This summer has been an exciting time for DISC Sports & Spine Center, as our expert surgeons have weighed in on a variety of health and wellness topics for stories in SELF, HuffPost and more. At DISC, our world renowned specialists are happy to provide expert commentary as pioneers in their fields.
Here are DISC’s features so far this summer:
Dr. Joel S. Beckett featured in ABC7 News
Most desk jobs involve a lot of sitting, but standing is one of the most efficient positions for our spine to be in, Dr. Joel S. Beckett, a dual-fellowship-trained neurosurgeon who specializes in the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, told ABC7. "The spine is built to be balanced in the standing position, and so standing reduces strain on the back and neck muscles that often come when we sit for a prolonged period."
If you’re in the market for a standing desk, consider three main points: stability, accessories and adjustability. "A lot of standing desks have settings so that it can be used for different people of different heights," said Dr. Beckett, as well as automatic presents.
Dr. Kushagra Verma in Women’s Health
Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Kushagra Verma, MD, spoke to Women’s Health about the use of posture correctors, including which models he would recommend. When looking into purchasing a posture corrector, Dr. Verma said the device should not restrict your range of motion, and to look for models that have adjustable straps to ensure maximum comfort. Also look for breathable materials to ensure the device won’t cause excess friction or sweat and are easily washable.
The scientific data is limited, but posture correctors can be effective, short-term devices to help retrain your body to stand better, Dr. Verma told Women’s Health. However, it’s important to not solely rely on a posture corrector, and instead use it in conjunction with a physical therapy program that's focused on strengthening the shoulders, scapula, and upper back to help stabilize the muscles in the abdomen, pelvis, and back, he said.
Dr. Nick Jain in Self
We should spend about one-third of our time sleeping, so choosing a mattress that helps us get restorative rest so we can wake up feeling our best is important — but not all mattresses are created equal.
“Oftentimes, soft mattresses provide less support for the back [than firm mattresses] and require the muscles of the back to do more work, which may lead to uncomfortable positions,” Nick Jain, MD, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon at DISC Sports & Spine Center, told SELF. “This can lead to inflammation and pain.”
According to research, the top quality to look for when buying a mattress is firmness. “A good, solid sleeping surface with good support in the appropriate pressure points can alleviate pressure on bones, joints, and muscles,” Dr. Jain told SELF.
However, the best mattress for back pain really depends on personal preference. “There is no formula or one-size-fits-all type of solution. People should simply sleep on the surface they find most comfortable and that causes them the least amount of pain. This is a trial-and-error thing that may require experimenting before actually selecting a mattress that will be used in the long term,” he said.
Dr. Leia Rispoli in Yahoo! Life
Topical analgesics, more commonly known as pain relief creams, can temporarily provide pain relief by quickly absorbing into the skin where the pain is. When shopping for pain relief creams, looking at the active ingredients are crucial.
“The choice of topical agent really comes down to the source, character and location of pain," Dr. Leia Rispoli, double-board-certified interventional pain management specialist and physiatrist, told Yahoo! Life. “Those with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis will likely benefit from an anti-inflammatory topical agent. Those with referred pain from a neuropathy or nerve issue may benefit from a CBD topical agent. Those with generalized muscle aches or cramps may benefit from anti-inflammatory, lidocaine or CBD topical creams/agents."
"Each ingredient targets different types of pain (i.e., joint, muscle or nerve), so a combination of various active ingredients is typically beneficial," Dr. Rispoli told Yahoo! Life.
Dr. Grant Shifflett in HuffPost
“Sitting for too long, often in chairs with poor support and which are wildly uncomfortable, can definitely be a significant contributor to back pain,” Dr. Grant D. Shifflett, an orthopedic spine surgeon, told HuffPost.
Investing in ergonomic office furniture, including a footrest, can help relieve the hip and back pain that can come with sitting for long periods of time, like at a desk job.
“Sitting with your core neutral, lumbar support, a footrest, having good wrist support for your keyboard and mouse, getting a convertible sitting or standing desk, and keeping the computer screen at eye level” are all good ways to alleviate hip and back pain when sitting for long periods.
If you're struggling with pain, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our specialists.
