Living Well Insights for health & well-being

For more than 35 years, surgeons have been enhancing their skills in the operating room with robotic technology. Whether it’s simple mechanisms used to hold patients in place or utilizing multifaceted systems to carry out delicate procedures, the intertwining of human and machine has helped surgeons perform better work — and deliver better patient outcomes.…

Studies have indicated that as much as 80% of the population can expect to suffer from back pain at some point during their life, with some of the most severe cases primarily affecting the lower back. If you are currently experiencing problems and are interested in finding out how to relieve lower back pain or what is causing it, this guide should prove to be useful. However, we recommend that you visit a local spine specialist if you are suffering from chronic or severe lower back pain, so you can discuss all the treatment options and choose one that meets your needs.…

There are a number of conditions that cause upper back pain, some of which are more common than others. In this short guide, we are going to look at the main causes and what can be done to alleviate the pain in each case. A qualified and experienced doctor should be consulted to find out what causes upper back pain and how best to deal with it in each individual case but the information below may help you to decide which type of doctor you should approach first.…

Artificial disc replacement (ADR) offers patients suffering from chronic, severe back and neck pain the opportunity to retain mobility and resume their lives with minimal pain or discomfort. This type of arthroplasty is an alternative to the traditional surgical procedures that require a lengthy recovery period, loss of mobility and the potential for additional surgeries.…

If you are experiencing joint pain, it is important for you to discuss this with your doctor. A careful history and physical examination including X-rays of the affected joints are the main ways your doctor can help you make an accurate diagnosis. If the cause of your pain stems from osteoarthritis, treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed and how bad and how long your joints have been hurting.…

Dealing with a nagging back or neck condition is stressful enough on its own. Finding a spine specialist or surgeon to treat that condition shouldn’t be. If you are on the hunt for an experienced spine specialist near you, these four tips can help you simplify your search to find a doctor who fits your unique needs best.…

Spondylolisthesis is a common spinal condition. Dr. Peter Derman, an ultra-minimally invasive orthopedic spine surgeon on the medical staff of Texas Health Center for Diagnostics and Surgery sees patients suffering from this condition often. In this blog he shares information on causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for spondylolisthesis.…

If you find yourself saying, “Oh my nagging back!” … or … “I can’t take this neck pain anymore!”—and more conservative forms of treatment are no longer working—you may want to find a spine specialist nearby to discuss your back or neck surgery options. In order to get the most out of your appointment, why not come prepared with a list of questions? We asked Jessica Shellock, M.D., a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon with the Center for Disc Replacement at Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery, to share 10 essential questions to help you get started.…

October 12th is World Arthritis Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of all forms of arthritis. 1 in 4 Americans suffer from some form of arthritis and osteoarthritis is the most common form. According to The Arthritis Foundation, “Arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in the United States, affecting more than 50 million people. The foundation is committed to finding a cure for the millions of people who suffer from arthritis pain, including 300,000 children.”…

Healthcare can be confusing and especially so if you are trying to decide how to handle taking care of a sick child or yourself. Do you go to the doctor or wait it out at home? Plano Moms recently sat down with Dr. Michael Kubala, an ENT in Plano and a Dad of two young boys to get some guidance for their readers. Here's a recap of their interview.…