Individuals that go through severe low back pain caused by degeneration, herniated discs, vehicle, personal, work, and sports injuries, surgery, or spinal fusion is usually a last resort if non-invasive treatments fail to provide relief or not enough relief. Patients try to avoid spinal fusion because it can be an intense experience and requires a year-long recovery period. Unfortunately, individuals… Read More
This current year, we are still dealing with two global pandemics: obesity and, despite the new hope that vaccination brings, COVID-19. Previous literature has reported that obesity, characterized by elevated fat mass, can negatively impact immune system functionality. Consequently, this factor increases the risk of infection and complicates the recovery due to the high amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by… Read More
Many doctors/surgeons rely on the widely adopted lumbar spinal fusion. However, experts have asserted that lumbar total disc replacement or TDR should be made available and increased for treating degenerative disc disease and other spinal conditions. Individuals interested in total disc replacement, the ability to have it done, and if insurance will pay? What to know about TDR and fusion… Read More
Physical exercise has a powerful effect on our bodies. Most of the exercise benefits can be measurable such as body composition modification and physical endurance. However, it is common to hear athletes talk about how exercise influences their immune responses. Indeed, nutrition and exercise immunology go hand in hand to modify immune function. Immunonutrition combines the anti-inflammatory components of orthomolecular… Read More
Nutritional assessment is a critical step that inpatients have to go through before undergoing surgery. Unfortunately, even with the obesity pandemic, most patients fall into the category of malnourished or are at risk of malnutrition. A detrimental nutritional status reflects a slow recovery, increased hospital stay, risk of postsurgical infection, impaired wound healing, and pressure ulceration. Perioperative nutrition uses nutritional… Read More
Although it is not officially summer, the past few weeks sure feels like it. Especially for those with joint discomfort and pain. As the body ages, individuals may notice their joints have some mobility/flexibility issues in the summer heat. Again, the heat and humidity are the culprits. The hotter it is, the more the body is susceptible to inflammation and swelling.… Read More
For cervical pain, there is often more than one cause and more than one course of treatment. To begin, the first step is to perform an inspection. The inspection can let us know if there is a deformity, instability, abnormal head posture, asymmetry, torticollis, or lower limb weakness. This is a crucial first step as it sets the tone for… Read More
A proper diagnosis goes a long way. Treatment and recovery can happen relatively quickly or broken up into parts, phases, and sessions, as part of a treatment and rehabilitation plan. This depends on the individual, their age, underlying conditions, and the severity of their injury/s. It is not uncommon to have a treatment schedule that could be weeks/months long. This… Read More
Muscle cramps are sudden and involuntary contractions of one or more of the body's muscles. They often occur at night or at any moment stopped by a sudden Charley horse. These cramps can cause severe pain, making it impossible to move and use the affected muscle/s. They are usually brought on from: Long periods of exercise Physical labor Hot weather… Read More
Vitamin B12 and Shoulder Injuries - Wellness Doctor Rx Overview Shoulder injuries commonly affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, particularly in individuals who perform repetitive arm movements, lift heavy objects regularly, or participate in sports involving repetitive arm motions. Activities such as swimming, tennis, pitching, weightlifting, and even daily tasks like painting, hanging curtains, or gardening can increase the risk… Read More
Knee Injuries, Surgeries, and Vitamin D Status. The knee joint is one of the largest and complex joints. It connects the thigh bone to the shinbone, which has a very important role in: Supporting the body’s weight Facilitating movement Allowing the ability to bend the knee Because of the complexity of the knee joint, it is highly susceptible to injuries. The… Read More