Posts by Neel Anand MD
Evolutionary Betrayal: Why Walking Upright Came at a Cost to our Spines
Look around at the animal kingdom. You rarely see a chimpanzee complaining about sciatica, or a cheetah booking a physical therapy appointment for lower back problems. Yet for humans, back pain is practically a rite of passage, affecting an estimated 80% of adults at some point in their lives. Why are our bodies seemingly so…
Read MoreStop Before You Shop: The Backpack Guide That Considers Your Kid’s Spine
As back-to-school shopping lists roll out, laptops, heavy textbooks, and binder set quickly stack up. While design and color are usually top of mind for students, parents and students alike often overlook the most important factor: ergonomics. Carrying an ill-fitting or overloaded backpack every day can cause severe physical strain. Over time, poor weight distribution…
Read MoreBeyond the Heating Pad: When It’s Time to See a Spine Specialist
Almost everyone encounters back pain at some point. When a sudden ache strikes after yard work or an intense workout, our default strategy is usually self-management: a combination of rest, ice or heat, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and gentle stretching. For about 80-90 percent of people, acute back pain resolves within four to six weeks using these…
Read MoreThe Hidden Cost of Waiting: Why “Putting Off” Spine Surgery Can Be Devastating
In the world of medical decision-making, “watchful waiting” is often hailed as the virtuous, conservative choice for many bodily ailments and conditions. It is true that the body, in many ways, is a self-healing machine. So, we tell ourselves that perhaps one more round of physical therapy or another epidural steroid injection will finally turn…
Read MoreBeat the Heat, Save Your Back: Avoid These 4 Summertime Spine Hazards
Summertime brings a welcome shift in tempo. The days stretch out, the weather warms up, and our schedules are filled with road trips, beach days, gardening projects, and outdoor sports. But as we transition from more sedentary routines to higher-energy summer fun, our bodies often pay the price. Spine injuries typically increase during the months…
Read MoreThe “Zombie” Apocalypse in Your Spine: A New Frontier in Longevity?
As a spine surgeon, I’ve spent my career focusing on the spine as a mechanical structure. When patients come to me with a “crumbling” spine, what doctors call spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, the usual approach has been to treat mechanical problems. But as medicine advances, some of the most exciting discoveries are happening…
Read MoreThe “Anti-Sedentary” Office: Why Your Expensive Chair is Making Your Core Lazy
For years, wellness experts have warned that sitting is as harmful as smoking. We switched to standing desks and expensive chairs. But in 2026, data shows back pain rates are still very high. So, what have we really changed? The “Anti-Sedentary” office of 2026 isn’t about standing still — it’s about micro-movement and a different…
Read MoreThe Backbone of Cardiovascular Health: Linking Your Heart and Your Spine
As we celebrate American Heart Month this February, the focus is traditionally on “pumping” — how to keep the heart muscle strong and the arteries clear. To truly understand cardiovascular health, we have to look at the “scaffolding” that supports it. Your spine isn’t just a pillar for your posture; it is a vital partner…
Read MoreWinter Spine Safety: A Surgeon’s Guide to Navigating the Ice and Snow
January can be a busy time of the year for spine specialists. Between the sudden shift to heavy manual labor (snow shoveling), high-impact winter sports, and the treachery of icy pavement, the “Winter Wanderer” faces a gauntlet of potential spinal hazards. As a spine surgeon, I encourage my patients to enjoy the beauty of the…
Read MoreBack Pain Doesn’t Discriminate: Why It Can Affect Anyone, Regardless of Age
When it comes to back pain, it’s not just a problem for older adults or those who have spent years doing physical labor. Back pain is a widespread issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age. From teenagers to seniors, a severe backache can disrupt anyone’s life. Understanding the various causes across different age groups…
Read More