'Swedish Spine, Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine' posts

On Sunday April 7, several Swedish physicians participated in Jefferson Healthcare's Runner's Symposium in Port Townsend for the upcoming Rhody Run. Over 300 runners attended the event. Dr. Erik Brand gave a lecture on core strength in runners, Dr. Jeff Moo gave a lecture on the physiological benefits of running and aerobic exercise, and lastly I gave a lecture on sports nutrition for marathon runners. We also provided musculoskeletal ultrasound screenings for over 60 participants with our two portable ultrasound machines.

Concussions are serious injuries that should be treated by healthcare providers who are experienced with their management. Sports Medicine physicians diagnose and treat concussions with the goal of promoting a healthy recovery and returning athletes to sports and kids to school. Additionally, we work with parents, athletes, coaches, and other providers to identify the signs and symptoms of a concussion and help to proactively manage the effects.

What is a concussion?

A concussion, also referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury, is an injury to the brain caused by a blow to the head or from a whiplash effect due to a hit to the body. Concussions change the way the brain works and how a person thinks, acts, and feels. Most people do not lose consciousness. Even a "ding" or "bell ringer" can be serious.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

Symptoms fall into four categories: physical, cognitive or thinking abilities, mood and behavior, and sleep. A person may have many symptoms or only a couple of symptoms. If a person reports one or more symptoms of concussion or if another person notices the symptoms, keep the person out of play and seek medical attention.

The symptoms of a concussion that fall into each category include:

SEATTLE, Jan. 17, 2013 - KING 5 Television (NBC) News Anchor Jean Enersen recently interviewed Erik Brand, M.D., M.Sc. - a sports medicine physician with Swedish Spine, Sports & Musculoskeletal Specialists - about exercises to help relieve neck and shoulder pain, which is a common condition often associated with poor posture while sitting at a desk for long periods.

The holidays are a beautiful time but as the New Year begins, the aftermath may be less than pleasant. With all the parties, traveling, eating, drinking and general merriment from the past few months, many of us may be dealing with a post-holiday headache. But what if your pain is more than just a passing ache? For those with chronic pain, especially in the back and neck, the added stress of the holidays can make it worse. Our minds and bodies play off each other so when one is stressed, the other one usually is, too. For instance, have you have noticed how a little rest and relaxation can cut both the physical and mental pain of stress? Here a few tips to keep the post-holiday headache from getting the best of you: