physical concentration. It focuses on the core area of the body (hips, abs,low back,buttocks) and incorporates concentration, control, centering, and breathing as basic principles.
• Potassium
  Potassium is a mineral that helps the kidneys function normally as well as aiding in normal heart function.
• Pregnancy, Back Pain, and Sciatica
  The excitement of becoming a mother can be overshadowed by back pain and sciatica. Three out of four pregnannt women experience back pain, some long before they lose their waist! Find out what contributes to back pain and what to do.
• Psyllium
  Psyllium is a soluble fiber used primarily as a gentle bulk laxative. Psyllium helps relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other intestinal problems.
• Purpose and Introduction
  The Spinal Tumor Patient Guide provides patients, their family members and care givers information that is easy to understand. Here you will learn about spinal tumors, how and where they develop, the diagnostic process, and treatment.
• Questions to ask your doctor
  This list of questions will help you to get the answers you need to make an informed decision about a spinal tumor diagnosis and treatment.
• Saw Palmetto
  Saw Palmetto is an herb that inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone contributes to enlargement of the prostate in men.
• Selenium
  Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil and food. It is an important antioxidant and most of us do not get enough selenium in our diets. Learn all about selenium and how you can benefit from a supplement.
• SPECT Scan
  A SPECT scan is an imaging technique that measures the emission of photons of a given energy from radioactive tracers introduced into the body.
• Spinal instability; a possible complication
  Benign and malignant spinal tumor development and growth can affect the strength, load-bearing ability, and stability of the spine's bony anatomy.
• Spinal Instrumentation
  Many implants used in spinal instrumentation are made from medical grade stainless steel, Titanium, or Titanium-alloy. Implants made from Titanium are highly resistant to corrosion and fatigue and are MRI compatible.
• Spinal tumor specialists; your medical team
  Many different types of doctors may become involved in the care of a patient diagnosed with a spinal tumor. Listed here are the types of specialists and a brief explanation of their function.
• Spirulina
  Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is a rich source of nutrients, especially protein, and thus is an important food for vegetarians. It has anti-viral and anti-cancer properties.
• Spondylosis (Spinal Arthritis): Reduce Back and Neck Pain
  Most cases of spondylosis (spinal arthritis) are mild and require little, if any, treatment. This article covers common non-surgical treatments, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and medications. It also explains when surgery is needed.
• St. John's Wort
  St. John's Wort is an herbal remedy used to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, hyperinsomnia (excessive sleep), wounds, and hemorrhoids.
• Stinging Nettle
  Stinging Nettle is an herbal remedy used to treat eczema, gout, anemia, arthritis, and rheumatism.
• Sulfur
  Sulfur is a naturally occurring mineral used to treat red, itchy rashes and also helps to protect your body from toxins in the environment. People with arthritis may find pain relief from sulfur baths.
• Surgical treatment of spinal tumors
  Indications for surgical treatment of a spinal tumor include uncontrollable pain, spinal cord compression, and spinal instability. This article provides an overview of several types of surgical procedures.
• Symptoms
  Benign and malignant spinal tumors almost always present with back (or neck) pain as the foremost symptoms.
• Tame Stress to Reduce Neck and Back Pain
  Most people equate stress with high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. But did you know neck and back pain can be stress-related too?
• Therapeutic Spinal Traction
  Therapeutic spinal traction uses manually or mechanically created forces to stretch and mobilize the spine.
• Trampoline Injuries: Visits to Emergency Rooms are Jump'n
  Trampolines can be dangerous and emergency room visits are constantly increasing. This article outlines some simple safety procedures that may help protect your family.
• Tumor development and growth
  A spinal tumor may develop at one or more levels of the spine: neck, mid back, low back, pelvic or tailbone areas.
• Types of spinal tumors
  This article explains the types of spinal tumors. Included are bone, vascular (blood vessels), cartilage, and plasma (white blood cells) tumor types. Both benign and malignant spinal tumors are presented.
• Tyrosine
  Tyrosine aids in the function of the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands. A deficiency of tyrosine can result in depression, hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, low body temperature, and restless leg syndrome.
• Understanding Your Prescription:
  Ever wonder how your pharmacist is able to decipher your prescription? Use this guide to explain what those chicken scratches mean!
• Vanadium
  Vanadium is an essential trace mineral. It is necessary for bone and tooth development.
• Vitamin A
  Vitamin A is needed for proper immune system function. Learn all about vitamin A and whether you could benefit from a supplement.
• Vitamin B1
  Vitamin B1 or thiamine is needed in your diet to breakdown carbohydrates. Learn all about vitamin B12 and whether you could benefit from a supplement.
• Vitamin B12
  Vitamin B12 is essential in maintaining normal bodily functions and growth. Not getting enough vitamin B12 leads to pernicious anemia which causes disorders of the nervous system.
• Vitamin B2
  Vitamin B2 or riboflavin enables carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to release energy.
• Vitamin B3
  Without vitamin B3 your body systems would grind to a halt. It turns carbohydrates into energy.
• Vitamin B5
  Your body needs vitamin B5 to change food into energy. It also helps your body cope with all types of stress.
• Vitamin B6
  Vitamin B6 performs several functions in the body, including breaking down carbohydrates for energy production, and forming hemoglobin and other substances that our bodies need to perform properly.
• Vitamin B9
  Vitamin B9 or folic acid helps protect against heart disease, birth defects, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
• Vitamin C
  Your body does not store vitamin c so you must consume enough each day to maintain good health. Learn all about vitamin C and how you may benefit from vitamin C supplements.
• Vitamin D
  Vitamin D is essential to build and maintain healthy bones. Calcium can only be absorbed when vitamin D is present and together they are involved in many body functions, including keeping your immune and nervous systems healthy.
• Vitamin E
  Vitamin E protects the body against many disorders and helpd treat others. It helps slow down the cell damage that happens naturally as we age.
• Vitamin H
  Vitamin H (biotin) enables the body to use the energy in food. Learn how a vitamin H supplement may benefit you.
• Vitamin K
  Vitamin K is best known for its role in helping blood clot properly and in maintaining bone health. Learn all about Vitamin K and how supplements may benefit you.
• What is a spinal tumor? Am I at risk?
  What is a spinal tumor and am I at risk if a family member has been diagnosed with a tumor in the spine? Are all spine tumors serious?
• What is Spinal Instrumentation and Spinal Fusion?
  Learn about the history of spinal instrumentation and fusion, and the hardware used in these procedures.
• What Treatments Do Chiropractors Provide?
  Although spinal manipulation or adjustment of subluxations is a mainstay of chiropractic care, these specialists also provide many other therapies.
• X STOP®: What is it?
  X STOP(r) is a nonsfusion surgical implant for use in treating lumbar spinal stenosis.
• X-Rays (Radiographs)
  X-ray technology is the 'workhorse' of fundamental diagnostic imaging. Testing is fast, easy, and painless.
• Zinc
  Zinc is an essential trace mineral that boosts the immune system and helps prevent many ailments from cancer to the common cold.