Earlier this month, I told you about LSI's commitment to educating the community and the various resources we provide. In that post, I wrote about our free interactive, educational seminars, where attendees learn about spine anatomy, available treatment options, and can meet with a board certified physician for an MRI or a CT scan review.

However, I also want to ensure that information is available at your fingertips, so beginning today, I will share answers to commonly asked questions and provide you with resources for accessing information about Laser Spine Institute, minimally invasive spine surgery, as well as general information about back pain.

Dr. Craig Burns, Medical Information Specialist, answers today's featured question, which came from one of our former patient's daughter and can also be found on our Facebook page. Feel free to submit your questions by commenting on this post.


Q: I'm a petite 54 year old woman and my mom has spinal stenosis. I had a full body MRI at 50, which showed mild osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. I am very fit with a strong back and have no pain. Any advice as to what I can do now to avoid an outcome similar to my mother?

A: Genetics is a predictor of future potential medical issues. In addition to genetics, the daily wear and tear we place on our spines is also a very big contributor. As such, aging increases arthritis throughout our bodies and arthritic facet joints frequently cause spinal stenosis. Staying physically fit and maintaining an ideal body weight are good practices. If there is a small degree of spinal stenosis, the best exercise is swimming and a riding a recumbent bike. However, always remember to consult your physician before beginning an exercise regimen.

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By now, readers of my blog, employees, and colleagues know how much I value doing the right thing. I received the email below from a prospective patient and cannot recall experiencing a greater sense of pride than I did when I read her comments.

Earning customer trust and confidence is not the easiest task, especially where health care services are concerned. Without the dedication and commitment of LSI's phenomenal staff and your continuous feedback through emails and comments, accomplishing this feat would not be possible. Both components have been essential attaining our goal of providing our patients the highest level of service.
 
Please feel free to comment on this post and share your experience, whether at LSI or other health care facilities.

Dear Bill:

I contacted the Laser Spine Institute a few weeks ago and found out I was a candidate for cervical surgery.  I was so excited and worked with a wonderful patient advocate, Casey Sanders.  I was put in touch with a nurse, Dee, because I am a coumadin and plavix patient because I am positive for Factor II and my body makes blood clots.  I got clearance from my blood specialist and he sent all the information down.

After three of your anesthesiologists looked at
my records they all agreed that the risk was too high that I could have substantial visual loss from possible blood clots. (that is where my blood clots tend to go, the retinal arteries.)  They told me I was not a candidate for ambulatory surgery and should consider a hospital setting where I can be carefully monitored.

I have to tell you that I am in extreme pain, so I was very disappointed with the news. But I have a lot of respect for your facility and the doctors who put my best interest first.  They did not try to do surgery in a situation that could have put me in a lot of
danger.

So I just wanted to tell you how impressed I am with your facility, the physicians who made the decision, Casey Sanders and Dee, my nurse.  I wish the Laser Spine Institute the best in the opening of their new facilities and would recommend them to anyone.

Sincerely,
Crystal R.

As we reflect on the sacrifice of our servicemen and women this Veterans Day, I hope that we will also be challenged to give of ourselves.  By emulating the selfless character they demonstrated in protecting our nation, we truly embrace the sentiment of this special observance.

My father served in five major battles of WWII, and was one of the first men to land on Omaha beach during the Normandy Invasion.  During years of battle far from home and family, my dad experienced what was perhaps one of his greatest challenges:  the passing of his father.  To compound his grief, his military obligations prevented him from attending the funeral. Despite the grueling demands of combat, my dad remained steadfast in his commitment to our country.
 
As I reflect on my dad's life and all the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, I am grateful for the freedoms and privileges of our country, and am saddened that many of the veterans who fought to protect those blessings struggle just to secure basic necessities for themselves.  Let us consider how we can support these unsung heroes, especially in these difficult economic times.

Occasions like Veterans Day cause me to pause, reflect, and thank God for everything I have.  To all those who faithfully served in our military, the employees of Laser Spine Institute salute you.  Our company's commitment to Above and Beyond service was inspired by the kind of sacrifice that we celebrate today.
 

I am pleased to announce that our medical team completed the first surgery in our new Philadelphia facility last Wednesday, November 4th.  Under the guidance of 28-year veteran of orthopedic and minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Vernon Morris, I am confident that LSI Philadelphia will embody the same level of professionalism, service excellence, and dedication to patient satisfaction as our other facilities. You can learn more about Dr. Morris from his profile below.

•    Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery
•    Board Certified in Pain Management
•    AMA Award for Physician Recognition
•    Member Florida Medical Association

Dr. Morris came to LSI with an impressive background. Born in suburban Philadelphia, Dr. Morris attended Pennsylvania State University for his pre-medical education, followed by Temple University School of Medicine where he received his Medical Degree in 1974. Dr. Morris completed his internship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania before dedicating 4 years of orthopedic residency to hospitals, such as Temple University Hospital, Abington Memorial Hospital and Shriners Hospital. Dr. Morris was among the first spine surgeons in the 1980s to perform minimally invasive spine surgery.

Licensed in five states, and Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery as well as Pain Management, Dr. Morris left his practice at Highlands Joint and Spine Orthopedics in Sebring, FL in July 2007 to join the highly acclaimed medical staff at Laser Spine Institute. With vast experience in orthopedic surgery, 14 hospital staff appointments, and an extensive record of post-graduate education, Dr. Morris adds his profound knowledge and expertise to the team. In addition, he holds a list of medical publications, honors and awards such as the AMA Award for Physician Recognition in 1984, 1987, 1990 and 1993. Dr. Morris is also involved in several community organizations and holds memberships in medical societies such as the Florida Medical Association. Dr. Morris, an avid Eagles fan, is returning to his home State to lead the Pennsylvania LSI surgical team.

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One of the most distinctive features of LSI is the fact that we focus solely on treating the spine.  This specialized focus partially accounts for our surgeons' high level of expertise and our impressive success rate.  In addition to the advantages of having a surgical team with proven expertise in performing minimally invasive spine procedures,  patients also benefit from the convenience of our signature five day process and unparalleled patient service. Dr. James St. Louis, Founder and Chief Spine Surgeon of Laser Spine Institute Tampa recently discussed how these and other factors attribute to our patients' surgical outcomes. Click here to watch the video.

LSI offers over several educational resources on general spine health, back and neck pain prevention, and treatment options. Each month, I will write about one of these resources and provide you with information on how they can be obtained. This month's feature is our educational seminars, which are held across North America and conducted by board certified physicians Michael Perry, M.D., John Spallino, M.D., Craig Burns, D.O. and Richard Richley, M.D.


Who Should Attend?

Our seminars provide useful information for anyone who is experiencing back or neck pain. Whether, you are exploring available treatment options, want a second opinion on your diagnosis, or specifically want to learn more about minimally invasive spine procedures, you will find our seminars beneficial.

What Can Attendees Expect?

1)    General Presentation - Our physician provides a comprehensive overview of spine anatomy and back pain, discuss a variety of spine conditions, and available treatment options. After the physician's presentation, attendees have the opportunity to ask questions in an open forum.

2)    MRI/CTScan Review - Before and after the general presentation, attendees have the opportunity to individually meet with our physician for a review of their radiographic images, i.e., MRI or CTScans, in addition to symptoms and condition discussion.

3)    Scheduling and Insurance Information - Patient Coordinators are available after the medical discussion to provide scheduling and insurance information to attendees who wish to inquire further about LSI's surgical costs, relative to individual insurance plan, and appointment availability.

How to Register

You can view our seminar calendar or register for seminars by visiting spineseminar.com or calling 1-866-454-2911. Upcoming seminar locations include: Winnipeg, Boston, MA, Austin, TX Birmingham, AL, Long Island, NY and West Palm Beach, FL.