The year is in full swing at The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York—and it’s only spring. Here are some of our most memorable stories and accomplishments so far this year.
1. ‘Tech Neck’ Taking a Toll on Posture
The term “tech neck” may not be familiar, but likely you know what it looks like: neck bent with chin tucked in, eyes on a glowing smartphone screen held at chest or waist level.
Director of Physical Therapy Dr. Evan Johnson, DPT, explains why this posture strains the spine and neck and recommends ways to combat the negative effects of tech neck. To continue reading…
2. Doctors Trade Scalpels for Pens as They Contribute to Merritt’s Neurology, 13th Edition
Neurosurgeons, primary care physicians and residents have long sought the latest neurology information from the textbook Merritt’s Neurology. And when they crack open the latest edition, they will be learning from some of Columbia’s experts—including the neurosurgeons at The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute.
Spine specialists Drs. Paul C. McCormick, Michael G. Kaiser, Peter D. Angevine and Christopher E. Mandigo penned their expertise about the spine and spinal cord across several chapters in the 13th edition of Merritt’s Neurology. To continue reading…
3. Dr. Anderson Investigates the Long-Term Effects of Spinal Surgery in Young Children
Children’s bodies are always growing, and that includes their spines. Whether spinal surgery negatively affects how a child’s spine grows has long been a source of concern. But now, research from Dr. Richard C.E. Anderson and his colleagues brings clarity and good news.
After analyzing the long-term effects of certain spinal surgeries on children, they determined the majority of kids continued to grow and develop as hoped. To continue reading…
4. No Wheelchair for Dr. Ogden’s Patient Lisa Reive
For patient Lisa Reive, an inability to turn her head, a sensation of having a heavy leg and low blood pressure added up to concern but went undiagnosed—until she met the team at Columbia and Dr. Alfred Ogden from The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute.
The team found an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), where an artery and vein connect abnormally, in her spine. If untreated, the AVF could lead to paralysis of her legs.
Thanks to the careful diagnosis by Columbia neurosurgeons, and spine specialist Dr. Ogden’s surgical skills to fix the AVF, Lisa is recovering and continues to enjoy the simple joy of walking. No wheelchair required. To continue reading…
5. Dr. Kaiser’s Patient Breaks His Back Snowmobiling, Gets Right Back in Action
After a snowmobile accident, recently retired Bob Mueller had several injuries, including a broken back. He found himself in an upper-body cast, needing 24-hour home care—and far from his active lifestyle, which had included racing vintage boats and, of course, snowmobiling.
When it became clear Bob’s spine wasn’t healing because the vertebrae were slipping out of place, Dr. Michael Kaiser recommended surgery, and Bob was instantly on board. But his journey wasn’t over. Nearly a year after the accident, including three to four months of physical therapy with Dr. Evan Johnson, Bob described himself as “back pretty close to normal.”
Now, several years after being treated by Dr. Kaiser and his team, Bob is back in action and sharing his gratitude for a successful recovery by giving back to the community in exciting ways. To continue reading…
More interesting news and patient stories are always cropping up here at The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute. Check out our homepage for the latest news.
Learn more about The Spine Hospital neurosurgeons at their bio pages below.
Dr. McCormick
Dr. Kaiser
Dr. Angevine
Dr. Ogden
Dr. Mandigo
Dr. Anderson
Learn more about physical therapist Dr. Johnson at his bio page here.
Image Credit: © [mario beauregard]/Adobe Stock
