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I liken my workouts to a fantastic
meal, with the weight training and
cardio being the main course and
the stretching afterwards the sweet
dessert. It's just a wonderful finish-
ing touch to a great workout.
So, get out there, have fun, exer-
cise and by all means — enjoy the
stretch! E
Jim Berk is an Aerobics and Fitness
Association of America- certified
personal trainer. He's affiliated with
HE DOCTOR
A MONTHLY INTERVIEW WITH LOCAL PHYSICIANS
PRACTICING WITHIN OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY.
Miles L Singer,
DO. FACOS, FAOAO
Michigan Spine Institute
When should a patient see a doctor about chronic pain?:
I am a firm believer in the yearly check-up. Hopefully, these routine examinations identify treatable
conditions and ensure that the condition is not life threatening.When pain has become lasting, more than
a few days, patients should seek medical advice and identify the underlying cause of the pain.
the Jewish Community Center of
Metropolitan Detroit and the Sports
Should a patient look for a pain specialist or be referred by his/her own physician?
Club in West Bloomfield. He also trains
at (248) 444-9480.
These are both viable options. However, for many patients, who have already identified the underlying
cause of their pain, seeking the advice of a pain specialist is indicated when the pain persists despite
conventional treatments.
Jewish Fund Aids
Huron Valley-Sinai
What kinds of issues are most helped by neuro-modulation.
privately in homes. He can be reached
DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital
will renovate its intensive care unit
(ICU) with a $118,000 grant from
the Detroit Jewish community's
Jewish Fund. The renovation will
provide expanded rooms for seri-
ously ill patients and the equip-
ment needed to care for them.
Since the hospital's ICU was
built in 1986, new medical tech-
nology and clinical procedures
require additional and sometimes
bigger equipment. The ICU reno-
vation will enlarge rooms, provid-
ing space for specialized beds
and permanently mounted equip-
ment, such as computers and
glucose monitors.
"We are very pleased to receive
this grant to renovate our intensive
care unit. Huron Valley-Sinai has
expanded its clinical services to
include emergency angioplasty
and treatment for other severely
ill patients who may require bal-
loon pumps, ventilators and a high
level of monitoring. The ICU will be
reconfigured to provide this space
as well as more quiet and privacy
for patients," said Lynn Torossian,
Huron Valley-Sinai's president.
The ICU renovation will begin
this summer with completion
expected by year-end.
The Jewish Fund previously
supported the hospital's Sinai
Center for Women, nursing educa-
tion, neonatal grief program, criti-
cal care nursery equipment, and
cardiac monitors.
The Jewish Fund was estab-
lished in 1997 from the sale pro-
ceeds of Sinai Hospital of Detroit
to the Detroit Medical Center.
Many people with injuries, diseases (neuropathy associated with diabetes), severe degenerative disc
disease, failed back surgeries, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, phantom
limb, sciatic nerve, and other types of neuropathic or nerve-related pain have had great success with the
neuro modulation systems. Others who are poor surgical candidates for treatment of spine disorders may
be suitable as well.
When does surgery become the best option? Does spinal surgery have a better
success rate and less pain associated with it now?
Surgery becomes the best option in those patients who have failed conservative treatments (e.g. physical
therapy, medications, manipulation, injections etc.) and continue to experience symptoms. Surgery is
also indicated when compression of the nerves (disc herniation, bones spurs, cysts, and tumors) leads
to nerve damage. Over the past 13 years that I have been in practice, I have seen huge advances in the
treatment of spinal disorders. Many of these advances have come in the form of better materials such
as titanium, carbon fiber, and synthetics. These advanced materials have given rise to new instruments
and implants such as artificial cervical and lumbar disc replacements. New advancements in surgical
techniques(minimally invasive surgeries) have also played an important role in improving the success of
spinal surgeries. All of these advancements have led to shorter procedures with less blood loss and less
surrounding tissue damage which in turn has lead to short hospital stays and overall faster recoveries.
How long can surgery "last'? Can a patient expect that he/she will need further
surgery, or face deterioration, over time?
Many surgeries can last a lifetime.This has increased with the newer implants and techniques which have
evolved over the years. This is especially true with the "motion preservation" surgeries such as artificial
disc replacements and dynamic fusion devices.These techniques attempt to preserve the body's natural
motion and function. Unfortunately, over time our bodies and especially our joints continue to deteriorate.
Despite the original spine surgery's success, the areas surrounding it continue to wear out which may
require additional surgery.
This monthly column brought to you by
MICHIGAN SPINE INSTITUTE
5220 Highland Road, Suite 210 • Waterford, MI 48327
Office 248-383-1030 • Fax 248-383-1031 • http://www.michspine.com
DMC
Huron Valley-Sinai
Hospital
1497530
April 30 2009
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