Sebastian Lattuga M.D. opens new state-of-the-art facility in Manhattan

9 Jan

We are proud to announce the opening of our new state-of-the-art facility in Manhattan

150 East 58th street

New York NY 10155

New York Spinal Specialists and Sebastian Lattuga, M.D., are proud to announce their new state of the art office in mid town Manhattan. Dr.  Sebastian Lattuga’s new office space will be officially opened for patients as early 2012 .  The new office will serve as the flag ship office for one of New York City’s top Spinal Surgeons.  Joining Dr. Lattuga will be his team at New York Spinal Specialists including Sukhbir Guram,M.D., Orthopaedic Spinal surgeon, Pain management physicians, and their assistants.

This new location allows New York Spinal Specialists to remain committed to helping their patients lead active lives by providing a multidisciplinary approach to the care of spinal disorders.  Whether your condition requires surgical or non-surgical treatment, the physicians at New York Spinal Specialists are committed to assisting you towards regaining activity and function, and decreasing pain associated with spinal conditions.  Our physicians are experts in the treatment of a number of spinal conditions including: herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, fractures, and many other conditions.

Dr. Sebastian Lattuga was recently ranked in the top 1% of New York Metro area spine surgeons by nationally recognized healthcare survey company Press Ganey.  Press Ganey interviewed 560 patients who received surgery from Dr. Lattuga over a five year period and compared his scores to dozens of physicians across the 11 major hospitals in the New York area and fortified his position as one of the elite surgeons in the field of spinal surgery.

This added location will allow Dr. Lattuga to continue to provide a high level of comprehensive specialty care, addressing the needs of each spine patient; allowing easy accessibility and convenience.  New York spine specialists also have offices in Brooklyn, Queens the Bronx, and Long Island.

The administrative staff is currently booking appointments and can be reached at 516-355-0111 to discuss current openings for appointments.

All of our offices offer Spanish speaking staff. If you have any questions, or are interested in taking a tour of our facilities, please call so we can answer any of your questions.

About New York Spinal Specialists:

Dr. Sebastian Lattuga has been offering patients in the New York Metro region advanced spinal care and treatment for over a decade. The practice is comprised of a number of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, as well as pain management physicians, and physician’s assistants, specializing in a range of procedures. The doctors at the New Manhattan location have privileges with a number of hospitals and other medical institutions in the New York Metro.

Sebastian Lattuga has five locations in the New York Metro area:

Come Visit Us!

Phone Number: 516 355-0111

Fax Number: 516-355-5011

Office Hours: M-F 9:00am-5:00pm

All five locations, as well as further information regarding the practice can be found at www.spinesurgeonnewyork.com

Dr. Sebastian Lattuga Discusses Innovative Treatment Methods to Reinforce Vertebrae to Relieve Back Problems and Pain

5 Dec

New York spinal surgeon Sebastian Lattuga utilizes innovative treatments like kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty to reverse bone deformities that can cause pain and loss of mobility. In most cases, he performs these procedures to correct compression fractures caused by factors such as accidents and vertebral tumors. Compression fractures can also occur as a result of osteoporosis, a condition that instigates the loss of mass and density of bones. As the condition progresses, bones becomes porous, brittle, and prone to breaking.

A fracture often causes compression of the vertebral structure. Normally rectangular in appearance, a compressed vertebra develops a flattened shape. Because the compression of one or more vertebrae alters the structure of the spine, it can place strain on muscles and trigger nerve pain. People sometimes modify their posture and curb their activity to accommodate pain issues, further exacerbating the potential for long-term spine problems.

When Dr. Sebastian Lattuga performs vertebroplasty, he employs image guidance to direct a hollow needle into the fractured vertebra. He injects sterile bone cement into the fracture through the needle to stabilize the vertebra, prevent further injury, and relieve pain. In a kyphoplasty procedure, the doctor inserts a balloon through the needle and inflates it to restore the vertebra to the proper height and form. He then fills the cavity created by the balloon with bone cement. Kyphoplasty often produces optimal results for patients with fairly recent compression fractures.

To learn if vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty would benefit you, visit Dr. Sebastian Lattuga’s website at SpineSurgeonNewYork.com.

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Sciatica: A Symptom of Nerve Compaction or Damage Affecting the Lower Back and Legs By Dr. Sebastian Lattuga

28 Nov

New York Spinal Specialists assists patients seeking relief from a variety of symptoms, including acute and chronic pain of the neck, back, arm, and leg. The practice also offers treatment regimens for specific nerve-related issues such as sciatica, radiculopathy, and herniated discs.

A relatively common type of leg and lower back pain, sciatica is not a condition in and of itself, but rather the symptom of damage or pressure to the sciatic nerve or the five spinal nerve roots that feed it. The body’s longest nerve, the sciatic nerve runs from the lower spine down the back of both legs. Causes of sciatica include pelvic fractures, tumors, and piriformis syndrome, which involves the narrow muscles of the buttocks. A slipped disc is the most common identified cause of sciatica, while a significant number of cases offer no obvious underlying cause.

posted at kklifestyles.blogspot.com

Typically, sciatica symptoms are only experienced on one side of the body, with pain varying greatly in terms of intensity, type, and duration. Sciatica-associated pain often begins with a mild tingling and may gradually worsen into dull ache, numbness, burning sensation, or sharp pain. Symptoms of acute sciatica generally subside within six weeks, and are often treatable through a combination of therapeutic exercise, over-the-counter painkillers, and hot or cold packs. Persistent sciatica typically benefits from supervised exercise programs and may, in certain cases, require surgery.

If the suspected cause of sciatica is a slipped disc or spinal stenosis, an immediate visit to a physician is recommended. Nerve pain can be difficult to diagnose and treat, but the risks of doing nothing far outweigh the cost and inconvenience of an examination by a neurologist or spinal specialist. Sciatica associated with spinal stenosis is often identified through pain that worsens when walking more than a few yards and when bending backwards. The condition may require a specialized treatment such as decompressive laminectomy, which is offered at New York Spinal Specialists.

About the Author: Dr. Sebastian Lattuga operates his own practice, New York Spinal Specialists, and is also Chief of the Division of Spine Surgery at North Shore-LIJ Franklin Hospital in New York.

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Treating Spinal Stenosis Through Decompressive Laminectomy

4 Nov

by Dr. Sebastian Lattuga

In addition to caring for patients at my private practice, New York Spinal Specialists, I currently serve as Chief of the Division of Spine Surgery at North Shore-LIJ Franklin Hospital in New York. In this capacity, I perform an array of minimally invasive and traditional surgeries to address both chronic and acute spinal conditions, often under emergency circumstances. In 2009, I performed an emergency decompressive laminectomy on a woman with severe spinal stenosis, saving her life and eventually restoring her ability to walk. As the most commonly used approach to correcting the debilitating effects of spinal stenosis, decompressive laminectomy relieves extreme pressure on the spinal column and the nerve roots contained within. Our spinal cord slowly degenerates as we age, pinching nerves throughout the neck, back, and cervical regions. Although some of my patients who show symptoms of spinal stenosis require treatment only for back pain, many individuals diagnosed with stenosis stand at a high risk for more debilitating problems such as paralysis and even death.

A successful decompressive laminectomy involves removing small parts of the vertebral bone structure as well as any swollen tissue present within the spinal canal. The thickening of tissue in the spinal canal stands apart as an issue of special concern primarily because engorged spinal tissue asserts dangerous amounts of pressure on the spinal cord. By accessing the spine via a surgical incision in the back, decompressive laminectomy can also be used to treat herniated discs or injuries incurred after a car crash, fall, or other major accident. Furthermore, decompressive laminectomy boasts distinction as a common technique to remove cancerous growths in the cervical, lumbar, or upper neck regions. In some cases, a surgeon will perform a spinal fusion in conjunction with a decompressive laminectomy to stabilize segments of the spine weakened by the laminectomy procedure. To watch an animated video with narration explaining the decompressive laminectomy procedure, visit http://www.spinesurgeonnewyork.com/Library/Item.aspx?ID=15913.

About the Author: A highly accomplished orthopedic and spine surgeon with more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Sebastian Lattuga serves patients throughout the New York Metropolitan area at his private practice, New York Spinal Specialists. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lattuga, call 516-355-0111. New York Spinal Specialists maintains four conveniently located offices in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Kew Gardens, and Lake Success.

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ENDOSCOPIC MICRODISCECTOMY — Advanced treatment for herniated disc

20 Oct

ENDOSCOPIC MICRODISCECTOMY

Advanced treatment for herniated disc

Endoscopic microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat herniated disc. In this type of surgery, the surgeon uses an endoscope (a thin probe with a built-in camera) and special instruments to remove the disc material pressing on the nerve and causing symptoms. During endoscopic microdiscectomy, the damaged portion of the herniated disc is removed. Usually, it is not necessary to remove the entire disc. In contrast to open back surgery, endoscopic microdiscectomy can be done through a small incision with minimal disruption of the tissue surrounding the spine.

Intervertebral discs are cushion-like pads located between the vertebrae in your spine. The discs prevent the bones in your back from grinding against one another. Each disc has a tough outer casing called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus. Thick fibers on the outer casing attach to the vertebra and hold the disc in place.

A herniated disc occurs when the outer casing tears or ruptures and the gel-like center leaks out into the spinal canal. The disc material may compress adjacent spinal nerves or put pressure on the spinal cord. Chemical irritants released from inside the disc may contribute to nerve inflammation and pain.

When a herniated disc presses on a spinal nerve or nerve root, certain signals travel along nerve pathways away from the spine and out into the body. This is why you are more likely to feel the symptoms of a herniated disc in your arms or legs, and not in your back. For example, pressure on the sciatic nerve in the lower back is felt as pain down the back of the leg. Other symptoms of nerve compression include numbness, tingling and muscle weakness.

The severity of symptoms, as well as where you feel the symptoms, is determined by the location of the herniated disc and the degree of herniation. The goal of endoscopic microdiscectomy is to relieve symptoms by removing the disc material that is compressing the nerve. A herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spine; however, most herniated discs occur in the lower back.

 Factors that can increase your risk for herniated disc include:

  • Aging; spinal discs gradually dry out, lose resilience
  • Excessive force to the spine e.g., falls, collisions
  • Repetitive lifting, poor body mechanics when lifting
  • Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking

There are many potential advantages to having minimally invasive surgery, including a brief hospital stay and a swift recovery. Endoscopic microdiscectomy can be done as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. The surgeon removes the material causing nerve impingement, often using a laser to repair the disc. Most patients experience immediate pain relief, although it’s not unusual for it to take several weeks before symptoms subside. Patients are encouraged to resume normal activity and avoid heavy lifting or exercise until cleared by their surgeon.

 Most patients with herniated disc do not need to have surgery. The condition sometimes resolves on its own over a period of 4-6 months.

In addition, there are many nonsurgical treatments that can reduce   painful symptoms.

If you’ve tried conservative treatment, but you’re still having pain, please contact my office. You may be a candidate for endoscopic microdiscectomy.

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How do I Manage Low Back Pain and Sciatica?

25 Sep

How do I Manage Low Back Pain and Sciatica?

 Dr. Lattuga cares for many patients that suffer from low back pain and sciatica.  Common symptoms include both back and leg pain, which usually resolve with non-invasive treatment modalities.  However, many patients need to gain an understanding of how to manage with activities of daily living during these acute episodes.

Low back pain in itself is difficult to manage, when you add in the discomfort of sciatica (Sciatica:  Pain affecting the back, hip, and outer side of the leg, caused by compression of a spinal nerve root in the lower back, often owing to degeneration of an intervertebral disk.) it can be unbearable. There are a few may to navigate through the pain during the first few weeks.  Following these helpful hints to help reduce discomfort and continue with daily tasks.

A Helping Hand: Young children add a whole new component to overcoming back and leg pain. Bending over to pick up toys, laundry and household chores, or simply getting through bath time is a challenge. Dr. Lattuga recommends, for your safety, to recruit your spouse, partner, family member, or friend to pitch in during your recovery period (especially in the beginning). Some of these techniques to avoid aggravating your low back and sciatic symptoms.

Alternate between Ice and Heat: Apply an ice pack for 15 minutes as often as once per hour.  Make sure to wrap the ice source in a towel to protect your skin (you do not want to make the injury worse by causing skin damage). After 2 or 3 days of ice therapy, use heat (or moist heat) for 15 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. Never sleep with an ice pack or heat source to prevent skin injury.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications: If Dr. Lattuga prescribed an anti-inflammatory or pain medication, always take the medication as recommended. Do not wait for pain to become severe before medicating because it can take longer to regain pain control. Follow the doctor’s orders.   Never mix over-the-counter medications with prescription drugs without your doctor’s advice.

Get Some Rest: Back and leg pain can exhaust you! While rest (lying down) and sleep are important to recovery, do not  allow yourself to be constantly idle. Even walking for short distances will help keep muscles toned.  Always make sure to follow an daily execercises/stretches in order to keep the recovery plan on track.  When lying down, lie on your side with a pillow between your knees to aid in getting comfortable. You can also lie on your back and place a pillow under your knees. Both positions help reduce pain. Changing positions as much as possible will help you from becoming too stiff.

No Bending at the Waist: Squat with your back straight.

Sitting: Limit sitting to approximately 15 minutes, choose a ergonomic chair with good back support or place a rolled up towel at your low back, sit in a chair with armrests, when standing up use the armrests and stand up straight – do not bend at the waist.

Standing: Stand straight with weight evenly on each foot. Do not stand in one position for too long. To reduce back stress, rest one foot on a raised surface; switch feet periodically when it is readily possible.

Avoid All Sudden Movements:  Try and make all movements as slow, gentle, and deliberate as possible.  It takes time for your muscles to be prepared for sudden movements while recovering.  If it cannot be avoided best practice is to stand up and bend slightly backwards, before coughing or sneezing to reduce muscle pain.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, click here for online scheduling or call Sebastian Lattuga MD’s office at 516 355-0111

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Dr. Sebastian Lattuga ranks in top 1% of doctors in NY metro area by Press Ganey

9 Sep

Dr. Lattuga is proud to announce the results of a survey conducted by a nationally recognized survey/research company Press Ganey.

Press Ganey, a nationally recognized healthcare survey company, interviewed 560 patients who received surgery from Dr. Lattuga over a five year period and compared his scores to dozens of physicians across the 11 major hospitals in the New York area. Patients were asked to rank their physicians on whether the physician spent adequate time with them, expressed concern, was courteous, and kept them informed, as well as the skill of the physician. Dr. Lattuga’s was rated so highly by his patients that his scores were in the top 1% of all the physicians surveyed. Dr. Lattuga is very proud to be able to offer such a high quality of care to his patients.  Also visit Dr. Lattuga’s patient testimonial page to see further reviews from satisfied patients

If you would like to book an appointment with our office please visit our online appointment system or call 516-355-5011.

Also visit Dr. Sebastian Lattuga’s other sites for further information

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What type of Exercise Should / Can I do after Spine Surgery?

30 Aug

What type of Exercise Should/Can I do after Spine Surgery?

After the decision has been made to proceed with spinal surgery, you will discuss preoperative preparation, the surgical procedure, and what activity level can be resumed postoperatively Exercise is always good for you (when done properly). Especially considering activities—strength training, aerobics, yoga and or walking—can all be good for you during and after recovery if done properly and under guidance of a trained physical therapist. A different regimen will be assigned depending on your specific surgery, for example, lumbar fusion, cervical fusion, lumbar decompression, laminectomy, stenosis surgery, herniated disc surgery, It is always advised to take it slow as your procedure is in the initial phases of the healing process. You will not be able to exercise at your normal level right away because you have to let your body heal properly.

There are several parts that have to heal before returning to normal excercise routines.  Generally, the first thing to heal is the incision. This takes between 7 and 14 days after an open procedure (when the incision is large). The skin healing process takes a bit less time after a microscopic or minimally invasive surgery (where you have several small incisions). You
cannot see the rest of the healing process, since it occurs under the skin.  Muscles and other tissue that was manipulated during surgery must have time to heal properly. Lastly, but most importantly, the bone must fuse in order to heal. This usually takes anywhere from 6 to 9 months, and Dr. Lattuga will be able to see if the bone has fused completely by using an X-ray or a CT scan.

Patients should take great care with your back as your body recovers from surgery: no heavy lifting, bending, or twisting. In other words, do not put excessive
strain on your back.

For the patient, that means that as you ease back into exercise (under Dr. Lattuga’s guidance), you’ll need to be extra cautious of any movements that will cause motion in the area of your back that is trying to heal and fuse. The purpose of a fusion is to allow this area to become solid, and stabilize your spine. Sudden movement, excessive movement or even one wrong –strained movement in this area will cause the fusion to fail and you want to avoid this at all costs.

For example, with outdoor laborers, contractors or union workers, work can involve twisting, flexion, and extension of your spine.  Dr. Lattuga can speak with you about specific duties
that may cause pain, unwanted motion of the spinal levels trying to fuse, or even fusion failure. You do not want to do anything to keep the fusion from healing properly, so work with your health care professional to figure out what’s best for you and your body—do not make these decisions on your own or go against your doctor’s advice when it comes to this.

As the fusion heals, you can generally go back to low-impact exercise.  Walking is a great low-impact exercise because it avoids unwanted motion to the spine and actually aides in bone fusion.  Swimming could also be a great exercise that might be appropriate for your post surgery exercise regimen.. Swimming can give you an amazing total body workout in a very safe (for your fusion) environment. The water will support your body weight, so your back will not be carrying as much weight as you work out. After the fusion heals and after you have received permission from Dr. Lattuga you should be able to resume your typical activities. You can still be a very active person after spinal fusion surgery – especially if you follow the proper routine during recovery!!!

Depending on your prior flexibility, you may need to adjust your expectations. You’ll still be exercising and doing a great job of taking care of your body.

Dr. Lattuga wishes you the best in your spinal fusion surgery and recovery!

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What to Know Before Spine Surgery

24 Aug

What to Know Before Spine Surgery

Stupid Questions Do Not Exist Before Surgery!

If a patient is going to have treatment for spinal stenosis they might have a few questions in their mind before going to visit their surgeon.  Some patients have stated they even feel overwhelmed. want to make sure that all of our patients at New York Spinal Associates think about questions/concerns before coming to the office so Dr. Lattuga can manage patients questions and expectations as early in the
process as possible.

No question is a stupid question when you’re preparing for spine surgery. You have a right to know everything that’s going to happen before, during, and after the surgery, and you also have a right to have all the risks and benefits fully explained to you. To help you make an informed decision , it is in the patients best interest to educate themselves.

Dr. Lattuga knows that, “no question is stupid,” and that you have a right to all that surgery information doesn’t make asking the questions any easier. Surgeons, by no fault of their own, can appear intimidating; however, they are also be very interested in patient education and feedback. Dr. Lattuga wants his patients to understand what’s happening so that you can feel confident in your decision and be as relaxed as possible on your day of surgery.

Dr. Lattuga knows: the better you understand the procedure, the easier it will be for him to give you the proper treatment and guide you with appropriate recovery methods after undergoing surgery for spinal stenosis.  You know, surgery is like any other major decision in your life, and before you buy a house or take a vacation, you probably do your research and try to understand everything you can—even if that
means asking some basic questions.

Some questions Doctor Lattuga recommends being prepared to ask before a spinal stenosis procedure or any other spinal surgery are:

What kind of surgery are you recommending for me? 

Why are you recommending this specific surgery?

Are other surgeries used to correct my condition? Why aren’t those being recommended to me?

How much experience do you have with this procedure?

What are the risks associated with this procedure? What is the percentage of complications with this surgery?

What could happen to me if I do not  have spinal surgery?

How long will the surgery be?

How long will I need to be in the hospital after the surgery?

Will there be a lot of pain after the surgery as I recover? What’s your plan for dealing with the pain?

What should my expectation for recovery be? How would you define recovery in my case?

What are possible complications during the recovery period? What are signs of those complications, and at what point should I call you?

A patient’s particular concern may be different before surgery but they need to make sure to ask all the questions necessary before the spine surgery is underway.   If it will make you feel more comfortable, you
can have all the questions written down ahead of time.  The organization of writing them down will help you cover all the questions and make sure you have peace of mind before the surgery is underway.  When you ask
all the questions you need, you’ll feel more prepared for your surgery.  Dr. Lattuga and his staff (both front office and back office) are fluent in Spanish so please do not let a language barrier stop you from asking these questions.  Dr. Lattuga’s office is more than happy to make sure our Spanish speaking clients have all questions answered appropriately before their spine surgery.

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Disc vs. Dehydration: Don’t Risk It

20 Aug

Disc vs. Dehydration: Don’t Risk It

Upwards of 70% of your body is composed of water (H2O). Some studies say as little as a 2% decrease in fluid level can leave you itchy, lethargic, constipated, and feeling poor all around. It certainly makes sense to stay hydrated; it can even prevent headaches and joint aches. 

You might be asking yourself, “What does this have to do with my spine?” Quite a bit actually, not only is over 70% of your body made up of water, but a similar ratio exists in the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. Dehydration is not often talked about (outside of the medical world) as a contributing factor in cases of herniated or bulging discs.  A decrease in disc water content is associated with spinal disc degeneration. As discs break down, cracks form in the fibrous outer ring of the disc leading to fluid loss. The inner core becomes weaker as it shrinks and comes under more stress until conditions increase chances for disc to bulge or become herniated causing leg pain and weakness.

In addition, as dehydration can cause joint aches, we must remember that our spine is composed of multiple joints (facet joints) that run along the left and right side of each vertebral body.  The same way your knee joint can exhibit pain, so can the joints of your spine.

This is one of the most common causes of pinched nerves or slipped discs.  Radiating leg pain may be a sign of bulging spinal disc that irritating the nerve root.  Although most of the patients who develop a herniated disc and the resultant sciatica can heal without surgery, it is often a popular choice to speed up the process.  If surgery is chosen as a solution for spinal disc injuries, a  removal of the portion of herniated disc material is the usual procedure.

 Medical Professionals recommend 8 to 10 8oz glasses of water daily.  Dr. Lattuga suggests 12 to 16 8oz glasses, equivalent to 1 gallon of water.  Dr. Lattuga would also recommend distilled water for its great cleansing qualities. The consumption of 1 gallon of water a day is a necessity for anyone working outdoors, especially in the summer months, (i.e.,  members of labor unions: MTA, Steel Workers Union, Teamsters, Carpenters Union, Iron Workers, Contractors, Athletes, Postal Workers). Not only are they prone to dehydration but their jobs are often entailing heavy lifting.  Exactly how much water is enough can be a matter of significant debate. The most commonly given “rule” is to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. The amount your body really needs largely depends on your gender (males tend to require more water), weight (larger mass requires more water), activity level, and environment among other factors. Normally, if you’re drinking enough water your urine will be clear or pale yellow; if it’s not, drink a glass of water, and be aware of how much you are consuming throughout the day. Often times, many people forget to hydrate, or do not hydrate themselves enough throughout the day.

  The disc space (intervertabal disc) is water soluble. As we age, the percentage of water we have in our bodies decreases, simultaneously our intervertebral discs decrease in water content leading to disk collapse and joint space narrowing.   Aging increases the process of natural degeneration of the spine which narrows the space through which nerves exit the spine (foramen). This may cause pressure on  the nerve canal.  The physical aspect of a job with manual labor involved, the chance of dehydration only increases the risk of damage to your discs. When your body is properly hydrated, you spinal discs are able to reabsorb fluids at night while you sleep, aiding in easier bodily movements such as flexion, extension and rotation.

In conclusion, proper hydration is paramount to overall body health and more specifically to your spine’s health.  Patient’s that are physically active for either leisure or work commitment should be extremely aware of staying hydrated especially in extreme weather conditions.

 So yes, water will help your spine stay healthy too.

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