In my 5 years as a physician assistant (PA), I have often been asked when I am going on to finish my schooling to become a physician. Time and time again, I have had to explain to family, friends and patients that a physician assistant is not a stepping stone to becoming a physician; it is the end-goal for those … Read More
Heat Vs. Cold Therapy: How They Work and When to Use Them
Although it seems like a simple concept, one question that we are commonly asked is when to use ice versus heat therapy to treat pain. In this post, we will discuss how each one works on a physiologic level, and when to use each one. Both heat and cold therapy are an inexpensive and easy-to-use treatment for the management of … Read More
Common Golf Injuries: Prevention and Treatment
Golf may seem like a low-impact sport, but injuries are common for many golfers. As in all sports, it is extremely important to understand and execute proper mechanics when swinging a golf club as well as carrying your golf bag. Golf may not be a high cardiac sport either, but it is essential to condition your body and increase your … Read More
Fracture Prevention in the Elderly Population
Osteoporosis A major cause of disability in older adults is often due to fractures that limit mobility and interfere with activities of daily living. Fractures are common amongst elderly individuals for a multitude of reasons. One of the most common being osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is defined as a condition in which the body loses too much bone or makes too little … Read More
Lyme Disease: Something to keep in mind as the weather gets warmer…
What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is tick-borne illness transmitted to humans by deer ticks. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The tick must be present on the skin for at least 24 hours to actually transmit Lyme disease. This seems like a long time but often these ticks are so small and go unnoticed by the individual. … Read More
Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Statistics Drug overdose deaths have increased by 300% since 1999. Opioid pain medications were the cause of 14,800 deaths in 2008 alone; more than deaths caused by cocaine and heroin abuse combined. This number has surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. In 2009, opioid misuse/abuse led to more than 475,000 emergency … Read More
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome vs. Cervical Radiculopathy
Hand pain, numbness and tingling is a common symptom of both carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical spine issues. It can be hard to tell the difference between the two problems. Sometimes a careful exam and assessment is required by a hand and/or spine specialist. This article will discuss the cause, symptoms and treatment of each diagnosis. It will also review … Read More
Does Smoking Cigarettes Play a Role in the Development of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Defining Degenerative Disc Disease Intervertebral disc degeneration is a very common problem among both men and women. It can be a result of the normal aging process, and is often times asymptomatic. The intervertebral discs are an integral part of the spine all the way from the neck down to the low back. They help maintain stability and alignment of … Read More
What is a Herniated Disc?
What is a herniated disc? A herniated disc is when material from a vertebral disc ruptures into the spinal canal. Your spine is made of up a column of vertebrae separated by discs. Your nerves runs down behind the column of vertebral bodies and discs. You can think of the discs like a jelly donut. The outer shell (donut dough) … Read More
Three Rivers Orthopedics Is Now In Leechburg! (Spine Docs Starting Feb 8th!)
We have just opened a new location in the Leechburg area! It is located at 116 Main Street, Leechburg, PA 15656; and will be replacing our Spine Center Wexford location. Our Spine Doctors will be at the Leechburg location starting February 8th. We look forward to serving patients in Leechburg and surrounding areas!