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Back Pain: Perspectives from an Expert Surgeon

Recorded on 6/11/2005

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Approximately 70 percent of us will have back pain at some point in our lifetime. Even healthy, young individuals can experience back, joint and leg pain. How do you know when it’s something serious, and where should you seek help? How can you prevent back pain altogether? Joining this show to discuss risk factors and treatments for back pain is Dr. Theodore Wagner, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Washington.

Dr. Wagner discusses the kinds of things can cause back pain and why it’s such a common problem. Most of the time back pain will resolve on its own, but how do you know when to see a doctor? What kind of doctor should you see? Dr. Wagner helps us to understand when we should rest in bed and when we should seek professional help. He also talks about surgical options available for very serious back problems and the risks associated with back surgery. He goes into detail about what patients should know about the new artificial disk replacement surgery, which has gotten a lot of media attention. Dr. Wagner also touches on the role obesity can play, how you can lower your risk of developing back problems, and how to go about seeking a second opinion.

Even young, active people can experience back and leg pain. Sometimes pain can become so serious that surgery is necessary, but usually this type of pain will go away on its own. If you or someone you know has experienced back pain, Dr. Wagner sheds light on what the causes and treatments are. Listen now to become a smarter, more informed patient on this common problem.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Theodore A. Wagner, M.D.
Spine Specialist, UW Medicine
Dr. Theodore Wagner is a Spine Specialist practicing at the University of Washington Bone and Joint Center and a Clinical Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Wagner received his medical degree from Temple Medical School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and went on to complete his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Washington. He is board... more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction
  2. The Causes of Back Pain
  3. When to Seek Help
  4. Who to See for Back Pain
  5. Surgical Options for Back Problems
  6. Artificial Disk Replacement Surgery
  7. Seeking a Second Opinion

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