Half of the global workforce spends at least 75% of their time standing. This includes professions like educators, hospitality workers, first responders, and military personnel. For people like Chris, a middle school principal, this reality can lead to debilitating back pain, especially given the high activity levels required in his profession. Educators Walk More Than…
Chris Denkers came to spine surgeon Dr. Good in severe pain. An active person, Chris wanted to get better not just for himself but also to keep up with his kids. Chris and his wife Laura have extraordinary 15-year-old identical twin boys, Wyatt and Riley, who have cystic fibrosis. This genetic disease affects their lungs,…
As Featured on Men’s Health Network: Thriving After Surgery Men’s Health Network recently had the pleasure of interviewing the dynamic duo of Jama Anders, a professional weightlifter and longtime Crossfit instructor, and his spine surgeon, Dr. Ehsan Jazini, who, in a seemingly miraculous intervention, was able to perform a disc replacement on Jama that would…
Thirty-six-year-old Kathleen Smith of Maryland has been a hardcore athlete her entire life. She started softball at age four and played through college. Back pain has always been a part of her life since at least middle school, but athletic trainers helped her manage it while she was on a team. After college, she moved…
Do Spine Surgeons Always Recommend Surgery? I’m sure you’ve heard this before and maybe thought it yourself — if you go to a surgeon, they’re just going to recommend surgery. While I can’t speak for all surgeons, data clearly shows that isn’t always the case. There are so many treatment options to help patients dealing…
Many people have preconceived notions about spinal fusion surgery. Maybe you remember your parents or grandparents having one. If so — you likely think of an open-back surgery with a long recovery time, a lot of pain and restricted movement. But that was then and this is now. In today’s era of modern back surgery,…
When Maggie was a junior in high school, the competitive cheerleader suddenly found herself in pain so excruciating, it felt like her leg was on fire. The active tumbler couldn’t sit for more than 20 minutes, sleep, bend, easily walk or cheer. She was forced to give up her sport for several months while she…
Dealing with back and body pain is never easy — but it’s especially hard when you shoulder it alone. Studies show people assess the level of their own pain… and cope better with it when they are connected to others instead of feeling isolated to deal with it on their own. That’s something that Crystal…
About 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their life so it’s no surprise that it deeply impacts many people’s workday. Whether your job is physical and keeps you on your feet all day — or you’re a desk warrior sitting 8 hours a day — back pain can definitely get…
Anna started having back pain when she was 16. The diagnosis of Bertolotti Syndrome came quickly for her — by the age of 17. But treatment to address her debilitating pain took a lot longer to find. Anna was a junior in high school when the pain flare ups started. They ranged from a 3…
