Preferred Spine and Pain

Another check on our baseball park tour. I was blessed to have done Shea Stadium. Now at
tomorrow

I am excited to announce that I did the first Saluda Spinal Cord Stimulator trial in the Austin/Round Rock area. I am excited to offer this new technology to my patients!!!!

Ok only 2 days left to vote for your fav ginger bread person!!!!

Only 3 days of voting left!!!! Winner will be announced Friday at our holiday party!!!!!

Ok the responses have been amazing!!! Let’s keep@it up!!! Remember only 1 vote/day.

Another day another chance to vote!!!!!

Posting every day do you can vote every day!!! Final vote 12/14 winner will be announced 12/15 at our holiday party. Please repost
The more responses the bigger the prize!!!!!!’

Everybody thank you for the great response!!!! You can vote everyday for your favorite Ginger Bread Person. Please share this post so other people can vote. I may up the prize and create a second place prize if we get a big response.

It’s that time of year. Vote for your favorite Ginger Bread Person!!!! 1 vote per day. Our staff worked very hard on these and the winner gets a $50 gift card.

Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field that holds immense promise for revolutionizing healthcare. By harnessing the body's innate ability to heal and regenerate, regenerative medicine offers potential treatments and therapies for a wide range of medical conditions. This innovative approach has the potential to transform the way we approach disease management and significantly improve patient outcomes. Here, we will explore the key aspects of regenerative medicine and its implications for the future of healthcare. Understanding Regenerative Medicine: Regenerative medicine encompasses a broad range of strategies aimed at replacing, engineering, or regenerating human cells, tissues, or organs to restore normal function. It involves the use of various techniques such as stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, gene therapy, and immunomodulation to promote healing and regeneration within the body. Applications and Future Directions: Regenerative medicine holds tremendous potential for addressing a wide range of medical conditions. It offers hope for treating chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and spinal cord injuries. Additionally, regenerative medicine approaches are being explored in the field of personalized medicine, where therapies can be tailored to an individual's specific needs based on their genetic profile.

Dr Kaplan is helping out at Genesys Spine lateral SI fusion course!!!! Teaching physicians the value of the lateral approach to SI fusion. Call to see if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Happy Fat Tuesday!!!!!
First Abbott Eterna implanted in Austin. Look at how small it is.
Spinal Cord Stimulators can treat a multitude of pain conditions.
Call and make an appointment to see if you are a candidate for this procedure.
512-255-7246

First later screw placed with precision!!!!
Call for a consult today. 512-255-7246
-instability

Early Saturday morning, participating in a lab to help with SI fusion. Lateral screw the gold standard for Sacral Iliac fusion. Call 512-255-7246 to see if you are a candidate for SI fusion.

Back Pain
Back pain is a common condition due to mechanical or structural problems in the spine, muscles, nerves, or bones in the back. Your back pain can come from poor posture, injury, overuse, or other certain medical conditions.
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause but may include muscle aches and stiffness, shooting or stabbing pain, and difficulty moving. It can feel like a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain.
There are some other things that you can do at home to reduce pain include:
- Staying active and continuing with daily activities;
- Using an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain;
- Using a heat pack to reduce stiffness in joints;
- Not staying in bed for too long.
However, in some cases, more interventions may be necessary to correct a structural problem. If you feel that’s the case with you, you should reach out to your medical doctor.
Check out Dr. Kaplan and his practice at:
www.preferredspineandpain.com
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International Day of Education
Today, on the International Day of Education, we celebrate the transformative power of education. Education has the ability to break down barriers, open doors, and create opportunities for people all around the world.
Education is the foundation upon which we build our future and is essential for the growth and development of individuals, communities, and nations. As we reflect on the importance of education, let us also remember that it is a right, not a privilege.
On this day, let us commit to working together to ensure that every person, no matter their circumstances, has the opportunity to receive a quality education.
I have benefited greatly from my education, as a medical doctor, and most recently as an MBA. Let us work to make education as available and transformative for us all.
As always, feel free to reach out to me if you have any queries: www.preferredspineandpain.com
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Epidural Steroid Injection
When you are experiencing back pain, even the simplest every day activities may seem like an absolute torment. Besides skipping work and important social events, you may also start missing out on life in general.
While there are many treatments, an epidural steroid injection could be the key to finally controlling the pain. The treatment includes injecting corticosteroid into the epidural space, an area outside the fluid membrane that keeps your spine safe and well-protected.
Multiple nerves run through this space to reach the lower back and legs, and the inflammation of any of these nerves can lead to excruciating pain in their respective areas of innervation. To relieve this pain, a steroid injection directly into the epidural space can work to calm down the inflammation.
For an epidural steroid injection to work, the pain has to be caused by some kind of damage to the spinal nerves, such as due to bone spurs, spinal stenosis, herniated disc, and joint cysts. An epidural steroid injection offers myriad benefits, such as eliminating daily oral painkillers, longer pain relief for up to a year, and a decreased risk of side effects.
If you’d like more information on epidural steroid injections, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment:
www.preferredspineandpain.com
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Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman.”
Today, on January 16, 2023, I remember the works of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who contested injustices across all levels of American society, including health care.
His message of being fair, compassionate, and respectful continues to inspire me, our communities, and our overall mission here at Preferred Spine and Pain.
My team and I are committed to building trusting relationships with our patients and creating a community where everyone is respected. I will forever be grateful for his inspirational work and tireless battles to bring about an end to discrimination.
Please join me in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and celebrating one of the core values of healthcare - equity.
As always, feel free to reach out to me if you have any queries: www.preferredspineandpain.com
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National Pharmacist Day
One may think that pharmacists just fill prescriptions and count pills, but did you know that pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare providers in a community?
So you’re thinking “I wonder how my blood pressure is doing today?” Did you know that you can talk to your pharmacist about it, and they can help you with that?
That flu shot ‘tis the season’- have you had one, or are you up to date with your vaccinations? Today you can talk to your pharmacist and get that taken care of right there - in the pharmacy.
Your pharmacist, the medicine expert, can tell you which medications you can take and which drugs you can safely avoid. And more importantly, they can tell you what you can expect from the medication.
So get to know your pharmacist, and thank them today for all their exceptional work on this

Check out Dr. Kaplan and his practice at: www.preferredspineandpain.com
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Carpal Tunnel Pain
It all starts with a funny feeling in your hands, followed by numbness and tingling, and before you realize it, your entire arm is down with agony and fails to function correctly.
When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, this sudden, unexpected progression is not uncommon, so it’s essential to seek help as soon as possible.
But where does this pain come from?
It begins with the median nerve that runs down to the hand through a carpal tunnel on the underside of your wrist. This nerve controls the movement of the thumb and all fingers except the little pinky.
Like any other tunnel, you may imagine a carpal tunnel to be a wide space that allows easy access to the nerve.
But in reality, it's a tight passageway crowded by nine flexor tendons that permit your fingers to bend.
Surrounding these tendons are synovium, tissue-like structures that provide lubrication. When this synovium swells within the tunnel, it puts pressure on the median nerve, triggering the classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
If the swelling does not go away on its own or is not taken care of, the symptoms may progress to cause excruciating and a loss of function at the wrist.
Fortunately, there are ways to get carpel tunnel syndrome under control, starting with conservative measures like using a brace to relieve the pressure.
Buf the condition remains unresponsive, surgery may prove to be your best option.
Have any questions? Ask me:
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National Keto Day
Did you know that a low-carb, high-fat, or keto diet is known to reduce chronic pain by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and sensitiveness present within our nervous system?
First created by the vitamin Shoppe on January 5th, we are reminded that people on the keto diet cut carbohydrates from their diet to the point where their bodies start using fats, instead of carbs, as a fuel.
Besides weight loss, the obvious benefit, the keto diet has been known to benefit people with diabetes, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer.
For those who follow and benefit from this diet, Preferred Spine and Pain wishes you a fantastic .
Check out Dr. Kaplan and his practice at: www.preferredspineandpain.com
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Dry January
Whether you have imbibed a bit too much alcohol over the holidays or have vowed to cut back on alcohol as a part of your New Year’s resolution, there is no better time to begin than now. The 31-day-long Dry January is here to get your consumption habit back on track. Contrary to the popular belief, Dry January isn’t only about resetting the body and ridding it of all the liquor you have downed so far; it is an opportunity to explore your relationship with this beverage without a long-term commitment.
From better eating habits to improved sleep, Dry January can start reaping benefits for most people in as little as two weeks. So while you prepare yourself to fully embrace this month, make sure you build your toolbox for some Dry January success with the following tips:
Make sure your living and workspaces are free from alcohol
Get yourself an accountability partner who’s willing to take on the challenge with you
Put up a calendar on your wall and keep checking off boxes for every day you succeed in not drinking.
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LinkedIn:
#2023

Happy New Year!
A new year brings new beginnings. A time to reflect on the past and set our sights on the future. A time to come together and celebrate. Here’s to a prosperous, healthy, and happy new year!
Hope to see you in 2023:
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Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and can occur anywhere on your body.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who's had chickenpox may develop shingles but not everyone who's had chickenpox will develop shingles.
The reason people get shingles is unclear but pain is usually the first symptom. For some people, the pain can be intense.
The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) has been available since 2017 and may help prevent shingles.
Contact your doctor if you suspect you have shingles, especially if: - the pain or rash is near your eye
- you're 50 or over
- the rash is widespread and painful
- you live with someone with a compromised immune system.
If you have questions, you can reach us here: www.preferredspineandpain.com
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It's been a delight working with all of my patients this year. I had some phenomenal people walking through the door and we enjoyed working together and getting some really really good results. Thank you so much for your continued support and loyalty.
I hope you all have a fabulous holiday, and also food, and lots of snoozing, and I wish you a Christmas which is peaceful and pain-free as well.
I trust this holiday season will live up to your expectations of joy, peace, and goodwill.
As always, feel free to reach out to me if you have any queries:
www.preferredspineandpain.com
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Sciatica is a condition when the sciatic nerve, running from your lower spine to your feet, becomes compressed or irritated. Pain radiating through the buttock and back of one leg is the hallmark of sciatica.
Symptoms typically vary in pattern and intensity but frequently comprise pain in one leg associated with well-defined areas of tingling and numbness. In extreme cases, the condition may lead to altered gait and weakness, which may or may not be associated with lower back pain.
Sciatic pain can virtually develop at any age but is more commonly seen in young adults due to disc herniation or in older populations due to degenerative issues. Timely assessment can help pinpoint the exact cause of this condition and minimize the risk of debilitating consequences.
Check out Dr. Kaplan and his practice at:
www.preferredspineandpain.com
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# sciaticarelief

The holidays can be very stressful, but did you know that stress can cause physical pain in your body?
Stress can cause your muscles to tense up — and over time, that can lead to pain and soreness in virtually any part of the body. The most common stress-related aches and pains are in the neck, back, and shoulders.
Pain from stress can also mask pain from other sources.
This holiday season we hope you can find healthy ways to manage your stress and enjoy time with your loved ones.
And should you be experiencing pain from more than stress, please give us a ring and let’s see what we can do.
You can reach us at:
www.preferredspineandpain.com
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Seasonal depression is more than simply the winter blues. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a true kind of depression where symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months.
SAD symptoms typically start out mild and increase throughout the season. Some of the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are:
- Low Energy
- Hopelessness
- Social Withdrawal
- Poor Concentration
- Sleeping too much
You should take early steps to manage SAD symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Some ways to do this are:
- Stick to a regular daily schedule including eating and sleeping;
- Have a brighter environment. Sit in front of the windows or porch where you can feel the
sunlight;
- Exercise Regularly. Increased exercise solves a host of issues;
- Psychotherapy and medications can also help.
If you’re in need of someone to connect with, there is always the Su***de and Crisis Hotline at 988.
You can also reach out to Preferred Spine & Pain for any issues during our office hours.
www.preferredspineandpain.com
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December 1 - 7 marks Awareness Week, and here are a few things you should know about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two chronic conditions that are collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases. Their exact cause is still unknown.
Both conditions affect the digestive system and are characterised by episodes of flares interrupted by periods of remission. One of the major features of these flares is abdominal pain.
Other Crohn’s And Colitis symptoms can include abdominal pain, which often causes the greatest discomfort. Hence, pain management is an important part of the treatment of these conditions as it greatly improves the quality of life of people with Crohn's and colitis. It is important to receive care for this pain from professionals who are specialists in pain control.
Dr Kaplan and his team of experts specialize in pain management and can help to make you feel better.
You can find more help at:
www.preferredspineandpain.com
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Many vulnerable groups are often unable to access or even afford the services they need. Volunteering is all about reaching out to these people when they need specific services and rendering them for free.
In doing so, volunteers don't only give their time, but also their expertise. It takes a great deal of courage and kindness to be involved in such acts, and the importance of these acts cannot be overstated. Volunteering helps to improve the lives of millions around the world.
December 5th is . On this day, we celebrate this group of unsung heroes who are constantly making the world a better place.
Dr Kaplan is a volunteer himself and has been involved in loads of charity activities, especially in terms of providing pain relief and helping animals.
You can find more on it at:
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