Dr James Perry

08/04/2022

Our spine team supporting the Jaguars as we kick off another season! 🏈

04/06/2022

Low back injuries are very common. I recently sat down for a podcast episode to discuss low back injuries. We discussed types of injuries, what to look out for, treatments, healthy habits and even touched on some minimally invasive surgery topics. Enjoy!

https://www.baptistjax.com/about-us/podcast?segitem=46868

https://scalebranding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/220.-Vintage-Podcast-logo.jpg

The official radio podcast of Baptist Health of Northeast Florida, including physician interviews and the latest health care news.

02/21/2022

It’s gym time for many as we prepare for spring and summer activities. Take care not to over do things as you work towards your fitness goals!

How to protect your back while lifting.

01/28/2022

Here’s a recent article that I wrote with helpful information regarding cervical stenosis (narrowing around the spinal nerves in the neck)

Cervical Stenosis is a narrowing in the bones of the neck around the spinal cord or the nerves as they exit the spine. Dr. James Perry of JOI explains cervical stenosis and treatment options.

07/28/2021

Spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine:

Spondylolisthesis is the term used to described a slipped vertebrae. As illustrated in the images accompanying this post you’ll see how the vertebrae will appear either forward or backward compared to its neighboring vertebrae.

There are multiple causes of this phenomenon:

Degenerative changes over time in the lumbar spine - arthritis related changes, most common presentation

Trauma

Congenital - you can be born with what is known as pars interarticularis (pars for short) defects. The pars is the bridge of bone connecting the joints in the back of the vertebrae. When the pars is defective or damaged the vertebral body itself can shift leading to the spondylolisthesis

The most common symptom that accompanies lumbar spondylolisthesis is lower back pain. These slipped vertebrae or “step off’s” can also lead to additional issues such as narrowing of the spinal nerves (or pinched nerve). In some instances they can be asymptomatic but unfortunately, they can also cause significant discomfort.

Just like most spinal conditions if the patient is stable we will almost always start with some basic conservative care modalities (physical therapy, medications, etc.) Often times this is an effective management strategy, however at times these step offs need further care. Spinal injections are often used to decrease inflammation around irritated structures, such as nerve roots.

When non-operative care fails then surgical intervention may be considered. This is typically addressed by a spinal fusion procedure that aims to stabilize and (when appropriate) decompression the nerve roots. Often times the procedure is accomplished with spinal implants such as screws, rods or disc spacers/cages and bone grafting material.

Spondylolisthesis is a rather common lower back problem. This is something that we see and manage on a routine basis. Don’t hesitate to come on in and be evaluated by our team if you are having significant lower back pain.

Informative article on spondylolisthesis from The Cleveland Clinic:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10302-spondylolisthesis

03/31/2021

Acupuncture for neck and back pain:

There is a wide umbrella of conservative measures for treating neck and back pain. Some of these include: therapies, therapeutic massage, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. I wanted to shed a bit of light on acupuncture as I have had a plethora of patients provide glowing reviews on this treatment option.

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that dates back thousands of years. The premise is to target the "qi" or the life force of the human body. Theory suggests acupuncture can provide proper flow of this qi throughout the body. This is thought to be achieved by placing very small needles over the skin surface at many points. The points are thought to facilitate connecting the body's pathways known as "meridians"

The process is typically tolerated rather well, and consists of inserting a number of needles into the skin and leaving them in for anywhere from 15-30 minutes. You are most often laying prone while undergoing treatment. Just like many therapy sessions, often times you receive multiple acupuncture treatments per week for a matter of weeks.

I have had many patient's report very positive results after acupuncture treatments. This is one of the many conservative treatment modalities that can be used to combat back and neck pain. We have an acupuncturist at our JOI San Marco location who is accepting patient's at this time.

Here is a nice article about the details of acupuncture: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/alternative-care/acupuncture-ancient-treatment-a-current-problem #:~:text=While%20acupuncture%20is%20often%20not%20the%20first%20line,means%20to%20reduce%20neck%20pain%20and%20back%20pain.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of hair-thin metallic needles into a combination of over 2,000 points on the human body that connect with 20 pathways (meridians) and is used to treat back pain.

01/17/2021

JOI remains on the cutting edge of spinal care with Robotic Aided Spinal Fusion Surgery.

Mazor X Robotic-Guidance Spinal Fusion Surgery is available through the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and Baptist Health at the Downtown Campus in Jacks...

12/11/2020

See my recent video on a pinched nerve in the neck with general considerations.

A Pinched Nerve in the Neck can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the shoulder, arm, and hand. It can be caused by a disk or bone spur compressing the n...

09/19/2020

Big thank you to Dr. Scott Blumenthal from Texas Back Institute and Aesculap for hosting a training course in Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery.
Having nearly 20 years experience in the field of lumbar disc replacement along with your hundreds of successful disc replacement surgeries has been invaluable in helping hone my own skills along with my colleagues who were in attendance.
Collaboration with expert surgeons and industry to help drive world class care for my patients is always appreciated.
Lumbar disc replacement is not for everybody, but is very successful in well indicated patients who have failed non-operative care.

05/28/2020

NSAID's use in spinal care:

One of our first line medicines in conservative treatment of back and neck pain are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some common medicines in this class that may ring a bell are: ibuprofen, aleve, naproxen, diclofenac, etc. These medicines can be a great tool in combating spinal pain complaints. Let's take a deeper look at some details.

NSAID medicines have a systemic anti-inflammatory function which can drastically improve many of your aches and pains. They can also be of benefit in decreasing local inflammatory responses surrounding nerve roots that are irritated. NSAIDs specifically target prostaglandins and decrease the production of these chemicals, which are a primary agent in the inflammatory cascade.

An important clinical discussion that I often have with patients is the potential side effects of these medications. It is important to note that in moderation these medications are generally very safe and an effective means of treatment. Areas that warrant consideration regarding side effects of NSAIDs entail: gastrointestinal irritation including ulcers, kidney (renal) disease, or cardiovascular disease. Taking NSAIDs with food alongside an over the counter probiotic can be beneficial in decreasing any gastro-intestinal (GI) related side effects. This is important in the patient population that deals with mild-moderate acid reflux (GERD) as NSAIDs have the potential to worsen GERD. In patients with heart or kidney disease, other medications may be considered.

In synopsis; in the right patient, and in moderation, NSAIDs can be a vital piece of the puzzle in combating back/neck related pains. Providers use medical history to determine if their patient is going to be a suitable candidate for NSAID use. In the right patient, and the right setting, NSAIDs can be a powerful for relief of symptoms!

Link with side effects to watch for: https://www.healthline.com/health/side-effects-from-nsaids #7-side-effects

05/20/2020

JOI and Baptist Health are ready to support your health care needs in these times and in the challenges that lie ahead!

05/02/2020

As I was leaving the hospital today a group of Jeep owners (about 75 or so of them) did a drive by - beeping, carrying signs, flying flags etc.
As difficult as these times are for all of us, it makes me feel grateful to know that folks are out there to lift us up and support us.
Wether it’s a group of patriotic Americans supporting the troops, empathetic people spreading kindness and love or supportive folks saying thank you to health care workers, my heart feels full to know that every community has these wonderful people.
Thank you in return 😊