Health Blog

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

If you’re thinking about hip or knee replacement, you’re not alone. Statistics from a Mayo Clinic study found that in a 10 year period, the number of people who underwent hip replacement more than doubled to 300,000 people per year. This was an increase of 92% in people 75 and older and 205% in people... Read More

If your doctor has recommended back surgery for chronic back pain, your next step should be to learn about the factors that may affect the outcome of your surgery. Understanding the potential risks and benefits of surgery and what you can do to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome are the keys to making... Read More

If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer or your doctor has recommended surgery, your instinct may be to start treatment as quickly as possible. That may not be the best course of action, however, because undergoing some types of treatment may mean that you’re not able to undergo others if the... Read More