Spine Institute International

10/09/2020

If you’re living with back pain, you’ve probably looked for ways to manage it. One popular way to manage back pain is through pilates.

Not only is Pilates a great, low impact exercise, but there are plenty of ways to customize your Pilates exercises for back pain relief. There are many exercises specifically meant to strengthen your core muscles, providing back pain relief, and preventing injury.

Read our blog to learn how Pilates is able to provide back pain relief as well as which exercises are best for pain management and prevention.

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/pilates-exercises-for-back-pain/

Pilates is a great low impact exercise and there are plenty of options for pilates exercises for back pain relief and prevention.

10/09/2020

Do you wear a backpack every day to carry all the things you need? Do you have a school-aged child in your life that has to wear a backpack for school? If this is the case, and you or the student in your life have suffered from back pain, this may be a result of your daily backpack wearing.

Despite how convenient this accessory is, studies have shown that backpacks tend to damage the spine, especially when overloaded. So is there anything you can do to prevent back pain when wearing a backpack or is not wearing one your only option?

https://www.fixmypain.ca/backpacks-cause-back-pain/

Do you wear a backpack every day to carry all the things you need? If you have suffered from back pain, this may be a result of your backpack wearing.

09/22/2020

Not having an understanding of the cause of your back pain only makes getting help seem impossible. Because of this, we believe that it’s important to educate our patients about some of the most surprising causes of back pain.

Click on the link below to learn more.

https://www.fixmypain.ca/7-unexpected-causes-back-pain/

Not understanding the cause of your back pain can make getting help harder. That's why we believe it's important to educate our patients on causes of pain.

08/26/2020

If you’ve spoken with your doctor about low back pain, you’ve probably been asked many questions in an effort to understand the cause of your pain. The question of whether or not low back pain runs in your family was likely among these questions.

Research has shown that there’s strong evidence to suggest that one’s likelihood of developing spinal disc-related low back pain can be predicted by your family history.

Click on the link to learn more.

https://www.fixmypain.ca/family-history-predictor-low-back-pain/

Your family history can predict your likelihood of developing spinal disc-related low back pain. Here's what research shoes and how you can prevent it.

08/08/2020

You may be aware of things that can affect your back pain such as weight, overloaded backpacks or shoulder bags, or pregnancy, but your posture plays a major role in your back pain as well.

Click on the link below to take a look at how your posture affects your back and what you can do to fix it.

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/posture-back-pain/

Your posture plays a major role in your back pain. So let’s take a look at how your posture affects your back and what you can do to fix it.

07/28/2020

You might believe that your back pain is only affected by the underlying physical cause of your pain, but this isn’t always the case. Your mental health can also affect your pain and the intensity at which you experience it.

Understanding these factors and how they play a role in the way you perceive pain is important in understanding how to deal with your pain.

Learn more: https://www.fixmypain.ca/mental-health-back-pain/

07/02/2020

Aquatic exercise is a great way to stay active even if you're living with back pain. It provides the same benefits as land-based exercise and the water allows you to move more freely and in ways you might be unable to on land.

Click on the link below to learn more.

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/aquatic-exercise-back-for-pain-relief/

Stay cool and stay active this summer with aquatic exercise for back pain! Read our guide to the best exercises to strengthen your back.

04/13/2020

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/daily-tips-for-relieving-back-pain/

Determining the cause of your back pain can be complicated, but there are a variety of ways to help you...

03/23/2020

https://www.fixmypain.ca/getting-good-night-rest-back-surgery/

03/10/2020

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/self-massage-tips-for-an-amazing-diy-massage/

Getting a massage can be like a mini-vacation, you get to relax and indulge in the experience of releasing your...

02/16/2020

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/patient-guide-to-post-cervical-surgery/

It can take several months to fully recover from cervical surgery, although for some patients it is easier than it...

01/31/2020

https://www.fixmypain.ca/protecting-back-neck-biking/

A common complaint from a cyclist is their back and neck pain. Since cycling is an activity that requires you...

01/24/2020

https://www.fixmypain.ca/tips-adding-yoga-rehabilitation-program-spinal-fusion-surgery/

If you or someone you know is recovering from your spinal fusion surgery, you may want to look into adding or...

12/31/2019

https://www.fixmypain.ca/snacks-easing-back-pain/

Foods that have anti-inflammatory properties are best for easing back pain. We know that when you suffer from back pain,...

12/10/2019

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/how-to-keep-a-healthy-spine-during-holiday-travel/?fbclid=IwAR2aO-BdWBWSOINyxy3NRKhL0y0pM_5nsDMYEQAuZ12yQY4kvGcXudBZt8Q

During the holiday season more than 100 million people travel to see friends and family and many are more than...

11/26/2019

https://www.fixmypain.ca/must-items-post-back-surgery-recovery/

If you are thinking about having non-invasive back surgery or disc replacement, you will want to be prepared ahead of...

10/16/2019

Tips on dealing with a stiff neck

Having a stiff neck and neck pain is extremely common that nearly everyone will deal with at some point in their life. Which is not surprising with so many people using cell phones, tablets and computers. Looking at a screen all day will cause your muscles around your neck joints to strain and become overstretched.



Tips to relieve a stiff neck

Heat or Ice:

Which should you use and when? It’s best to use Ice for the first 48 to 72 hours when you notice neck pain. After you are done using the ice, switch to heat using a warm compress or heating pad.

Get a Massage:

Whether you go to get a professional massage, have a friend give you one or even give one to yourself, a massage will relieve some of the pain. If you are giving yourself a massage, find the sore are and push with your fingers or a tennis ball. It will also help to stretch while you rub the knotted muscle.

Stretching:

With proper stretching you can find relief. Be sure you don’t over stretch your muscles.

Roll your shoulders front to back 10 times.
Bring your ear to your shoulder on each side and hold for 10 seconds, 10 times.
Rotate your neck around slowly 10 times.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 10 seconds, 10 times.

Sleep Position:

How you sleep at night can make a difference. Be sure to sleep on your back or side, not your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach as neck pain often comes from sleeping on your stomach. Also, use a special neck pillow, small pillow, or even no pillow on a firm mattress

Proper Posture:

While you are sitting be sure that you are sitting up straight, feel flat on the floor and your knees should be level with your hips. When standing, be sure to stand tall and keep your head up. Don’t slouch!

Relax:

Stress causes tension in the neck and shoulder area, so be sure to take some time each day to relax. Whether you go for a walk and do some deep breathing, meditate or take a hot bath, be sure that you find ways each day to relieve your stress.

Come See Us At The Spine Institute Northwest!
At the Spine Institute Northwest, we want to help make you more mobile! Conveniently located in the Seattle area, our team of dedicated surgeons is available to guide you to a more mobile life!

We are dedicated to helping you get you life back and avoid a long wait time! Contact us today at (888) 712-0318, or visit our site to set an appointment for a free MRI review. We offer the total care package that allows us to make a personalized plan to make you ready for summer activities!

Call the Spine Institute Northwest today!

09/30/2019

NFL Player Ryan Shazier and His Miraculous Spine Stabilization Surgery Comeback

Ryan Shazier’s life and career were altered forever in December of 2017.

While the linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers braced for the head-on tackle he would take during a play against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ryan dropped on the turf and instantly put his hand on his back in the middle.

Although the NFL athlete had the ability to roll over, it was becoming more and more clear that he was unable to move his legs very much. According to New York’s Daily News, tests indicated that Shazier had endured a spinal contusion. Two days later he would get a spine stabilization surgery. The underlying uncertainty was always there about if he would ever have the ability to walk again because of the spinal cord injury.

Shazier marked the release of his stay in the beginning of February at the University of Pittsburgh's Medical Center after he uploaded a video of himself standing on his own to Instagram. The 25-year-old has been posting photos and videos of his apparently miraculous comeback continuously (he even put up a video of doing pull-ups at the gym).

“I’m getting a lot better. I feel great,” Shazier said to NFL.com a month later in March. “Each day is a hurdle, but each day I assure you it’s getting better.” He also mentioned how “I go to rehab four times each week for two hours each day. The day is a new journey all the time and I’m getting better constantly.”

During the opening night of the NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Thursday of 2018, Shazier left everyone in the crowd stunned. When the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, went and took to the stage to unveil the first-round pick for the Steelers, Goodell included Shazier's special appearance.

“Everyone is inspired by him,” Goodell said and then the cameras swept to the hallway of the stage to show Shazier standing on his two feet and walking with his fiancée. As Shazier stepped towards the podium to reveal his team’s selection — Terrell Edmunds, a safety from Virginia Tech — the people exploded in ovation at the heartening sight.

Shazier made a post on Instagram after the appearance and what his thoughts were.

“I’m truly humbled and blessed from all the love, support and prayers I've gotten,” he described. “Thank you for helping to keep me going.” The post brought in nearly 90,000 likes with hoards of people saying how much he is a “true inspiration.” A particular Instagram comment simply said of Shazier, “the soul of a lion.”

Throughout his engagements with NFL.com, Ryan made it evident that he doesn't just have the desire to compete in football with the league again, but the goal is to end up in the Hall of Fame. “The aim is to let the Lord bring me back to play at the level I once was,” Shazier mentioned to NFL.com.

“Each day is an effort to improve. I aim for the Hall of Fame and the whole time out on the field this year was me doing that. I continue to do that as I’m in rehab.” Shazier’s perseverance and the way he dreams of what's still achievable is the thing that allows him to remain focused on regaining the mythical path he was set towards only a year back. “I can feel that it’s still possible,” Shazier mentioned. “With the Lord at my side, I know that I'm going to make a comeback and play football.”

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, call Spine Institute Northwest at (888) 712-0318 to learn about non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments for your condition.

09/30/2019

For those who are exploring treatment options for their chronic back pain, this article can be a resource for you!

SINW is proud to offer the most innovative treatment options for our patients! With our Spinal Cord Stimulator, our patients can get relief without invasive surgery!

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/is-a-spinal-cord-stimulator-right-for-me/

09/19/2019

For those who are exploring treatment options for their chronic back pain, this article can be a resource for you!

SINW is proud to offer the most innovative treatment options for our patients! With our Spinal Cord Stimulator, our patients can get relief without invasive surgery!

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/is-a-spinal-cord-stimulator-right-for-me/

When it comes to chronic pain, there are so many options for relief such as medication, implants, surgeries, and therapy...

09/16/2019

Our Spinal Cord Stimulator has innovative pain relief properties that can be used to relieve you from chronic back pain.
If you have had a failed back surgery or complex regional pain syndrome this stimulator can be the perfect treatment for you.

Check out our website for more information!
https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/treatments/spinal-cord-stimulators/

09/12/2019

Spine Stabilization Surgery: NFL Player Ryan Shazier's Incredible Comeback

While the linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers braced for impact against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ryan instantly fell to the turf and put his hand on his back.

According to the New York’s Daily News, x-rays showed that Shazier had undergone a spinal contusion, making him unable to move his legs. Because of this, he was immediately scheduled for a spine stabilization surgery two days after his injury took place. Although the uncertainty of the surgery was alarming, the reality of never walking again was more problematic.

Through a post on Instagram in early February, Shazier released his location at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The 25-year-old athlete had been updating his fans through photos and videos of his miraculous comeback post-surgery, he even posted a video of himself doing pull-ups shortly after his surgery.

Shazier told the NFL a month after surgery in March, “I’m getting a lot better. I feel great. Each day is a hurdle, but each day I assure you it’s getting better.” He also shared some insight into rehab, where he goes four times each week for two hours each day. He concluded by stating, “Each day is a new journey all the time and I’m getting better constantly.”

During the opening night of the NFL Draft, Shazier’s appearance had the audience shocked. Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner, even made the effort to mention Shazier as a special appearance when picking the first-round pick for the Steelers. Goodell commented, “Everyone is inspired by him,” as the cameras showed Shazier and his fiancee walking on stage.

Continuing to keep his fans in the know, Shazier posted to Instagram after his appearance at the NFL Draft, saying, “I’m truly humbled and blessed from all the love, support and prayers I've gotten.” Thanking his fans he adds, “Thank you for helping to keep me going.” With the aftermath of about 90,000 likes, and thousands of positive comments, it’s safe to conclude Shazier’s injury didn’t slow him down.

While interviewing with NFL, Ryan made it clear that his goal isn’t to just compete with the football league again, but to end up in the Hall of Fame one day. “The aim is to let the Lord bring me back to play at the level I once was” Ryan adds.

With positivity and passion, Shazier states, “Each day is an effort to improve. I aim for the Hall of Fame and the whole time out on the field this year was me doing that. I continue to do that as I’m in rehab. I can feel that it’s still possible,” Shazier mentioned. “With the Lord at my side, I know that I'm going to make a comeback and play football.” Inspiring for everyone, Shazier proves even the best athletes can make a success out of an obstacle.

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, call Spine Institute Northwest at (888) 712-0318 to learn about non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments for your condition.

09/06/2019

Our blogs are always featuring helpful information that can offer relief from the comfort of your home!

This blog post highlights the benefits of using an exercise ball for your lower back pain!

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/the-benefits-of-using-an-exercise-ball-for-lower-back-pain-complete-step-by-step-guide/

Chronic back pain can stem from numerous sources such as bad posture, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, working out improperly, or...

08/18/2019

The Benefits of Using an Exercise Ball for Lower Back Pain: Complete Step by Step Guide

Chronic back pain can stem from numerous sources such as bad posture, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, working out improperly, or even sitting in the same position for too long. Many people are affected daily and lack proper solutions. Chronic back pain has the potential to ruin everyday events, such as going grocery shopping or sitting at work, even trying to fall asleep comfortably is a common issue for those with back pain. Luckily, through a few easy steps, you can do to reduce the amount of pain in your lower back while simultaneously improving muscle strength.

One of the most fundamental and basic steps is exercise. While many people struggle with different physical limitations and resources, the use of an exercise ball is cost effective and relatively easy to use, while providing strong results.

1. Strength

One of the most effective ways to reduce lower back pain is to strengthen the muscles around your spine. Although there are many different types of exercise equipment designed for the strengthening of back muscles, an exercise ball is cost, time, and risk effective, all while maintaining positive results.

The first exercise is a back extension; lay your lower stomach down on the ball and outstretch your legs using your feet for stability. If struggling with balance, place your hands on a wall near you. Once in a balanced position, move your hands behind your head and slowly lift upwards, lifting your chest and upper stomach upwards. Your lower back muscles should contract the more you raise your chest upward. Hold for a few seconds, then release. For an easy visual, imagine squeezing your shoulder blades together. Perform this exercise ten times with three reps each, breaking when needed.

2. Rotations

Another exercise to reduce lower back pain and improve spinal strength is to perform daily spinal rotations on the exercise ball. By doing so, this method works to single out your pelvis, paraspinal, and core muscles and strengthen them. Additionally, rotations have the potential to stretch out specific muscles and the spine, loosening up areas which provide relief for the joints. If you experience a sharp pain in your lower back when rotating, stop and see a medical professional as it may mean you have a serious problem with the joints of your spine.

Start by sitting upright on the ball, place your hands either on your head or hips, whichever makes you feel the most stable. Make sure your feet are firmly grounded to the floor, then rotate to either the left or the right and hold that position for a few seconds. Attempt to contract your muscles while maintaining this position. Afterward, return to the starting position, and rotate in the opposite direction as before. Perform this exercise every day, aiming for about 10 rotations.

3. Work Your Pelvis

Commonly, lower back pain is a result of weak muscles in the pelvis area. In hopes to resolve this, the practice of pelvis isolations every day are key to strong results.

Same as before, sit on the exercise ball with your feet firmly planted to the floor. Tilt your hips upwards and forward as if you had a wall behind you. Hold this position for a few seconds, then release to a relaxed stance. Additionally, move your hips back against the ball, shifting your hips clockwise and counterclockwise. To better visualize, imagine dancing with a hula-hoop around your hips. Like before, practice this exercise about 10 times a day for premium results.

Come See Us At The Spine Institute Northwest!
At the Spine Institute Northwest, we want to help make you more mobile this summer! Conveniently located in the Seattle area, our team of dedicated surgeons is available to guide you to a more mobile life!

Contact us today at (888) 712-0318, or visit our site to set an appointment for a free MRI review. We offer the total care package that allows us to make a personalized plan to make you ready for summer activities!

Don’t sit on the sidelines this summer! Call the Spine Institute Northwest today!

08/01/2019

Complete Guide to Relieving Chronic Back Pain Using an Exercise Ball

Want to start relieving your chronic back pain?
Many people suffer from chronic back pain. The condition can stem Exercise Ball numerous sources like bad posture, sitting in a position too long, lifting a heavy object the wrong way, or even trauma from playing sports. No matter what the cause, chronic lower back pain can ruin lives. It can keep you from performing your favorite activities or even just sitting comfortably. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to help improve the strength in your back and reduce the amount of pain that you experience. One of those steps is to exercise with an exercise ball. This article will discuss the positions and exercises you can utilize to improve your lower back pain.

1. Strength

One of the best ways that you can improve your spine health is to strengthen it. With an exercise ball, there are a few exercises that you can perform that will improve that strength. One of them is back extensions. You should lay down on the ball as this helps to strengthen the paraspinal muscles of your back as well as your abs. By strengthening this core area, you can reduce back pain.

Begin by laying down on your tummy on the ball. Your legs should be outstretched and you should use your feet for stability. If possible, you may also want to brace your hands against a wall. Once you are situated, you should move your hands behind your head and slowly lift upwards, taking your chest and the upper part of your tummy off of the ball. You should attempt to contract the muscles in your lower back while you hold this position for a few seconds. It may help to squeeze your shoulder blades together. After the few seconds have passed, you can lower back down onto the ball. This exercise should be performed ten times with three reps. You can take a one-minute break between each rep.



2. Rotations

Another method to improve your back and reduce the amount of back pain you suffer from is to perform daily spinal rotations on the exercise ball. This form of exercise works to strengthen your paraspinal muscle as well as your core and pelvis. In addition, rotations can help to stretch your muscles and spine which can loosen up areas and provide relief for your joints. If you experience a sharp pain when you rotate, then you should stop and see your medical professional as it may mean you have a serious problem with the joints of your spine.

Begin by sitting upright on the ball. Place your hands on your head or hips for stabilization. Your feet should also be firmly on the floor. Once you are stable, rotate as much as you are able in one direction and hold that position for a few seconds. You should attempt to contract your muscles while holding this position. Afterward, return to the first position, and then rotate in the other direction and do the same thing. This exercise should be performed every day and you should aim for 10 rotations.



3. Work your pelvis

Sometimes, your lower back pain may be a result of weak muscles in your pelvic area. One way to strengthen that area and provide relief for your back is to do pelvis isolations.

Once more, you should sit on the exercise ball. You should tilt your hips upwards and forward as if you were flattening your back. Again, you should hold this position for a few seconds, then return to the previous position. For the next part, you should move your hips back against the ball. You may also want to shift your hips clockwise and counterclockwise to fully strengthen your core area. Think of the exercise like dancing with a hula-hoop around your hips. This exercise should be performed 10 times a day.


Come See Us At The Spine Institute Northwest!
At the Spine Institute Northwest, we want to help make you more mobile this summer! Conveniently located in the Seattle area, our team of dedicated surgeons is available to guide you to a more mobile life!

Contact us today at (888) 712-0318, or visit our site, www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com to set an appointment for a free MRI review. We offer the total care package that allows us to make a personalized plan to make you ready for summer activities!

Don’t sit on the sidelines this summer! Call the Spine Institute Northwest today!

05/09/2019

If your job requires you to do heavy lifting and perform other physically demanding task it can be progressively hard to avoid injuries. 👩‍🔧
Check out this article on our website on how to prevent any back injuries.👨‍✈️🕵

https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/preventing-back-pain-or-injury-at-work/

Preventing workplace back injuries and the pain they cause is fairly straightforward. Learn these techniques from SINW's blog.

05/08/2019

For those suffering with chronic back pain here are some stretches and exercises that can limit the severity of your symptoms until you are able to see a physician 🚶🏃
https://bit.ly/2VTIQcu

05/03/2019

Degenerative disc disease: How effective is minimally invasive back surgery for lumbar?🦴
This blog post can help direct you if you have any questions about how minimally invasive back surgery options work 🦵
https://www.spineinstitutenorthwest.com/minimally-invasive-surgery-lumbar-degenerative-disease/

Minimally invasive techniques for patients with degenerative disc disease lower costs and help with faster recovery. Call SINW at (206) 496-0630 today.

04/30/2019

Earl Robinson is a very lucky man. As someone who had to be revived twice after he literally died on the operating table following an ATV accident, he is no stranger to all kinds of pain. He just kept on working, trying to get stronger.

In 2015, Earl slipped and hurt his lower back and the right side of his body began to bother him. Afraid to get any treatment since his friends and father, who had back problems, all had bad experiences with traditional back surgery, Earl simply put up with the pain.

Finally deciding to do something about his pain because he simply could not function anymore, Earl learned about minimally invasive surgery and started talking to Spine Institute Northwest.

After an examination, they were amazed how he could even walk given that nerve functions on his right side were down to only 7%.

After Dr. Kamson worked on his back, Earl says he is "1000% better than where he was before."

After his treatment, Earl had this to say,"If you are in pain and on drugs, those drugs are killing you."

"I am so glad I came to Spine Institute Northwest and I'd tell anybody who has back pain to come here."

If you are a Canadian patient experiencing similar back pain, visit us at http://www.fixmypain.ca/ to learn how we can help you.

04/29/2019

Jan Oosterveld had been suffering with back pain for the past 10 years. His back pain gradually got worse to the point that he couldn't sit in a chair any longer than 30 minutes to an hour at most. On the worst days, he simply could not walk and became bedridden from the discomfort of his painful back.

Jan and his wife got in touch with Doctor Kamson at the Spine Institute Northwest. After examining his MRI, Dr. Kamson scheduled a lumbar decompression procedure to fix Jan's back.

Today, nine months after his procedure, Jan is 'doing beautifully' and is able to function normally again without any pain.

Visit https://www.fixmypain.com for a free MRI consultation and information on how we can help with your own back pain.