Blog Articles

How Does a Disc in Your Back Become Herniated?

A herniated disc occurs when one of the cushions between vertebrae tears or leaks. Read on to learn more about why this happens and the factors that can increase your risk.

Dec 17th, 2024

The First Steps to Take if You Get Hurt on the Job

Workplace injuries can occur suddenly or develop over time. If you’re hurt on the job, here are a few steps to protect your health and finances.

Nov 2nd, 2024

Could Your Low Back Pain Be Spondylolysis?

Back pain can have many causes, including spondylolysis, a crack in the thin bone holding two vertebrae together in the spine. Read on to learn more about its causes, symptoms, and the importance of treatment.

Oct 16th, 2024

Consider These Incredible Benefits of In-Office SI Joint Fusion

No one wants to undergo surgery, but if you need a surgical solution for sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, an in-office procedure has many benefits. Read on to learn more.

Sep 17th, 2024

3 Telltale Signs You Have a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs occur most often in the neck and lower back. Symptoms include pain, tingling and numbness, and muscle weakness. Read on to learn more about signs to watch out for.

Aug 15th, 2024

What Type of Injury Qualifies as a Personal Injury?

Personal injuries cover a wide variety of situations and have a number of causes. Read on to learn more about personal injuries and what to do if you’ve suffered one.

Jul 30th, 2024

Understanding the Differences Between Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

Compression fractures of the vertebrae can be painful and interfere with everyday movements. If back pain prevents you from your daily activities even after conservative treatment, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty might be right for you.

Jun 17th, 2024

3 Telltale Signs of Facet Joint Osteoarthritis

Facet joint osteoarthritis can cause back pain and stiffness that affects mobility. Untreated, it can worsen and lead to bone spurs, joint enlargement, and pinched nerves. Read on to learn what signs to look out for.

May 16th, 2024

Am I Eligible for an Microscopic Discectomy?

Minimally invasive microscopic discectomies offer many benefits for herniated disc repair, including smaller incisions and faster recovery times. Read on to learn more about the procedure and who makes a good candidate.

Apr 2nd, 2024

Is Working from Home a Pain in Your Neck?

Working from home offers flexibility, which is great, but can lead to neck pain, which isn’t. Read on to learn more about the causes of work-related neck pain and how to combat it.

Mar 2nd, 2024

How Weight Loss Can Help You Resolve Sciatica

Sciatica pain starts in the lower back and travels down the buttocks and rear of the leg. It often results from the nerve being pinched or compressed. Carrying excess weight can play a role. Read on to learn more.

Feb 8th, 2024

Is Back Pain Normal As You Age?

Aging is well-known to increase the incidence of health issues from fading eyesight to aching joints to back pain. Does this mean you should just accept symptoms as normal? Not at all.

Jan 19th, 2024

Independent Medical Evaluation: How to Prepare and What to Expect

Do you need an independent medical evaluation but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with the details and some advice on how to prepare. Take a moment to learn more.

Dec 14th, 2023

4 Signs It's Time to Consider Disc Replacement Surgery

Minimally invasive disc replacement surgery may be the solution you need to treat complications from a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease. Learn more about what symptoms qualify you for this type of surgery.

Nov 3rd, 2023

The Effects of Whiplash After a Car Accident

The word “whiplash” gets used in all sorts of ways, but after a car accident, it refers to a neck strain. Whiplash can be serious and long-lasting, and early treatment is your best defense.

Oct 9th, 2023

Can a Herniated Disc Cause Spinal Stenosis?

Having a herniated disc can result in chronic pain, but can it lead to spinal stenosis? The two conditions are distinct, but sometimes related. Here’s what you need to know.

Sep 1st, 2023

5 Signs of Sciatica

40% of people experience sciatica at some point in their lives, especially as they get older. If you think you might be suffering from sciatica, here are five signs to look for.

Aug 1st, 2023

I Was Hurt on the Job: Can You Help?

Whether you work in a corner office or you’re in a warehouse, workplace injuries can, and do, occur. If you've been hurt on the job, you want a medical team in your corner that can help you heal, as well as navigate your workers’ comp.

Jul 4th, 2023

Here’s How You Can Manage Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome is painful and can disrupt your normal, day-to-day activities. In this post, we discuss several ways you can manage the pain, so you can continue living your life.

Jun 1st, 2023

10 Foods That Help Ease Your Arthritis Pain

Is your arthritis pain keeping you from doing the things you love? Are you looking for an alternative option or an addition to your arthritis medication? Click here for a list of 10 foods that can help ease arthritis pain.

May 12th, 2023

What's the Difference Between a Herniated Disc & a Bulging Disc?

Spinal discs, located between the vertebrae, cushion the loads on the spine while allowing movement and flexibility. When something goes wrong, you experience pain and limited mobility. Both bulging and herniated discs are common.

Apr 1st, 2023

Lifestyle Tips to Avoid Sciatica Pain

Sciatica can knock you off your regular routine. You can, however, take specific steps to avoid this common pain condition. Learn what lifestyle changes you can make to avoid sciatica pain.

Mar 6th, 2023

5 Nonsurgical Treatments for Chronic Joint Pain

Joint pain can wreak havoc on your life, especially regarding your normal activities. However, you don't necessarily need surgery — keep reading to find the top nonsurgical treatments for your chronic joint pain.

Feb 13th, 2023

Kyphoplasty vs Vertebroplasty: Which is Right for Me?

Back problems are pretty common, especially as you get older, but often they don’t require surgery. If your spine fractures and you need surgery, it’s important to know whether your condition needs kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty.

Jan 1st, 2023

The Link Between Obesity and Carpal Tunnel (And How We Can Help)

Being overweight compromises your health in multiple ways — it can lead to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, to name just a few complications. Can it also cause carpal tunnel syndrome? Find out here.

Dec 1st, 2022

5 Different Surgeries That Help Severe Neck Pain

When severe neck pain doesn’t respond effectively to conservative care measures, it may be time to consider surgery. Explore some of the most common surgical techniques for chronic neck pain, and find out which may be right for you.

Nov 1st, 2022

How Do You Know If You Have a Disc Injury?

Back injuries are quite common, whether they come from sports injuries, exercise, or just lifting something the wrong way. When dealing with problems related to back injuries, how do you know when it’s caused by a spinal disc?

Oct 1st, 2022

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Many people have backaches from time to time, and nearly everyone has had the uncomfortable experience of having a sore neck. Sometimes, though, such problems persist, and you need an expert. Spinal stenosis could be to blame.

Sep 1st, 2022

5 Ways To Help Prevent Your Sciatica From Flaring Up

Do you suffer from sciatica? Getting your symptoms under control is just the first step to managing this painful condition. Once you do, you can help avoid problems altogether by adopting these simple practices.

Aug 1st, 2022

Tips for Avoiding Arthritis

Do you have a family history of arthritis? Is it something you worry about developing? Although you can’t control all of the factors that contribute to arthritis, there are a few things you can do that may help limit your risk.

Jul 1st, 2022

These Bad Habits Are Making Your Neck Pain Worse

Does your neck seem to hurt far too often? Modern life puts a lot of strain on your neck, including some of your own actions. Learn more about the bad habits that may be causing your neck pain.

Jun 1st, 2022

The Importance of Exercising When You Have Arthritis

Millions of Americans have arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. If your joints hurt, you might dread the thought of exercise. However, regular exercise can significantly reduce joint pain. Read on to learn more.

May 1st, 2022

All About Motion Preservation Spine Surgery

Motion preservation spine surgery allows you to keep your spine's natural flexibility. This state-of-the-art technique is minimally invasive with reduced recovery time so that you can return to life with less pain and an improved range of motion.

Apr 1st, 2022

What To Do If You Break a Bone at Work

Despite your best efforts to stay safe at work, accidents and injuries can happen. If you suffer a broken bone while on the job, you can better deal with the situation if you’ve considered the possibilities in advance.

Mar 1st, 2022

Pros and Cons of Artificial Disc Replacement

If you suffer from chronic lower back pain, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive surgery called motion preservation. Motion preservation replaces a diseased disc with an artificial one that allows you to move your spine normally.

Feb 1st, 2022

Can Sciatica Stem From a Serious Disease?

Sciatica causes pain in your lower back, down your hip and buttock, and along your leg. Most of the time, you feel sciatica pain on one side or the other, but not both. The pain can be severe, but is it caused by a serious disease?

Jan 1st, 2022

What to Expect During and After Your Discectomy

A discectomy is a surgical procedure that can provide long-lasting relief for people suffering from severe disc problems. Here’s when a discectomy is performed and what to expect during and after your surgery.

Dec 1st, 2021

5 Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What do diabetes, tennis, and painting have in common? They can all increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Learn more about CTS and an advanced, micro-invasive surgery that can relieve your discomfort immediately.

Nov 1st, 2021

Best Treatment Options for Your Arthritis

Arthritis is a common pain condition that tends to worsen over time, especially when left untreated. The best treatment options for your arthritis are the ones you start right now. Read on to learn more.

Oct 1st, 2021

How Lumbar Fusion Surgery Can Help Your Disc Herniation

A herniated disc can cause pain in your back and nerve pain in your legs. This pain can come and go, but if you’re looking for a way to reduce it, read on to find out how lumbar fusion surgery can help.

Sep 12th, 2021

Curing Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be painful and can affect your ability to live a normal life. But this condition doesn’t have to affect you forever. Fast and effective treatments are available that can eliminate your carpal tunnel syndrome.

Aug 5th, 2021

Help, My Hip Hurts! And Other Signs of Sciatica

If sitting at your desk, riding in a car, or even sleeping on your side cause pain and discomfort, it could be sciatica. Understand the signs of sciatica, and learn what you can do to naturally relieve the pain long-term.

Jul 1st, 2021

The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Your doctor tells you that your back pain could be improved or resolved if you undergo minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). What does that mean, and can it really be as effective as traditional surgery? MISS is just as effective and safer, too.

Jun 17th, 2021

What's the Difference Between Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?

When you find out you have compression fractures, you panic. Are you doomed to continual pain? Or will you develop a “dowager’s hump”? Or shrink in height? In-office vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty ends your pain and restores your spine.

May 17th, 2021

When You Need Surgery for Disc Herniation (21046)

Herniated discs are common, particularly if you’re athletic or aging. Or both. Most of the time, a slipped disc heals on its own with physical therapy and medications. If it doesn’t, you may need surgery to fix the herniation and relieve the pain.

Apr 4th, 2021

Help! I've Been Hurt on the Job

Nobody goes to work expecting to be injured or sickened. But almost 3 million times per year, that’s exactly what happens. What should you do if you’ve been hurt on the job? First, get to a doctor as soon as possible.

Mar 21st, 2021

What Are Preop Protocols?

Your doctor tells you that you need surgery. But successful surgery requires more than just showing up to the hospital on the right day. You and your doctor must make preparations to ensure the best outcome. Here’s what you — and they — have to do.

Feb 8th, 2021

The Many Benefits of an Independent Medical Evaluation

You’ve been injured in a work-related accident, a car wreck, or other incident. When you file your worker’s compensation or other claim, you’re assigned an independent medical evaluator. But should you trust someone else’s IME?

Jan 17th, 2021

5 Tips to Manage Your Joint Health

Your joints let you move freely and painlessly throughout your day. But joints, like all body parts, are subject to degradation and disease. To keep your joints healthy both now and in the future, adopt these habits.

Dec 14th, 2020

How Artificial Disc Replacement Can Restore Your Pain-Free Movement

Your back hurts so much that it’s basically useless. You can’t twist. You can’t bend. You can’t sit. If more conservative measures fail, don’t jump to spinal fusion. Artificial disc replacement keeps you pain-free and preserves your mobility, too.

Nov 11th, 2020

Injured at Work? Here Are Your Next Steps

When you get hurt at work, you might suffer pain, emotional trauma, and even embarrassment. Accidents happen for many reasons. But whatever the reason, you have to take steps to protect yourself — medically and legally — right after the accident.

Oct 7th, 2020

Backpacks and Back To School

Whatever downside Zoom classes have for parents and school-aged kids, at least the kids don’t have to carry their books. If your kids are heading back to school with a knapsack on their back, here’s what you need to know to keep their spine safe.

Sep 9th, 2020

You Shouldn't Have to Suffer From Osteoarthritis. We Can Help!

You may think that aching, swollen joints are just a part of getting older that you have to tolerate. Although there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, that doesn’t mean you need to suffer. You can control your pain and increase mobility. Here’s how.

Aug 31st, 2020

Tips for Traveling With Back Pain

Whether you’re setting out for a camping trip or finally reuniting with relatives across the country, traveling comes with caveats when you have back pain. With a little planning and packing, though, you can travel pain-free.

Jul 24th, 2020

5 Tips to Prevent a Herniated Disc

You’re more at risk for a herniated disc the older you get, but herniated discs aren’t an inevitable part of aging. Find out how you can protect your vertebral discs and stop a painful rupture.

Jun 8th, 2020

Changing Lives Through SCS

I recently had the honor and privilege to take care of one of our finest veterans. Please see this most recent Press Release on Technical Sgt.

May 2nd, 2018

STC Hospital Chlorhexidine Bath Sequence

Please see this link for the pre-operative Chlorhexidine bath sequence that should be completed the night before and the morning of your surgery.

Mar 24th, 2018

Riding the Wave Into the Future

Yesterday, I was able to “Ride the Wave – WaveWriter, that Is”. I wanted to give Kirk McMullen, Jesse Kalkstein, Kristin Ribelli, and the entire Boston Scientific team a big thank you for allowing me...

Mar 8th, 2018

New Approach to Arm Pain

Please see this video from 2 months ago about how artificial disc replacement is changing our approach to arm pain.

Feb 9th, 2018

Facebook

I’ve been working hard to link my webpage to my social media accounts and wanted to let you know of the various Facebook Pages that I have available for the latest and most up-to-date information in the world of Spine care.

Nov 29th, 2017

The Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Spine Surgeon

Are you considering having spine surgery in the near future? There are often many questions left unanswered prior to having any surgery and many things that need to be done in preparation before the big day.

Oct 13th, 2017

Lumbar Disc Replacement Video

Sep 1st, 2017

Cervical Disc Replacement Video

Aug 29th, 2017

New “meet the Doctor” Video

Aug 13th, 2017

Is Running Good for Your Back?

“People who regularly run or walk briskly appear to have healthier discs in their spines than people who do not exercise, according to one of the first studies to closely examine links between movement and disc health.”

Jul 15th, 2017

Osteopenia & Osteoporosis

Osteopenia & Osteoporosis….what can I say about them in a few short sentences? Other than the fact that I drink at least 2 gallons of milk a week, is that really enough? The short answer is “no” that’s not enough. In fact, there are many factors...

Jul 13th, 2017

Chiropractic Care & Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractors have long been recognized as professional entities that are an integral part of any spine care team, including mine. However, I was unaware of the vast differences in chiropractic theories as it relates to the approach to care.

Jul 11th, 2017

Signing Out AMA

In healthcare, we are all working towards the team work ethic of central and common principles of healing and health promotion. However, during that process of healing patients, we also worry about the safety and well-being of each people we care for.

Jul 10th, 2017

Is Emergency Acupuncture for Real?

I know, I know – Emergency Acupuncture? I have never heard of it or considered this an emergency treatment for ailments. What ailments can it really treat?

Jul 8th, 2017

Knee Pain – Appropriate Treatment?

The New York Times recently published an article about “What I Wish I’d Known About My Knees”

Jul 5th, 2017

First 3D Printed Spinal Implant

PITTSBURGH…June 27, 2017 – Advanced Orthopedics and Rehabilitation (AOR) announced today that Dr. Jocelyn Idema is now using a new medical device created with an advanced additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing, as part...

Jun 30th, 2017

First in Pennsylvania

Last week, I was notified by Aesculap medical device company that I am the first in Pennsylvania to implant the new generation of lumbar disc replacement – the activL®.

Apr 26th, 2017

Gender Differences With Implants?

Please read this article below about gender differences and the implants we choose. There is a big push in the medical device community to separate differences between the male knee versus the female knee etc.

Apr 21st, 2017

Lumbar Disc Replacement Website

Please see this link to the Aesculap activL® if you have any questions regarding this incredible technology.

Mar 22nd, 2017

Cervical Disc Replacement Information Website

Just received the link for this incredible technology. If you have any questions about cervical disc replacement, check this link out first.

Mar 16th, 2017

MIS Vs Open Surgery

As many of you may know, my surgical practice is at least 90% or more Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS or MISS) compared to the old, traditional way of spine surgery or “Open” spine surgery.

Mar 1st, 2017

Think Flag Football is Safer Than Tackle?

My son wants to play football this coming fall and I keep going back and forth whether we should start him in flag football or just get him started in tackle football like my husband did at age 6.

Feb 21st, 2017

New Location – Pennsylvania

Welcome, my apologies for not writing recently as I’ve been a little busy with my practice moving from Maryland to Western Pennsylvania.

Jan 19th, 2017

Quit Smoking Forever

There’s no doubt that quitting smoking at any point in your life is better for your overall health. A small study recently reported that 40% of patients after their spine surgery were able to remain non-smokers.

Oct 6th, 2016

Parents Magazine – Sept 2016

Aug 22nd, 2016

"Poke’mon Go”

The craze continues to grow and so does the digital age! Everywhere I go, I see more and more people using their smartphones and tablets scavenging the countryside looking for different Poke’mon’s.

Aug 11th, 2016

A Changing Landscape

I just returned from the 14th Annual Becker’s Spine, Orthopaedics, and Pain Medicine conference and is there every some drastic changes expected for medicine. The shift in care to outpatient surgery centers where patients can often receive...

Jun 13th, 2016

Lumbar TDR – is It Time?

I recently read some updates on lumbar total disc replacement (LTDR) and have to admit that I was skeptical as to the history behind the elusive lumbar disc replacement and all of the problems associated with the FDA and discs in the mid-2000’s.

Apr 16th, 2016

Is Orthopedics a Changing Field?

Becker’s Spine Review,”Is orthopedics a changing field?Drs. Juliet DeCampos, Jocelyn Idema & Barbara Bergin tackle the gender gap in orthopedics”

Jan 25th, 2016

Spine Surgeon’s to Know – 2016

Becker’s Spine recently highlighted “Spine Surgeon’s to Know – 2016” This is a great National honor and ranks alphabetically, those spine surgeons, that continue to make a difference in the quality of life for our patients.

Jan 24th, 2016

New Year’s Resolution

Happy New Year! I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Around this time of year, every year, most people when asked “What is your new year resolution(s)?” Most people will say that they would like to exercise more...

Dec 31st, 2015

Heterotopic Ossification and Your Cervical Spine

Heterotopic Ossification (HO) is one of the most common complications following hip arthroscopy. It is estimated that up to 44% of do not receive medication prophylaxis will experience some form of complication following this procedure.

Dec 28th, 2015

Back Pain, Pregnancy, and Childbirth

As a mother of two wonderful children, I can personally attest to how being pregnant, childbirth, and the postpartum recovery period can affect a woman’s body. As you are aware, many changes occur during the multiple phases of pregnancy from a mental...

Nov 5th, 2015

Halloween – Icd-10 Codes

Approximately 1 month ago, our medical coding system changed from ICD-9 to ICD-10 codes. Essentially these codes have changed from 13,000 codes (ICD-9) to over 67,000+ codes (ICD-10).

Oct 28th, 2015

Cervical Disk Replacement

Approximately two weeks ago, I was able to attend and lecture at the AOAO Annual Conference on cervical spine pathology and symptoms – My portion of the lectures had to do with ACDF with stand-alone interbody or whether a plate for cervical fusions was...

Oct 28th, 2015

National School Backpack Awareness Day – September 16th – Fnp

September 16th, 2015 – National School Backpack Awareness Day Frederick News Post – 9/8/2015

Sep 7th, 2015

Fox 45 Baltimore Interview on Backpack Injuries in School Age Kids

Please check out my most recent TV interview on Baltimore’s – Fox 45 Morning Show: Back Packs

Aug 24th, 2015

Healthcare Internet?

In the next few months and it is no surprise, the entire healthcare coding sector will be overhauled to ICD-10. Many in healthcare are concerned with the many changes for better or worse that will occur and let’s face it, the current coding system...

Jul 29th, 2015

Med Technology Gadgets

The other day, I was using Google to help seek out some of the newer technologies that are becoming available in the world of medicine and most specifically, Orthopaedics and Spine.

Jul 20th, 2015

Becker’s Spine Article Highlight

I recently had an opportunity to sit down with Becker’s Spine and was interviewed about the business/personal balance of my life and was honored that they posted this account.

Jun 13th, 2015

“The Art of Medicine”

Thank you Shawna for the interview – this was truly an honor...

Jun 12th, 2015

Space Travel and Your Back

I know this may sound like a bazaar subject to talk about but I recently read this in one of my journals. The Orthopaedic Research Society or ORS at their annual meeting recently highlighted how our astronauts have an increased risk for herniated disks.

Jun 7th, 2015