Smoking Leads to Spine Surgery

Many of my patients are surprised when I inform them that smoking is a risk factor for spinal disorders and back pain because it restricts blood flow and promotes inflammation in the spine. A recent study in the Spine Journal found that smokers are up to 46% more likely to get surgery for spinal stenosis.
Does this surprise anyone?
Smoking Leads to Spine Surgery

He tried to hold in a sneeze and ended up in the hospital on a feeding tube

I frequently tell patients that coughing and sneezing is a very powerful action. I have seen many patients injury their backs and necks and even cause disc herniations from these actions. 
Had a patient bring me this article about a person who recently tried to hold in a sneeze and ruptured his throat!
Has anyone injured themselves coughing or sneezing?
He tried to hold in a sneeze and ended up in the hospital on a feeding tube

President Signs Bill Expanding Chiropractic Role in VA

I am a certified medical examiner for the DOT and it was good to see that the president just signed a bill allowing doctors of chiropractic in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to perform physical exams on veterans needing a medical certificate necessary to operate a commercial motor vehicle. 
Did you know that DC's perform DOT trucker safety examinations?
President Signs Bill Expanding Chiropractic Role in VA

Commonly prescribed drugs for back pain often ineffective, review says

Now that opioid (narcotic) prescribing is coming under more scrutiny, many medical physicians are starting to prescribe drugs known as gabapentinoids for back pain. These are drugs that were approved for seizures and nerve pain. There is no research showing they are efffective for back disorders and they can have negative side effects. 
Why are these being prescribed off label for back pain?
Commonly prescribed drugs for back pain often ineffective, review says

7 Ways To Prevent Lower Back Pain