Spine

Steven Katz has spent nearly every morning of the last 35 years running on the beach near his home in Oahu. For the 74-year-old, eight-time marathon competitor, running on the beach is more than a hobby. Running is Katz’s form of meditation, his “therapy.” But for the better part of a year, pain had robbed … Read More

Back pain permeates every aspect of a person’s health: physical, mental and emotional. Hoag’s Pain Management Services at the Hoag Spine Institute are just as far-reaching, addressing back and neck pain to help return you to your highest quality of life. Charles De Mesa, D.O., M.P.H., serves as chief of interventional pain, physical medicine & … Read More

This is the most common question I am asked. The fact of the matter is that most patients won’t need surgery to correct their ailments. As it applies to spine health, only about 10% of the patients who are seen by a pain management specialist will need spinal surgery. The vast majority of patients will … Read More

Back pain can be more than just a nuisance; it can significantly impact your quality of life and daily functionality. But how do you know if your pain is serious enough to warrant a call to a specialist? “Usually most of the time little more is needed than time and rest. Pulling your back or … Read More

Blair Allan knew exactly what it looked like to the Urgent Care team in Los Angeles: A late-20s, healthy woman who had suffered no injury, showing up to the Urgent Care complaining of pain and asking for relief. It’s September 2020. The opioid epidemic is in full swing. Blair forgives the nurses for their caution. … Read More

In her 20s, Candice Timmons was involved in a car accident that resulted in chronic back pain. Physical therapy helped for a few years until she developed sciatica during her first pregnancy. Her second pregnancy brought on even more pain. In November 2021, her pain grabbed hold and never let go. Her mobility diminished until … Read More

About 30 years ago, I started coaching with USA Triathlon and with USA Track & Field, and I also became a personal trainer. A year into personal training, I had a client who was an Ironman, and he dared me to compete in a triathlon. I said, “OK, but I don’t know how to swim,” … Read More