Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Dr. Daniel Savarino at Apex Sports and Regenerative Medicine in Tinton Falls
Sonex: The Evolution of Carpal Tunnel Release Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common conditions treated by Sports Medicine and Orthopedic physicians. It affects more than 12 million people per year in the US and carpal tunnel release is the second most common surgery performed, with over 230,000 performed annually. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, as it passes through a narrow space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Compression of this nerve typically causes numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand, specifically the thumb, index, middle and inside part of the ring finger. If left untreated, this condition may worsen over time and can even cause burning pain, muscle atrophy or muscle wasting. The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive motion of the wrist, like when using the computer or doing repetitive movements at work. Underactive thyroid, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and pregnancy can also increase the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. If conservative treatments like bracing, ice, NSAID’s (ibuprofen, naproxen), physical therapy or injections fail to relieve the symptoms, the last step is surgical release of the carpal tunnel. Traditionally, carpal tunnel release was performed as an […]
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension … The “False Brain Tumor” That’s Increasingly Affecting Americans
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is not something you hear about every day. In fact, this condition – caused by cerebrospinal spinal fluid (CSF) pressure within the skull that is too high – is considered a rare disorder because it affects only one in 100,000 Americans. Yet, with the epidemic of obesity in our country, a key factor in IIH, the number of cases is increasing. “IIH is a disorder you should be aware of because – while its symptoms are often commonplace and dismissed as nothing – it can lead to blindness,” Dr. Pinakin R. Jethwa, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS), explains. The most common symptoms of IIH are headaches, loss of vision, blind spots, poor peripheral vision, double vision, temporary blindness, ringing in the ears, neck and shoulder pain. Because these indicators can also resemble those of a brain tumor, IIH is often called a “false brain tumor.” While IIH is most common in overweight women aged 20 to 50, it can also occur in patients who are pregnant, have recently given birth or take oral contraceptives. That was the case for Nancy Collins, a 31-year-old from Jackson, NJ. Having had a stroke a few years ago […]
SKIN CANCER by GLENN KOLANSKY, M. D.
Today you have a one in five chance of developing skin cancer in your lifetime, and malignant melanoma, the most lethal type is the most rapidly increasing cancer in this country. The occurrence of melanoma is predicted to increase to one out of every 7 persons. Dramatic increases are occurring in both sexes, as well as in younger and older age groups. Fortunately, early detection is the surest way to a cure and by examining yourself monthly you can find it when it is treatable. The principal cause of skin cancer is universally accepted by medical experts to be over exposure to sunlight. You can think of exposing your body to sunshine like putting money in an interest bearing retirement account with the benefits being skin cancer. As your exposure to the sun accumulates, you add to the account at the Sun Bank and at some point in the future when you have saved enough sunshine with compounded interest, you develop skin cancer. Many people who are no longer are exposing themselves to the sun still develop skin cancer as a result of their earlier “deposits” in the sun bank No one knows your body better than yourself and simply […]
Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Helps Baby Boomers Stay Active
Orthopedics is in great demand, specifically from an aging baby boomer generation. Some of the more common surgeries are total knee and hip replacements, which topped 906,000 in the US in 2009, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The majority of people that are getting these surgeries are baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964. A study released by Drexel University forecasts that this age group will account for a 17-fold increase in knee replacements alone, surmounting 994,000 procedures annually, by 2030. Baby boomers are unlike older generations in that as their joints are wearing thin, but they want to maintain a high level of activity. Their activeness may be a reason why they need replacements as over exertion accelerates osteoarthritis, the main reason cartilage fades away from joints. The orthopedic surgical trend is moving towards minimally invasive surgery. Total knee replacement (also called knee arthroplasty) is a common orthopedic procedure that is used to replace the damaged or worn surfaces of the knee. Replacing these surfaces with an implant or “prosthesis” will relieve pain and increase mobility, allowing patients to return to normal, everyday activities. Minimally invasive knee replacement differs from traditional knee replacement in that […]
Regenerative Medicine Treatments to Help You Recover
What if the body could rejuvenate itself and get back to the point where everything functions like it did before becoming injured or you started experiencing pain? This is actually possible with regenerative medicine. We offer a wide range of non-surgical treatments to heal injuries, improve bodily function and provide patients with relief from pain. This type of regenerative medicine can often eliminate the need for surgery, making this an excellent option for anyone who has reached the point where they are considering an invasive procedure. Types of regenerative medicine treatments Some of our regenerative treatments include: 1. Diowave laser therapy This high-dose laser therapy stimulates tissue growth and repair at the cellular level. Since it is noninvasive, patients do not experience any discomfort from the treatment itself. Additionally, by delivering healing laser energy to specific tissue, we are able to speed up healing, decrease pain and inflammation. This treatment can also be used aid in wound healing. It has been proven to help speed up wound healing after an accident, etc. Also, those who have had a joint replaced may heal up to 50 percent faster by having Diowave laser therapy. 2. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) We use PRP […]
Healing Chronic Neck Pain is Possible: Artificial Disk Surgery Exterminates Decades of Neck Pain for Lakewood Man in Days
Kevin Mills, who suffered from neck pain for years, offers hope to those afflicted with persistent pain. Formerly a licensed exterminator, Kevin Mills used to make a living by removing unwanted pests. However, there was one pesky thing he couldn’t get rid of: his neck pain. “I’ve had problems with my neck for as long as I can remember,” explains 58-year-old Kevin of Lakewood, New Jersey. According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, chronic or severe pain affects nearly 50 million American adults. Kevin’s health took another turn when he began experiencing terrible migraines and couldn’t move his neck at all without being in pain. After having X-rays taken, his doctor advised him to contact a surgeon. That’s when he connected with Dr. Pinakin R. Jethwa, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists. “Kevin’s decision to see a neurosurgeon, instead of another type of surgeon who would have to consult a neurosurgeon, was spot on,” says Dr. Jethwa. Dr. Jethwa discovered two disks in Kevin’s cervical spine were exerting pressure on the nerves, causing intense pain. He recommended Kevin undergo a two-level cervical artificial disk surgery. During this procedure, the damaged disks would […]
Ask a Physical Therapist To “Screen” Your Movements This Spring
By David Bertone, PT, DPT, OCS Let’s talk about the last time you—or someone close to you—interviewed for a new job. Chances are that the first step was a phone screen with your potential employer, and when you passed that portion of the process with flying colors, you were then invited for an in-person interview. At that stage, the employer probably asked you to answer a series of questions and to demonstrate your skills through a test or two. The process is set up in a way that narrows down the options intl the most suitable candidate is found. Makes sense, right? Just as job recruiters screen applicants to find the best ft for an open position, your PT will ask you to perform a series of exercises so that she can observe and understand your body mechanics to uncover any issues or limitations. Used in combination with a full evaluation and assessment, these so-called movement screens are just one tool in identifying the most appropriate treatment or prevention program for you. But unlike that test you may have taken during a job interview, the screen is not testing your skills or abilities, it’s simply a way of identifying how […]
Back on Her Feet: How Neurosurgical Spine Surgery Took One Pregnant Mother from Paraplegic to Walking Again
When Rita Arena’s chronic back pain intensified early on in her pregnancy, she knew something was not right. “I didn’t think it was a big deal — until the pain would not subside,” says Rita. Rita was evaluated by a physiatrist, who believed she sprained the thoracic region of her back — the middle area below the cervical spine (neck) and above the lumbar spine (lower back) — and potentially a rib. At four months pregnant, she was advised to rest. “My pain got progressively worse,” Rita continues. “Before I knew it, I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t take care of myself, let alone my young son or husband.” Desperate for help, Rita consulted a neurologist and underwent an MRI scan, with the go-ahead from her obstetrician-gynecologist. “The following day, the neurologist called and told me there was a massive tumor either in or on my spine,” she says. “The realization quickly set in that there were no guarantees for me or my baby.” Rita’s emergency case was referred to Dr. Jay Chun, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) and spine specialist. “It was clear this surgery could not wait, and I was confident we could take the necessary […]
Thunder and Lightning: The new rehab modalities to treat pain.
By David Bertone, PT, DPT, OCS Every few years, technology advances in the world of physical therapy and rehabilitation have a profound effect on treatment options for pain and injury. The latest advancement involves the combination of delivering mechanical stress to the injured area and then using the bodies natural healing properties to speed recovery. This is delivered in the form of Radial Pulsed Shockwave Therapy and Class IV Laser light. The mechanical energy delivered to the chronically irritated tissue in the form of shockwave therapy works by generating a wave of energy to the tissue by using a handheld projectile accelerator. The force created by this device will deform structures enough to realign scarred and fibrotic tissue that develops from injury. In addition, the added blood flow from the mechanical projectile, repetitive energy will bring the benefits of increased circulation to the damaged area. So what is really happening to the tissue during shockwave treatment? Pressure waves are created within the injured tissue causing microtrauma. This sets off the release of a neuropeptide substance P which stimulates an inflammatory response, as well as an increase in vascularity which can promote the stimulation of stem cells within the tissue, […]
How One Woman Spotted the Warning Signs of a Stroke 8,000 Miles Away … and Saved Her Husband’s Life
As Pawan Madahar was getting ready for work, a video call came through from his wife and kids, who were vacationing in India. He accepted the call, but he was physically unable to speak. Suspecting a poor internet connection, Pawan’s wife Veena called again. This time, she could see he was grabbing his jawbone when he was trying to speak. That’s when she realized Pawan was having a stroke. Unable to dial 911 internationally, Pawan’s family frantically enlisted the help of friends in the U.S. to contact emergency responders. “I am so grateful Veena had the insight to recognize that I was experiencing a stroke. I had no idea what was going on, and I clearly couldn’t call to ask for help myself,” he continues. Medics transported Pawan to the Atlantic Neuroscience Institute at Overlook Medical Center where Dr. Ronald Benitez, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) and stroke specialist, was on call in the emergency department. Utilizing a state-of-the-art device called a stent retriever, Dr. Benitez successfully removed two life-threatening blood clots from Pawan’s brain, restoring blood flow in just 30 minutes. “With stroke patients, we’re in a race against time to restore blood and oxygen to […]
How Your Body Works By Active Healing Center
Your body is a very complex system made up of multiple systems. An infinite amount of moving parts needs to work together in balance to create a healthy, happy you. Physiology is the study of how your body works. It is the study of how all these moving parts come together and communicate with each other in order to acclimate your body to your surroundings. As complex as the physiology of your body is, there is a simplicity to it as well. Every cell, tissue, muscle, joint, organ and fiber of your body has to work harmoniously with one another and there must be one system to control it all. This system, your Central Nervous System, is made up of your brain and spinal cord. Every fiber of your body sends messages through the spinal cord to the appropriate part of your brain. Your brain, in return, sends its response back through the spinal cord to the appropriate parts of your body for the appropriate action. This happens at lightening speeds every second of your life whether you are awake or asleep. The role of your Central Nervous System is to acclimate your body to your environment. Your Central Nervous […]
Take a Walk: Spring into Better Health by Marshall P. Allegra, M.D.
Take a Walk: Spring into Better Health Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can reduce your risk of developing conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Unlike some other forms of exercise, walking is free and doesn’t require any special equipment or training. Physical activity does not have to be vigorous or done for long periods in order to improve your health. Even a low level of exercise – around 75 minutes per week – improves fitness levels significantly, when compared to a non-exercising group. Walking is low impact, requires minimal equipment, can be done at any time of day and can be performed at your own pace. You can get out and walk without worrying about the risks associated with some more vigorous forms of exercise. It’s also a great form of physical activity for people who are overweight, elderly, or who haven’t exercised in a long time. Health benefits of walking You carry your own body weight when you walk. This is known as weight-bearing exercise. […]
Ascending water and descending fire By Advanced PMR
Healthy life style is defined in various ways depending upon different cultures and beliefs. Cultures that have been developed in cold weather tend to focus on keeping body warm and cultures on the other spectrum focus on cooling body. Modern medicine focuses heavily on quantifiable test results to measure health and utilizes medicines and lifestyle changes to control them to desirable range. If a healthy life style reflects culture and understanding of the human body, what are the principles of a healthy lifestyle spoken in eastern medicine? Eastern medicine bases all of its theories on Yin and Yang. To be more exact, balance of yin and yang is the basic principle to promote proper bodily function. Yin and yang theory is well known theory that is fundamental to eastern medicine and philosophy. They are opposites of each other, yet complementary to each other as well. Interaction of Yin and yang creates. For example, men are considered yang and women are considered yin. Men and women complement each other very nicely, but they act as if they are from different planets. Also, interaction of men and women creates another form of life. Fire is considered yang and water is considered yin. […]
The Dynamic Warm-up: A much better way than static stretching to prepare for movement
Due to the physical demand and variety of movements that any sport or activity requires in order to succeed, movement preparation cannot be understated. One cannot just “stretch” before practicing or competing in a game. This will set the athlete up for failure, or worse, injury. This also applies to the adult athlete and weekend warrior. Static stretching has shown to be effective AFTER activity, but not before. As the article “Current Concepts in Muscle Stretching for Exercise and Rehabilitation” demonstrates, static stretching can actually reduce peak muscle contraction (aka strength, speed, and power) immediately afterwards. Possibly even several hours. Not only can this impact how effective the athlete will be, but the decreased force production can lead to increased stress placed on the joints and ligaments to do the muscles’ job of stabilizing. This can lead to increased risk of injury. Now don’t get it wrong, static stretching is not bad for you. There is just a misconception of when it should be performed. Static stretching has been shown to be helpful in improving the flexibility and extensibility of a muscle tissue when performed AFTER exercise. This positive effect of increasing flexibility is because the muscle is already “warmed […]
Stroke Victim Calls Neurosurgery and Yoga a Life-Saving Combination
When Jamie Falstrault’s undiagnosed brain aneurysm ruptured while in his Manasquan home, he and his family feared for his life. “I was having bad headaches and was diagnosed with a sinus infection three times,” Jamie recalled. “The next thing I know, I’m disoriented and nauseous – and being rushed to the hospital.” At Atlantic Neuroscience Institute at Overlook Medical Center, Jamie began seeing Dr. Ronald Benitez, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists and specialist in brain aneurysms and strokes. “Sudden, highly severe headaches are a telltale sign that an aneurysm has – or soon will – rupture … and that you should seek immediate medical attention,” advises Dr. Benitez. During Jamie’s five-month-long hospital stay, Dr. Benitez performed multiple procedures, including surgery to clip his aneurysm, insertion of a shunt and several angioplasties to relieve the narrowing of cerebral arteries. While in the hospital, Jamie suffered a massive stroke that paralyzed the entire left side of his body. Jamie spent six months in outpatient rehabilitation but continued to struggle physically. “Despite my best efforts, I was weak, and I was having terrible tremors, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to do everyday tasks — from writing my name to […]
Sinus Congestion by Advanced PMR
Have the variations in the weather recently been causing your allergies to flare up? Are the people around you sharing their germs? Did you eat so much cheese and dairy over the holidays and now your head feels like a slice of brie? If so, consider Acupuncture to help you breathe again! Acupuncture can be a very effective way of relieving sinus congestion, however it is imperative to go beyond relieving the symptoms to discover and eliminate the cause of the problem. If you have chronic sinus problems, it is important you consult a doctor. Constipation, a poor diet, or lack of exercise can contribute to sinus problems. The elimination of dairy and sugar from your diet for two weeks (or more) can help you decide if dietary changes may help you manage your sinus congestion. Sinus congestion can be the result of stress, worry, grief, or guilt. Strong emotions that are unresolved can lead to muscle tension within the body. Acupuncture can help relieve this tension in your face, chest, and neck allowing your sinuses to clear. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, sinus congestion can be relieved for varying periods, with just one treatment. Structurally, the sinuses […]
Instant Confidence Ramp up your smile with Zoom Whitening.
Scientists say our brains are zapped with an instant mood boost when we smile, and that boost is reinforced when others smile back. Further, whiter teeth can have a direct effect on our social and professional interactions, and they’re now easy to achieve through our Zoom! Whitening procedure. In study results transcending gender, age, income, education, employment and marital status, 58 percent of participants were more likely to be hired after whitening their teeth, while 53 percent received higher salary offers. Sixty-one percent were deemed more confident, and 54 percent generated more interest from others in terms of further interactions or dating. What Is Zoom! Whitening: Zoom! teeth whitening is a process that uses a gel that is activated with a special UV light. Your eyes, lips and gums are completely covered and protected throughout the entire procedure. The procedure consists of three 15-minute sessions. A fresh layer of whitening gel is applied after each session as the old gel is removed from your teeth. What results can you expect? Dr. Friscia will measure your initial shade and final shade after the procedure. There’s no real way to predict how many shades lighter your teeth will get as many factors […]
Simple, But So Often Overlooked, Advice: Listen to Your Body
Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) urges you to listen to your body. Don’t ignore your symptoms. Today, an increasing number of Americans are doing just that – with potentially devastating results. It’s not uncommon to ignore a sudden, severe headache; dizziness; tingling; or loss of balance. These are just some of the symptoms – that when disregarded – can lead to significant medical problems. To highlight this simple, but so often overlooked, advice, ANS doctors and their patient Ann Thompson, are speaking out. Ann, an assistant nurse manager in a New Jersey hospital emergency room, listened to patients nearly every day for the past 40 years … but she didn’t listen to her own symptoms. Generally healthy, Ann suddenly began experiencing what felt like a headache and a toothache. Then, when she was driving, she lost vision in her left eye for a few seconds. Several days later, the same thing happened. At work, she noticed flashing white lights in her eye. Ann meant to call the doctor, but didn’t. Two days later, Ann felt tingling in her hand and began dropping things. She knew something was wrong, but refused to admit it. “My brother insisted I go to the hospital,” […]
Tips for Healthy Legs – USA Vein Clinics
Millions of people suffer from varicose veins. Beyond simply being a cosmetic concern, they are a major health concern, as it is one of the key symptoms of vein disease. Faulty valves in the veins cause the blood to run backwards instead of going back to the heart, causing the veins to swell and twist. These veins can cause pain and discomfort and, if left untreated, may bring on more serious complications. If you have varicose veins, here are some great tips for getting your legs back to good health: Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) The only solution for varicose veins is medical treatment. USA Vein Clinics offers endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), which is the gold standard for treating varicose veins. Unlike vein stripping, which was a highly invasive, painful procedure in which the surgeon would remove the entire diseased vein from the leg, EVLT is minimally invasive, non-surgical, outpatient treatment that only takes about 15 minutes. Using ultrasound technology, our vascular surgeons insert a tiny catheter into the affected vein. Heat from laser energy seals the vein, and the healthy veins around it take over circulation. Patients who receive the treatment can resume normal activities immediately. EVLT is covered by […]
Is Spine Surgery Right For You? It’s a Matter of Risk vs. Benefit
Many people who suffer from debilitating back pain resist surgery – thanks to failed stories from years past. While surgery should be the final option after trying other non-invasive therapies, today’s success rates for spine surgery are significantly different from the past. Take, for example, Denise Kordulak, a 66-year-old retired x-ray technician from Neptune, NJ. Years of pushing, lifting and carrying equipment and positioning patients played a huge toll on her back. Fourteen years ago, she had surgery to relieve her pain and restore the feeling in her feet. While it was somewhat successful, she never returned to normal. Denise started walking with a hunched back. Last year, the pain became unbearable. Eventually, she lost feeling in her left leg from the knee down, and the pain migrated to her right leg. It was so bad she couldn’t stand for more than a few minutes. Denise contacted Dr. Pinakin R. Jethwa, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS). “When Denise came to me, she was suffering from a complex lumbar spine issue. Compression of the nerves was causing her leg pain. Degeneration of her discs was causing her back pain. And, one of the bones of her spine had […]