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Susan Spinasanta
Senior Medical Editor
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 A Head's Up on Posture: Don't Be a Slouch! Poor posture is not only habitual, but is also seen in people with low self–esteem, degenerative problems affecting the spine, pain causing muscle guarding, and obesity. To correct your posture and stand up straight, follow these easy tips. Advancement in Surgical Treatment of Scoliosis Spine surgery to correct scoliosis today includes minimally invasive techniques that reduce scarring, blood loss during surgery, and post-operative pain. Learn why this surgical option may be right for certain types of spinal curves. Airbags + Seat Belts = Spine Protection Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injury. Alternative Treatments for Spinal Tumors To help deal with pain caused by a spinal tumor, you may try complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). These treatment methods, such as acupuncture, massage, and tai chi, can help you find pain relief. Anatomy of a Spinal Cord Injury Article walks you through the anatomy of the spinal cord and the body's nerve system. Good place to start if you want to understand how a spinal cord injury (SCI) affects the body. Includes drawings of the spinal canal and the spinal nerve system. Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Type of Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterized by joint pain and progressive stiffness in the spine. It is a chronic inflammatory spinal disease. Anterior Cervical Plate: An Option in Cervical Spine Surgery Cervical plates have been used for more than 20 years to increase neck stability following single and multi-level cervical surgery. Now a new cervical plate has been developed, the thinnest one yet. Learn more about this leading technology. Back Pain and Obesity Being overweight or obese can significantly contribute to symptoms associated with back pain. In some instances, it can even lead to developing a spinal condition because of the effects the extra weight has on your body. Biofeedback: Questions and Answers Biofeedback is an alternative treatment where a patient is trained to control physiological functions and repress pain. Bone-building Exercise Tips for Osteoporosis One of your best defenses against developing osteoporosis is to exercise regularly. Include weight-bearing and resistance exercises into you fitness routine. Bracing: A Treatment Option for Spinal Cord Injury After a spinal cord injury (SCI), you may have to wear a brace. The type of brace depends on your injury, where it's located, and the severity of your symptoms. Read about the most commonly used braces for SCI, including halo rings. Bracing: A Treatment Option for Spinal Tumors A brace will not treat a spinal tumor; it's not able to make it shrink. However, your doctor may suggest a brace to help you deal with pain caused by the tumor. You may have to wear it before or after surgery. Causes of a Spinal Cord Injury Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can be caused by trauma: car accidents and diving accidents, for example. It can also be caused by various conditions, including arachnoiditis and spondylosis. Article covers common and uncommon SCI causes. Causes of Spinal Tumors A spinal tumor diagnosis raises a lot of questions. We've put together answers to the most common questions about spinal tumors, including questions about radiation. Start here for the basics of spinal tumors. Cervical Radiculopathy Treated Surgically on an Outpatient Basis Cervical radiculopathies can now be treated surgically on an outpatient basis. The authors explain their preference treating cervical radiculopathy by the posterior approach rather than by an anterior discectomy and fusion. Chemotherapy for Spinal Tumors Chemotherapy is the first thing many people think of when facing cancer. Side effects. Hair loss. Weakness. Learn when chemo is used to treat spinal tumors and how it can help you. Common Spinal Cord Injury Questions Does a spinal cord injury always cause paralysis? Does the cord have to be severed to be considered a true SCI? Does a broken neck automatically mean an SCI? Find answers to these and other common spinal cord injury questions. Common Spinal Tumor Questions A spinal tumor diagnosis raises a lot of questions. We've put together answers to the most common questions about spinal tumors, including questions about radiation. Start here for the basics of spinal tumors. Common Spondylolithesis Questions Common questions patients ask about spondylolisthesis including treatment. Conserving Energy during Recovery Information on how to conserve energy while recovering while managing to complete household chores. Drop Foot (Foot Drop) and Steppage Gait (Footdrop Gait) Drop foot is a symptom of an underlying spinal condition, such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. It can be associated with sciatica. If the sciatic nerve is being pinched at a certain place, you may be unable to raise your foot at the ankle. Drug Preparations Applied to the Skin Help Relieve Pain Topical preparations are medications that can help reduce or alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and soft tissue trauma. Drugs and Medications for Spinal Cord Injury Drugs and medications may be used to treat spinal cord injury. Different medications are used for the primary injury and for the secondary conditions that can develop. What you're prescribed depends on your symptoms and specific injury. Drugs and Medications for Spinal Tumors In treating spinal tumors, your doctor may have you take various drugs and medications. These are not to treat the tumor; they treat the accompanying pain and/or the side effects of other treatments (such as radiation). List of common medications. Drugs Used to Treat Pain: Opioids - Narcotics Although the terminology is not precisely correct, pain-relieving opioids are often called narcotics, and they may be prescribed to treat acute pain (severe, short-lived pain), post-operative pain and certain types of chronic pain. Exams and Tests for Spinal Cord Injury It can be easy to identify a spinal cord injury, but it can be hard to identify the extent of the injury right after it happens. Doctors use various scales to assess the SCI, including the ASIA Impairment Scale. Experimental Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury Many research studies are being done right now on improving treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Learn about the latest treatments, including devices that make it easier to breathe and that can help people walk. Facts and Tips about Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Tips about Spinal Tumors Spinal tumors (both benign and malignant) are rare. That's the first fact you should know about them. Here's a collection of other facts and tips about spinal tumors, including treatment pointers. Finding Relief from Low Back Pain is a Challenge! Therapeutic exercise to treat chronic low back pain is one of the best treatments a doctor can recommend. Foraminotomy: Spinal Surgical Procedure A foraminotomy may be combined with other spinal surgical procedures to decompress one or more spinal nerve roots. Foraminotomy: Taking Pressure off Spinal Nerves Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure performed to enlarge the passageway where a spinal nerve root exits the spinal canal. The term 'foraminotomy' is derived from the medical term for a hollow passageway; the 'foramen'. Hot and Cold Therapies for Pain and Discomfort Hot and cold therapies are the oldest forms of treatment to help reduce muscle inflammation, tenderness, and pain. How to Choose and Use Hand and Power Tools to Reduce Risk of Injury Your whole body is involved when using a hand or power tool. Tool choice along with proper posture and body mechanics can help reduce the risk for injury. How to Start Your Osteoporosis Prevention Plan Today Six important things you can do to start your osteoporosis prevention program, including exercises and tips for eating a calcium-rich diet. Even if you have osteoporosis, these steps may help you stay strong and prevent spinal compression fractures. How to Talk to Your Doctor about Osteoporosis and Spinal Fracture To get the most from your doctor’s visit to talk about osteoporosis and your risk for spinal fracture, consider these helpful tips. Hydrotherapy and Aquatic Therapy Gentle water exercises use the water's resistance to build muscle strength and flexibility. Water exercise can benefit people who find weight bearing exercise difficult (or painful) on dry land. Industrial Ergonomics: Material Handling and Back Injury Industrial work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a primary cause of lost work days, productivity, and revenue. Industrial Ergonomics: Prevent Injury from Hand and Power Tool Use Research studies who that workers who are taught how to safely perform their jobs in a suitable environment are at reduced risk for work related muscuolskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Joint and Soft Tissue Mobilization Mobilization is a hands-on manual therapy designed to restore joint movement, power, and range of motion. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Type of Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis The type of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that affects the spine is ankylosing spondylitis. JRA is uncommon and may affect children ages 16 years and younger. Make Healthy Food Choices: Fiber - Carbohydrates - Salt - Sugar Healthy carbohydrates are found in fresh foods from unprocessed grains, fruits and vegetables. Massage Therapy Massage is a treatment for pain and stress. This is a medical desrciption and has nothing to do with sex or erotic massage. Occupational Therapy: Questions and Answers The purpose of Occupational Therapy (OT) is to help people increase their functional independence in daily life while preventing or minimizing disability. Often OT is combined with other treatments including Physical Therapy. Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon Education and Training Orthopaedic spine surgeons are highly educated medical professionals who specialize in treating all types of spinal disorders and conditions. Osteoporosis: Detection and Diagnosis A Bone Mineral Density test is often used to help diagnose osteoporosis and determine the risk for future fracture. Osteoporosis: The Silent Thief Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile. This can cause loss of height, humpback (kyphosis), and debilitating pain. It’s a “silent thief” because you often don’t know you’re losing bone density until you fracture a vertebra. Osteoporosis: Treatment Goals and Prevention Having osteoporosis does not have to mean a life of pain and inactivity. The four-fold goals in the treatment of osteoporosis are discussed here. Pain Medicine (or Pain Management) Specialist Education and Training Pain management specialists must complete years of advanced education and training to become cerfified in pain medicine. Physical Activity and Exercise for a Healthier Spine Physical conditioning reduces the chance of injury and increases physical performance. Physical Therapist Education and Training Some physical therapists pursue advanced training and certification in areas such as geriatic, neurologic, orthopaedic, and sports care. Physical Therapists: Professionals Working Toward Wellness Physical therapists are highly educated medical professionals who work with patients toward wellness and injury prevention. Physical Therapy: Questions and Answers Physical therapy combines passive modalities with active exercise to help patients resume normal activities more quickly. Pie pendular o caído y marcha en estepaje El pie pendular o caído describe un trastorno neuromuscular (nervio y músculo) anormal que afecta la capacidad del paciente de levantar el pie a la altura del tobillo. Post-Operative Care: Activity, Incision Care, Rehab and Recovery Each day following spine surgery the patient is encouraged to increase physical activity and to be as independent as possible. Preoperative Steps to Spinal Surgery Certain tests are performed in advance of spine surgery to evaluate the patient's overall physical and emotional health. Preventing Chronic Low Back Pain The benefits of lumbar strengthening exercise is long-lasting and includes greater muscle strength, increased bone density, endurance, and flexibility. Questions to Ask Your Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon This guideline will help you prepare for your visit with an orthopaedic spine surgeon. Plus questions to ask. Questions to Ask Your Pain Medicine (or Pain Management) Specialist This simple guideline will help you prepare for your visit with a pain management specialist. Plus, questions you should ask the doctor. Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist Your 'how to' guide to prepare for your visit to a physical therapist. Radiation Therapy for Spinal Tumors Radiation for spinal tumors has one goal: to destroy the tumor. It can also be used before surgery to shrink the tumor. Article details how radiation is used, its effectiveness, and possible side effects (and how to deal with those). Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injury After a spinal cord injury (SCI), you may need to go through rehabilitation to learn how to face various physical, occupational, and emotional challenges. A team of professionals will work with you in rehab. Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Type of Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis It is not entirely understood why rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the neck (cervical spine). Information about spinal rheumatoid arthritis and treament is featured. Spinal Cord Injury Glossary Complete list of words you have to know related to spinal cord injury (SCI). Quick definitions to help you understand the most common SCI terms. Spinal Cord Injury Prevention Some spinal cord injuries (SCI) can be prevented if you follow these tips for driving and playing sports. Here, you can also learn tips about how to fall proof your home, another way to prevent SCI. Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis Inflammatory arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, the more common form of joint degeneration. This article provides information about three types of spinal inflammatory arthritis. Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis and Osteoporosis Sometimes treatment for rheumatoid arthritis or other spinal inflammatory disorders increases the risk for osteoporosis. Find out what you can do to prevent low bone density. Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis Glossary Glossary of medical terms,related to spinal inflammatory arthritis. Refer to this Glossary to better understand common terms. Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis: Early Diagnosis Important Early detection of spinal inflammatory arthritis is important to the overall success of the patient's treatment plan. Spine Surgery and Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis Uncontrollable pain and spinal deformity are two complications of spinal inflammatory arthritis that may require surgical treatment. Surgery for Spinal Cord Injury The surgeon will make the best recommendation about surgery following a spinal cord injury (SCI). That includes the type of surgery used and when it will be done. Surgery performed after an SCI may include a decompression and fusion. Surgery for Spinal Tumors There are many factors a surgeon will take into consideration before doing surgery for a spinal tumor. Review a list of circumstances that may warrant surgery. Article also covers typical surgeries used to treat spinal tumors. Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury The symptoms of spinal cord injury (SCI) vary from case to case. It depends on the cause and location of the SCI. Symptoms range from pain to paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia. Thoracoscopy in the Treatment of Scoliosis New thoracoscopy treatments for scoliosis demonstrate a major technological step forward in the treatment of Scoliosis. In this procedure, highly skilled spinal surgeons approach from the side of the chest wall for maximum access. Tips for Snow Shoveling: How to Avoid Back Pain Keep your back safe this winter with our tips for preventing back pain while shoveling snow. Covers the best type of shovel, what you should wear, and what you should do before heading out in the winter wonderland. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) TENS works to decrease pain perception and may be used to control acute and chronic pain. It may also be used with other treatments such as exercise. Types of Osteoporosis: Primary or Secondary Some physicians classify osteoporosis as either primary or secondary. Classification may be dependent on whether the osteoporosis is age related or caused by a medical condition or medications that can interfere with normal bone reformation. Ultrasound: A Common Treatment Used in Physical Therapy Ultrasound is a passive modality: a supplement to the primary treatment (e.g. exercise). Passive modalities typically are used to relax the patient, a distraction from pain, and/or to warm muscles for exercise. Weight Loss: Empowered to Change Your body may be starving for nutrients if you have been trying to lose weight for a long time. Weight Loss: Suggestions for Success Good food and eating right combined with regular exercise can help you meet your weight loss goals. What Disorders Do Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons Treat? Orthopaedic spine surgeons treat all disorders and conditions that affect the spine. What Disorders Do Pain Medicine (or Pain Management) Specialists Treat? Whether pain is acute or chronic, your primary care or other treating physician may refer you to a pain management specialist to treat spine-related pain. What Disorders Do Physical Therapists Treat? Physical therapy is often an integral part of the nonsurgical and postoperative care of patients with spinal disorders. What is a Pain Medicine (or Pain Management) Specialist? The goal of pain management is to manage acute or chronic pain by reducing pain frequency and intensity. What is a Physical Therapist? Physical therapists are medical professionals who treat people of all ages with health-related problems that limit physical function. What is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon? Orthopaedic spine specialists are orthopaedists who further specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal diseases and conditions. What is Post-Operative Care? Post-operative recovery starts in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This unit is dedicated to meet the patient’s needs thereby minimizing post-operative complications. What is Spinal Cord Injury? Basic overview of spinal cord injury (SCI). Get fast details on complete and incomplete SCI. Learn when complete paralysis is involved. Article also covers varying types of SCI. What Treatments Do Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons Provide? Orthopaedic spine surgeons are trained in the latest surgical techniques to treat spinal disorders. What Treatments Do Pain Medicine (or Pain Management) Specialists Provide? The treatments offered by pain management specialists are almost as diverse as the spine pain problems treatment aims to manage! What Treatments Do Physical Therapists Provide? Physical therapy blends many different types of treatments, some are passive, such as heat and cold treatment. Active therapies are those that involve the patient's participation, such as stretching and exercises. Your First Appointment with a Pain Medicine (or Pain Management) Specialist: What to Expect During your first appointment with a pain management specialist, he will perform an examination and ask you many questions about your pain. Listed here are 10 common questions.
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