It probably comes as no surprise to anyone involved in contact sports that the risk of getting a concussion while playing those sports is high. A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It can also be caused by a hit or blow to the body that causes the head and brain to rapidly move back and forth. One of the more serious dangers of contact sports are repeated concussions. Repeated concussions, even mild ones, can leave a person ... [Read More]
Blog
When to See Neurosurgeons vs. Orthopedic Surgeons
Traditionally, neurosurgeons were the doctors of choice for spinal surgery. In the last several decades, some orthopedic surgeons have also been treating spinal conditions. However, while orthopedists handle musculoskeletal conditions and may have special training in spine treatment, the focus of neurosurgeons is to treat the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. And whereas the field of orthopedics is very generalized, neurosurgery is very specialized. Let’s explore the differences and s ... [Read More]
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, we face a host of challenging issues. Health problems may crop up, poor lifestyle choices can catch up with us, while exercise and healthy eating often fall by the wayside of our busy lives. For example, by the age of 40, nearly everyone has experienced some type of back pain. In many cases, this is caused by degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease progressively worsens over time, as the spinal discs, which act as cushions between the bones of the spine (vertebrae) ... [Read More]
Smoking and Strokes: What’s the Connection?
Stroke is a leading cause of death in the US. And even those who survive a stroke may be permanently disabled. A stroke occurs when an artery that provides oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the brain is partially or completely blocked, or ruptures. The part of the brain depending on that artery becomes damaged and the cells die. Smoking cigarettes greatly increases your risk of stroke. Even secondhand smoke can make it more likely that you suffer a stroke. When your cardiovascular ... [Read More]
Activities That Support Cognitive Health
With a population of seniors increasing in number, finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is one of the top priorities of medical research today. More than 5 million Americans have this disease, which accounts for 60 to 70 percent of dementia cases in older adults. With the aging process, the possibility of developing this chronic, progressive, and ultimately fatal neurological disorder is a concern for many. However, some activities may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, delay its onset, and slo ... [Read More]
