Health Blog
Topic: Back Pain
Proactive steps to lower your risk of back pain
If you’ve ever experienced back pain, you know how much it can disrupt your life. Back pain can make it nearly impossible to sit, stand, move, or lie down comfortably. That means it’s difficult to sleep, work, or go up and down stairs. Back pain is an extremely common problem, with 80% of people in... Read More
These proactive steps can help you manage the risk of common serious conditions
For 10 years, Sun Life has published an annual research report focused on the highest cost health insurance claims. The data in the report is drawn from Sun Life’s stop loss claims, a type of insurance employers who self-fund their health insurance plan purchase to protect against the financial impact of very high cost health... Read More
Four things to consider when choosing a hospital
When they need hospital care, many people simply go to the closest hospital or the one their doctor recommends. But if you need care at a hospital, whether it’s for labor and delivery, back surgery, joint replacement, cancer treatment, or treatment for heart disease, it’s important to do some research before you choose where to... Read More
Ask these five questions before agreeing to surgery for back pain
Back pain is a more common problem than you may realize. It’s one of the most common reasons people see their doctor and also one of the most common causes people miss work. About 60% to 80% of adults experience low back pain during their lives, and for 10% of them the pain continues for... Read More
Is surgery the right option for your back pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons that adults in the U.S. seek medical attention and also one of the leading reasons Americans miss time at work. But it’s important to know that surgery often isn’t the most appropriate treatment and, in most cases, should not be the first treatment undertaken. Before choosing... Read More
Is elective surgery safe during the pandemic?
As states begin to reopen, hospitals are starting to schedule elective surgeries that have been postponed because of the pandemic. But many people wonder if now is the time to undergo elective surgery. While 31% of people have chosen to delay care and 50% of people over 65 have decided to wait to receive care... Read More
Virtual consultations expand your access to expert specialists
Virtual access to physicians isn’t new. Patients have benefited from virtual second opinions for years and more recently, have been able to quickly and conveniently connect with physicians through computer and smartphone apps that put them in touch with primary care physicians, pediatricians, and mental health providers. What is new is virtual access to a... Read More
Is your back pain being overtreated?
If you’re one of the approximately 80% of Americans living with chronic back pain, you may be at risk of being over treated or undergoing more aggressive treatment too soon. Both in the U.S. and abroad, the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of back pain start with more conservative approaches, including: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications... Read More
7 Questions to Ask If Your Second Opinion Is Different Than Your First
If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious, complex, or rare condition or if your doctor has recommended elective (non-emergency) surgery, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. There are several ways that a second opinion can help you make an informed medical decision: It can confirm that your original diagnosis and treatment plan... Read More
Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Deciding to Have Surgery
If your doctor has recommended that you undergo elective (non-emergency) surgery, for example surgical treatment for chronic back pain or joint replacement, there are a number of factors to consider before deciding whether to move forward with the surgery. First, consider getting a second opinion to learn what other treatment options may be available. Your... Read More