Published March 26, 2009

How 90% of my back-pain patients avoid surgery

Do you have back pain? Has your doctor said you must have surgery or you’ll continue to suffer? If so, I’ve got great news for you. There’s a 90% chance he’s wrong.

Many of my patients are like Shaz. He recently e-mailed me with the following question: “I recently had an MRI of my spine done. It showed a large disc movement toward the spinal cord. My neurosurgeon said this may require surgery if all of his recommendations don’t work to put the disc back in its position. Is there anything else I can do to avoid surgery?”

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Published March 25, 2009

A simple, inexpensive solution for dry eye

Dry eye is a very common problem for people over 50. In fact, the Archives of Ophthalmology says that in people aged 48 to 91 years, 13% will develop dry eye over five years. And for those with dry eyes, it can be quite a problem. The itching, irritation, and inflammation can cause significant damage to the eye tissue, especially with rubbing and scratching.

Unfortunately, too many doctors will hear this complaint and immediately diagnose rheumatologic disease and Sjogren syndrome. But there’s usually a much simpler explanation — and treatment.

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Published March 20, 2009

Is fruit juice really that bad for you?

In Wednesday’s health alert, I told you to avoid bottled fruit juice. It has way too much fructose in it — and no fiber to slow the absorption. But is bottled fruit juice really that bad for you?

It’s true that fructose, especially processed fructose like high fructose corn syrup, is a swill that can cause diabetes and heart disease. But another study shows that some juices do have health benefits. In fact, this study showed that the wonderful polyphenols in apples and purple grape juice can reduce your risk of a heart attack.

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