Blog
Cavernovas: what are they and treatment options
This is a rare condition. Cavernomas are blood vessel anomalies that can occur in the brain or the spinal cord. Generally, the incidence in the population is thought to be around 1:200 to 1:400. The most common ways that cavernomas become symptomatic is by causing...
The use of cannabidiol (CBD oil) in the treatment of back pain: is it time to re-set expectations?
A recent editorial in the The Medical Journal of Australia, 3rd May 2021 Volume 214 by Chris Hayes and Jennifer H Martin explores the use of and the research behind cannabidiol, or CBD oil, for a variety of treatments including back pain, and its use in a clinical...
The Survivorship Diary
The Survivorship DiaryThe Survivorship Diary is a resource to help patients and their families manage their treatment and lifestyle after a brain or other cancer diagnosis. Created by Cassandra Bennett, whom is a mother, daughter, wife, athlete and accountant and whom...
Surgical treatment for lower back pain
Following on from our earlier blog on the incidence of lower back pain, occasionally non-invasive and non-surgical solutions do not improve the attack. In this instance your primary care provider may indicate it is time to consider undertaking some diagnostic...
Lower back pain: basic information, steps to healing and treatment strategies
The lower back, or lumbar spine, is a well-engineered structure of interconnecting bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, and muscles all working together to provide support, strength, and flexibility. However, this complex structure also leaves it susceptible to injury...
The idea of an operation can be frightening
Many people are filled with anxiety at the thought of having an operation. If that operation involves their spine or brain, the stakes are that much higher. As a result, seeking the opinion of a neurosurgeon is often avoided, because of the fear that this will lead...
Is it Nerve Pain?
Conditions that affect your neck or lower back, or trauma to these areas, can result in a pinched nerve. This can then result in nerve pain. Nerve pain is known as “neuropathic pain” in medical literature. Not everyone with a back or neck problem will suffer from...
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common ailment that seems to affect women more than men. It can be quite troublesome, as one of the most characteristic symptoms, is that it tends to wake the sufferer up at night with painful tingling and numbness in the hands. This...
Healing in isolation
The most important lessons I have learnt in my medical career have been from patients. The last few weeks, while adapting to the COVID-19 environment, have been no exception and for me quite surreal. This pandemic is clearly an unprecedented danger that we are facing...