"Pain Markers" - The results of a study by David H. Kim, MD
If you have a problem with your spine, you are not alone. Spine problems are an unavoidable part of aging and one of the most common reasons for people to seek medical care.
If you have told other people about your pain, you have also heard their pain stories, some that are encouraging and others that are frightening. You should know that symptoms vary greatly from person to person, including the severity of pain, the length of time that symptoms last, and how difficult it is to continue to function with the symptoms. The experience of others does not predict your experience, including what you should or should not do for your problem, or how long it will take you to recover.
Medical evidence suggests that a positive step towards minimizing the impact of a spine problem on your life is to gain knowledge about your problem. By improving your knowledge, you can learn about simple things that quicken your recovery. Correct knowledge can help you reduce your concerns about your problem, and help you to remain confident that you will be able to continue to live your life normally. Knowledge also allows you to make "informed decisions" about what is the best course of action, including which treatments are most likely to be helpful to you.
The spine specialists associated with the New England Baptist Hospital have developed the following Web-based information to supplement the effort we make to educate our patients about their spinal problems.
The New England Baptist Hospital Spine Center:
James Rainville, MD, Chief, Spine Physiatry
Carol Hartigan, MD
Cristin A. Jouve, MD
Janet C. Limke, MD
Eugenio Martinez, MD
Enrique B. Pena, MD
New England Baptist Spine Surgeons
Stephen J. Parazin, MD, Chief, Spine Surgery (orthopedic spine)
Eric Woodard, MD, Chief, Neurosurgery (neurosurgery spine)
Eric P. Carkner, MD
David H. Kim, MD
Brian Kwon, MD
Nicolas Marcotte, MD
Michael D. Mason, DO
Chima Ohaegbulam, MD
Frank F. Rand, MD
Harvey E. Smith, MD
New England Baptist Spine Surgeons Offering Consultation Only
Peter P. Anas, MD
Howard D. Martin, MD