Posts by Neel Anand MD
From Pills to Progress: Ushering in a New Era for the Treatment of Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, and for decades, opioids were a go-to solution for managing both acute and chronic cases. However, a significant shift is underway, as the use of opioids for back pain is in a steady decline. Driving this change is a greater understanding of…
Read MoreWhen Back Pain Demands More: A Spine Specialist’s Perspective on Spine Surgery
Recent news of famed recording artist Paul Simon’s recent cancellation of upcoming shows due to “intense back pain that demands immediate surgical attention” brings to the forefront questions about back pain and when exactly, it rises to the level of recommended surgical intervention. I frequently encounter patients whose lives have been significantly disrupted by back…
Read MoreCurious Connections – Metabolic Syndrome and Lower Back Pain
Many of my patients struggle with lower back pain. It’s one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention, and its causes can be complex. While we often focus on mechanical issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis as a chief cause, there’s a mighty, often overlooked contributor lurking in the background: Metabolic Syndrome.…
Read MoreSpine Working Overtime: 5 Occupations with High Risk for Back Pain
As a spine surgeon with a wealth of experience in addressing a broad spectrum of back-related issues, from acute injuries to chronic degenerative conditions, I bring a unique perspective to the discussion. While many factors contribute to back pain, occupation can play a significant role. Certain professions, due to their inherent physical demands, repetitive movements,…
Read MoreDr. Neel Anand is Named to the List of Brain Spine Research All-Stars for 2025
The All-Star lists include only the top 5% of hospitals and surgeons publishing leading-edge healthcare research. The Anand Spine Group is proud to announce Dr. Anand’s inclusion as one of the Brain Spine Research All-Stars for 2024-2025. This honor is in recognition of the quantity and quality of the orthopedic research authored and published by…
Read MoreThe Silent Strain: How Stress Impacts Your Spine (And What You Can Do About It)
April is National Stress Awareness Month, and I see firsthand the profound impact stress can have on physical health, particularly the spine. While we often associate stress with mental and emotional wellbeing, its effects do indeed ripple through our bodies as well, manifesting in physical symptoms, frequently involving back and neck pain. The chronic experience…
Read MoreThe Importance of Patient Outcomes in Spine Surgery
One of my most important goals as a spine surgeon is to help my spine surgery patients achieve the best possible outcomes. This means ensuring that the surgery successfully addresses their underlying medical condition and helping patients recover as quickly and fully as possible so they can get back to living the lives they love.…
Read MoreArtificial Disc Replacement Surgery: Who is the Ideal Candidate?
I frequently discuss treatment options for debilitating neck and back pain caused by a variety of spinal conditions, including degenerative disc disease (DDD). Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is a promising potential alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery for DDD, but it’s crucial to understand that ADR isn’t necessarily suitable for everyone. In this blog, I’ll…
Read MoreAvoiding Back Pain in 2025: A Spine Surgeon’s Guide
Regarding New Year’s resolutions, I doubt that “avoiding back pain” is at the top of most people’s lists. It should be. As a spine surgeon, I see firsthand the debilitating effects back pain can have on nearly every aspect of people’s lives. My role is not just to perform surgeries, but also to educate and…
Read MoreTime Travel for the Aging Spine – Turning BACK the Clock
According to the Journal of Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders – “Low back pain (LBP) is the most common health problem among older adults that results in pain and disability.” Our bodies undergo various changes as we age, and the spine is no exception. Over time, the once-supple discs between the vertebrae can break down, leading…
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