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Benjamin R. Cohen, MD Blog View all posts
When to Consider Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease

When to Consider Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease
Water is the source of all life, but did you know that the shock-absorbing discs between your vertebrae dry out as you age, causing pain, pinched nerves, and more? Learn about which treatments offer relief and when you may need surgery.
Mar 2nd, 2025
Will Scoliosis Eventually Resolve On Its Own?

Will Scoliosis Eventually Resolve On Its Own?
Scoliosis, or spinal curvature, affects about 7 million Americans, most of them children and teens, though adults can also develop it. Many wonder if time will resolve the condition. Learn the answer and more here.
Feb 2nd, 2025
Common Causes of Disc Degeneration

Common Causes of Disc Degeneration
Wear and tear affects everyone’s spinal discs to some degree, but not everyone develops degenerative disc disease. Here are the underlying factors that lead to this debilitating condition and what you can do about it.
Nov 8th, 2024
How Does Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Work?

How Does Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Work?
Minimally invasive surgical techniques have taken the medical world by storm and transformed the spinal surgery experience for patients and surgeons. Learn more about the benefits of these procedures and the spinal conditions they treat here.
Oct 9th, 2024
Can a Spinal Tumor Cause Balance Problems?

Can a Spinal Tumor Cause Balance Problems?
A spinal tumor can cause a host of problems, including pain, numbness, and even throwing your balance off. Learn about more symptoms, if and how tumors impact your balance, effective treatments, and more here.
Sep 19th, 2024

What to Expect During Spine Fracture Recovery
All back pain is unwelcome, but a spinal fracture can really slow you down. Here are the different causes and types of spinal fractures and their treatments — plus a glimpse at what recovery looks like.
Aug 7th, 2024
5 Common Lifestyle Causes of Back Pain

5 Common Lifestyle Causes of Back Pain
Some people live with back pain they did nothing to cause, but did you know that lifestyle factors have a great bearing on whether you develop back pain or not? Learn what to do — and what to avoid — to keep back pain at bay here.
Jul 11th, 2024
4 Different Treatments for Scoliosis

4 Different Treatments for Scoliosis
Scoliosis causes abnormal spine curvature and affects 6-9 million Americans, most aged between 10 and 18. Painful and limiting symptoms can develop and worsen over time. Learn about effective scoliosis treatments and what they address here.
Jun 19th, 2024
Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Effective?

Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Effective?
Spinal surgery is challenging for any patient, no matter what procedure is needed. It’s often the only solution after other treatments have failed. Learn about why minimally invasive spinal surgery is favored by both patients and surgeons here.
May 16th, 2024

Spinal Fusion for Osteoarthritis: What to Expect
Did you know that in addition to affecting your hands and knees, osteoarthritis can also impact your spine and cause significant pain and mobility problems? Here’s an innovative spinal arthritis procedure that can get you moving again.
Apr 8th, 2024
Encouraging News About Revision Spine Surgery

Encouraging News About Revision Spine Surgery
Are you aware that between 20%-40% of back surgeries fail, requiring revision spine surgery to correct problems? Another surprise: The need for this procedure isn’t always due to a previous mistake. Here’s why it may be right for you.
Mar 18th, 2024
Will a Herniated Disc Heal on Its Own?

Will a Herniated Disc Heal on Its Own?
A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of lower back and neck pain and can cause significant discomfort and limited movement. Here are the causes of this problem and how to know when you should seek treatment.
Feb 2nd, 2024
3 Types of Spinal Tumors and How They’re Treated

3 Types of Spinal Tumors and How They’re Treated
Learning you have a spinal tumor is scary, so getting accurate information from a skilled, board-certified neurosurgeon is critical. Learn about the three kinds of tumors, symptoms, and surgical treatments here.
Jan 9th, 2024

Help! I’ve Pinched a Nerve in My Back!
A pinched nerve in your back doesn’t just cause back pain — it can lead to leg and foot pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and more. Learn how to relieve pinched nerve symptoms at home and the medical treatment options available here.
Dec 14th, 2023
When Should Scoliosis Be Treated?

When Should Scoliosis Be Treated?
Scoliosis — an abnormal spinal curvature — often occurs in adolescents, but almost one-tenth of adults are affected too. Mild cases don’t require treatment, but once curvature gets to a certain point, intervention is a must. Learn more here. 
Nov 13th, 2023
I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Spinal Tumor: Now What?

I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Spinal Tumor: Now What?
There’s no question — being diagnosed with a spinal tumor is frightening. The good news is treatment that provides relief is available. Learn about types of tumors, their symptoms, and advanced surgical solutions here.
Aug 8th, 2023
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Disc Replacement Surgery

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Disc Replacement Surgery
If you suffer from unrelenting, severe back pain, it could be degenerative disc disease. Learn about circumstances that may point you to minimally invasive disc replacement surgery, an appropriate option when more conservative treatments fail.  
Jul 13th, 2023
How to Protect Your Spine If You Had Scoliosis as a Child

How to Protect Your Spine If You Had Scoliosis as a Child
If you had scoliosis as a child and it was treated surgically during a certain period, you may again have pain and other symptoms as an adult. Learn why and how another surgical solution can relieve pain and improve mobility. 
Jun 5th, 2023
Warning Signs You Slipped a Disc

Warning Signs You Slipped a Disc
A slipped disc can cause no symptoms, problems that don’t point to a herniated disc, or pain and mobility issues. Learn how to distinguish whether you’ve slipped a disc and what your treatment options are
May 17th, 2023
Bone Spurs? Here’s What You Can Do About Them

Bone Spurs? Here’s What You Can Do About Them
Bone spurs are protrusions that grow out of your bones and spine, especially if you have osteoarthritis, and their symptoms can become debilitating. Here’s how bone spur treatments provide relief.
Mar 13th, 2023
How Revision Spine Surgery Can Relieve Your Pinched Nerve

How Revision Spine Surgery Can Relieve Your Pinched Nerve
Pain and mobility problems return after back surgery frequently because pinched nerves are common post-surgery complications. Read on to learn about revision spine surgery, a procedure that creates more space for compressed nerves.
Jan 11th, 2023
What Happens if Scoliosis Goes Untreated?

What Happens if Scoliosis Goes Untreated?
Scoliosis, or spinal curvature, needs little to no treatment if it’s mild, but when it’s moderate to severe, seeking treatment is necessary. But are there instances when you can let it go? Learn more about the condition, and what to do when.
Nov 3rd, 2022
Is One Spinal Tumor More Serious Than Others?

Is One Spinal Tumor More Serious Than Others?
The thought of being diagnosed with a spinal tumor is frightening, but it’s also relatively rare, and not all tumors are cancerous. If you have a benign or cancerous tumor, learn about your treatment options here.
Sep 1st, 2022
Can Spinal Stenosis Be Cured?

Can Spinal Stenosis Be Cured?
Spinal stenosis is a painful condition caused by the narrowing of your spinal canal. This compresses your spinal cord, which is filled with a sensitive nerve bundle. Learn about other problematic symptoms, treatments, and whether a cure exists here.
Aug 1st, 2022
When Is Surgery the Most Effective Treatment for Scoliosis?

When Is Surgery the Most Effective Treatment for Scoliosis?
Scoliosis, or abnormal curvature of the spine, typically affects preteens and teens, but adults can be diagnosed, too. There are multiple treatments available, but if curvature and symptoms are severe, surgery may be recommended. Learn more here.
Jul 1st, 2022
Important Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Important Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery has transformed how spine procedures are done, as well as many other types of surgeries. When compared to traditional open surgery, the benefits are undeniable. Learn about them here.
Jun 1st, 2022
Can Good Posture Improve Your Health?

Can Good Posture Improve Your Health?
Did your parents and teachers implore you to stand and sit up straight? They actually had a point! Proper posture benefits your health in multiple ways, while neglecting it leads to various conditions, including spine problems. Learn more here.
May 1st, 2022
3 Different Types of Spinal Tumors

3 Different Types of Spinal Tumors
There are many symptoms that can point to a spinal tumor, so it’s good to know how to spot the different types of spinal tumors and the available treatments for them. Learn more about spinal tumor types and treatment options here.
Apr 4th, 2022
4 Signs of Degenerative Disc Disease

4 Signs of Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease pain occurs when your spine’s shock absorbers, the discs, wear away due to age or injury. Learn the top symptoms for this condition and which treatments offer relief.
Mar 6th, 2022
How to Manage Scoliosis Pain

How to Manage Scoliosis Pain
Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, affects far more kids and teens than adults, but adults aren’t immune. Scoliosis-related inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms bring life to a halt for anyone. Learn about pain management and treatments here.
Feb 1st, 2022
All About Lumbar Vertebral Body Replacement

All About Lumbar Vertebral Body Replacement
Spinal compression fractures are serious and require immediate treatment. Causes range from osteoporosis to traumatic injury, and the pain can be excruciating. Learn how lumbar vertebral body replacement surgery brings pain relief and more mobility.
Jan 4th, 2022
Thickened Ligaments: Can Spinal Fusion Help?

Thickened Ligaments: Can Spinal Fusion Help?
When age-related degeneration thickens your spinal ligaments, it’s called spinal stenosis, and the pain and movement problems that come with it can limit you. Learn how spinal fusion surgery can bring lasting relief.
Dec 7th, 2021
7 Reasons for Revision Spine Surgery

7 Reasons for Revision Spine Surgery
The fact that back surgery sometimes fails to provide freedom from pain and added ease of movement is bitterly disappointing for patients. Revision spine surgery is a second corrective procedure that can finally bring you relief. Learn more here.
Nov 5th, 2021
Treatment Options for Scoliosis

Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, can be mild or severe. Usually diagnosed during adolescence, it may require no treatment or be severe enough for a surgical solution. Learn about its symptoms and the multiple treatment options for patients.
Oct 7th, 2021
3 Types of Spinal Tumors

3 Types of Spinal Tumors
Central nervous system tumors, such as brain and spinal tumors, are relatively rare, but they can be serious. Learn about various types of tumors here, as well as symptoms and surgical treatment that can restore mobility and wellbeing.
Sep 8th, 2021
What to Expect During Kyphoplasty

What to Expect During Kyphoplasty
Spinal compression fractures occur when the vertebrae collapse after traumatic injury. You’re especially vulnerable if you have osteoporosis. Learn about a surgery that repairs, lengthens, and stabilizes your vertebrae after a fracture: kyphoplasty.
Aug 10th, 2021

6 Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery has been a game changer in the world of medicine, especially for addressing spinal conditions. Learn about its many benefits, from hastening healing to reduced infection chances. Read on to learn more.
Jul 13th, 2021

What’s Behind Spinal Tumors?
Sometimes back pain is just that, but other times it can point to something more serious, like a spinal tumor. Read on to learn about the different types of spinal tumors, what we know about their cause, treatments, and more.
Jun 20th, 2021

Help for Your Spinal Fracture
You can sustain a spinal fracture by simply moving awkwardly if you have osteoporosis, or you might suffer a more complex injury from a fall or car accident. Conservative and surgical solutions exist for a fracture’s pain and damage. Learn more here.
May 17th, 2021

What Causes Disc Degeneration?
Wear and tear on your discs increases as you get older, and injuries and lifestyle habits can worsen the condition. The pain can become excruciating, but conservative and surgical treatment options do exist. Learn more here.
Apr 13th, 2021

Your Child Has Scoliosis — Now What?

Scoliosis in pre-teens and adolescents is a common condition, but how can you tell when it warrants treatment, including corrective surgery? A comprehensive evaluation tells your physician if your child has scoliosis. If they do, don't panic.
Mar 10th, 2021

Understanding the Different Types of Spinal Tumors
Nearly 80% of people will, at some point during their lifetime, suffer from back pain. Most are traced to degenerative problems and injury, but tumors develop in and around the spine, too. Learn about what types of tumors exist and treatments here.
Feb 15th, 2021

Noticing the Signs of Spinal Stenosis
If you’re one of the millions affected by lower back or neck pain, you may have spinal stenosis. But did you know you could also be suffering from it if you have leg cramps, tingling, and numbness? Learn more about symptoms and treatment here.
Jan 7th, 2021

Help for Your Scoliosis
Scoliosis causes spinal deformity and pain, but it can also fly under the radar, symptomless. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, multiple effective treatments exist that bring relief, from medications to surgical interventions.
Dec 9th, 2020

The Powerful Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
When spine surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques as opposed to traditional ones, you’re spared from pain, lengthy recovery time, and more. Learn about the many benefits of this advanced surgical modality here.
Nov 10th, 2020

Different Types of Spinal Fractures
There’s no such thing as garden variety spinal fractures. Usually the result of serious trauma, they can also be caused by chronic conditions like osteoporosis. Learn about different types of fractures and the range of effective treatments for them.
Oct 6th, 2020

Signs You May Have Scoliosis
Scoliosis causes your spine to curve and can emerge in adolescence or adulthood. Some sufferers need no treatment, while others might require surgical intervention. Learn to spot obvious and subtle scoliosis symptoms to better understand it.
Sep 16th, 2020

Osteoporosis and Your Spine
Osteoporosis-related spinal fractures are a serious and painful affliction for millions of sufferers. There are effective, advanced, and minimally invasive surgical solutions that can stabilize the spine and relieve fracture pain. Learn more here.
Aug 20th, 2020

Daily Habits That Contribute to Spine Problems
Certain things you can't control lead to back pain, and conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. But everyday habits and lifestyle practices greatly impact your spine, too. Learn some simple tweaks to enhance your spine strength and health.
Jul 16th, 2020

7 Signs You May Need Revision Spine Surgery
The number of patients needing corrective surgery after an initial procedure failed to get the desired results is remarkable. Learn about the many conditions revision spine surgery treats, and how relief can finally be yours.
Jun 30th, 2020

Excessive Sitting While Staying at Home Causes Back Problems
It’s well known that sitting all day at work is the enemy of your back, but did you know that sitting at home at this time of social distancing is just as bad, and maybe even worse? Learn how you can avoid back problems while at home.
May 26th, 2020

How We Can Serve You During COVID-19 Via Telemedicine
COVID-19 has transformed the way office visits with your physician are facilitated. Rest assured that via the latest technology, we’re prepared to deliver care that’s as comprehensive and compassionate as it’s always been.
Apr 28th, 2020

Is Back Pain Normal as You Age?
Back pain is common as people get older. However, it’s not something you have to accept as normal, and you don’t have to live with it. Many treatment options can bring relief — both noninvasive and surgical.
Sep 30th, 2019

5 Symptoms That May Indicate You Have Spinal Stenosis
Do you have chronic back pain that comes and goes? Do your symptoms flare up from even the smallest amount of physical activity? These are just a few of the signs that could indicate you have spinal stenosis; keep reading to learn more.
Jul 25th, 2019
The Link Between Arthritis and Spinal Stenosis

The Link Between Arthritis and Spinal Stenosis
Unfortunately, 58.5 million adults in the United States live with osteoarthritis, which often leads to spinal cord nerve compression or spinal stenosis. Learn more about how the conditions are connected and effective treatments here.
Sep 1st, 2023

How Effective Are Artificial Disc Replacements?
Did you know that spinal fusion isn’t the only option to repair your damaged disc? Artificial disc replacement offers many advantages, including postsurgery freedom of movement. Read on to learn more.
Mar 4th, 2020

I Still Have Pain After My Spine Surgery: Now What?
You’ve been through spine surgery, yet you still have pain. It’s very important to realize that this is normal. Learn how to manage it successfully with your physician so you can enjoy life again.
Jan 31st, 2020

Will I Lose Mobility After Spinal Fusion?
It hurts to stand, it hurts to sit, you can’t bend, and nothing helps. You may be a candidate for spinal fusion. If you’re worried about what that’ll mean for your mobility afterwards, here’s what you need to know.
Dec 31st, 2019

Why Spinal Decompression Can Be So Effective
Back pain can be some of the most frustrating and debilitating pain of all. If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, spinal decompression may be your best option for relief. Read more to learn if this treatment is right for you.
Nov 30th, 2019

Life After a Spinal Fracture
A spinal fracture, or “broken back,” can leave you in serious condition — but it doesn't have to be the end of your life. Read more to learn about the possibilities for life after a spinal fracture.
Oct 31st, 2019

Why It's So Important to Catch Scoliosis Early
Uneven hips, shoulders, or a protruding ribcage can all indicate an abnormal curvature of the spine, a condition called scoliosis. Discover why it’s so important to detect scoliosis in its early stages, as well as the treatment options.
Aug 31st, 2019

Resection of Lumbar Giant Cell Tumor

After failing all means of conservative treatment for back pain, a man in his 40s presented with neurological deficits and spinal instability as well as intractable, worsening pain that traveled from his right hip and buttock down the posterolateral aspect
Apr 15th, 2019

A Novel Approach to Revision of Anterior Cervical Instrumentation

A Novel Approach to Revision of Anterior Cervical Instrumentation  Following a motor vehicle accident, a man in his 40s presented with bilateral facet fractures. He had undergone an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) nearly a decade earlier. A
Apr 15th, 2019

Choosing the Best Spine Surgeon
Choosing the Best Spine Surgeon If you have seen your primary care physician and they recommend that you see a surgeon for further examination what is the next step? Your health is not something to take lightly, therefore you should spend time researching
Apr 15th, 2019

How to Approach Back Pain
How to Approach Back Pain Most of us experience acute low back pain at some point in our lives. While these episodes can be extremely painful and cause significant disruption in our daily lives, most episodes of low back pain will get better with time (ab
Apr 15th, 2019

Scoliosis Myths and the Truth
Scoliosis Myths and the Truth Scoliosis, while a common problem for people of all ages, is frequently misunderstood. We would like to clarify some of the misunderstandings about this spine condition, one we commonly treat with great success. 1. Having sco
Apr 15th, 2019

Spinal Stenosis Information
Spinal stenosis is a painful condition resulting from the compression of spinal cord caused by bone degeneration and the loss of dura space surrounding the spinal cord. The condition tends to worsen with age. Cervical Spinal Stenosis Cervical spinal steno
Apr 15th, 2019

What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion is a surgical technique that fuses affected vertebrae together in order to stop motion between them. A spinal fusion may be done to relieve symptoms of many back conditions, including: Degenerative disc disease Spinal stenosis Scoliosis Fract
Apr 15th, 2019

Stress Related Back Pain
We all get stressed sometimes, but how that stress affects us is different for each individual. I’m sure you have all heard the saying “Where do you hold your stress?” For some it can be mentally fatiguing and for others it can have physical effects. What
Apr 15th, 2019

Orthopedic Spine Care
Back Pain is the leading cause of disability in the United States with 80% of Americans being affected by back pain in their lifetime. Dr. Benjamin Cohen and his team are adept at diagnosing and treating the many causes of back pain. Dr. Cohen is a diploma
Apr 15th, 2019

Spinal Fractures Information
Spinal Fractures Information Spinal injuries can range from as mild as a minor whiplash, to as serious as a spinal cord trauma. Spinal fractures are one type of spinal injury which can benign as a simple compression fracture or as serious as a “burst fract
Apr 15th, 2019

Spinal Injuries in Sports
Back and neck injuries are possible in any sport – from football all the way to golf. In fact, 1/5th of all sports injuries occur in the lower back or neck. It’s important to understand how and why these injuries occur in order for us to do everything that
Apr 15th, 2019

Protect Your Back This Winter
During an average snowfall, a person with a normal sized house and driveway will usually end up shoveling over a thousand pounds of snow. This makes it quite easy to strain or hurt your back. If you do hurt your back, stop shoveling immediately and take a
Apr 15th, 2019

Back Issues for Athletes
Occasionally, young athletes who play sports injure their neck or backs. Many issues occur after repeatedly overusing the structures of the spine. Consequently, suitable treatment of a young athlete is comprised of a thorough doctor evaluation with imaging
Apr 15th, 2019

Thoracic Spine Surgery

The thoracic spine is made up of the 12 vertebrae between the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). Injury to the thoracic spine is much less common that lumbar and cervical injury because the thoracic spine is more heavily protected by the
Apr 15th, 2019

Spine Glossary

Our spine glossary explains some common terms related to spine surgery and back conditions. 1. Arthritis – Inflammation of a joint usually characterized by swelling, pain, and restriction of motion. 2. Bone Plate – Usually a relatively thin metal device w
Apr 9th, 2019

Caught in the Vicious Pain Cycle
While the internet age has offered up many modern-day conveniences, if often proves futile when patients research their health issues, self-diagnose and subject themselves to a myriad of inappropriate, and occasionally harmful, treatment methods. A patient
Apr 9th, 2019

Herniated Discs 101
Herniated discs can be a trying injury to overcome for many people. Approximately one out of three adults who do not have current or previous back pain has significant disc abnormality. This means that there is a very good chance that they have or will dev
Apr 8th, 2019