COVID-19 Update on Office Procedures

Frank X Pedlow Jr., M.D.

At Frank X. Pedlow Jr MD PC and Boston Spine Surgery, the safety of our patients, as well as our staff, is our top priority.  We want to ensure that we balance our adherence with state and national recommendations regarding social distancing with addressing the medical needs of our patients.  We are closely following the most up-to-date announcements and information on the known cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Because this information is always changing, we will be monitoring all updates from the Centers for Disease Control, Partners HealthCare, the Massachusetts General Hospital and  Boston, Massachusetts and federal officials.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, please make sure to contact us via phone prior to your appointment. You may also contact us for any additional questions by calling our office at (617) 227-9300.

• Our office will be seeing patients with a modified schedule, and our staff is available during normal business hours for your calls or questions. If you have an appointment and haven’t received a call to reschedule, please plan to arrive at your scheduled time.
• If you are a NEW patient requesting an office consultation, or an existing patient in need of follow-up care please call our office to discuss the next best steps.
• Virtual visits can be arranged
• When coming for your visit, we are asking only the PATIENT to enter our office; the medical office building is asking for only those with appointments to enter the buildings. Exceptions exist, including those who require assistance.
• We are asking all to fill out an intake questionnaire and use hand sanitizer upon arrival.  We appreciate our patient’s understanding and patience as we all do our part not to spread this virus.

State of Massachusetts Information
Massachusetts General Hospital Coronavirus Updates
Partners HealthCare Coronavirus Updates
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control

A lot of Americans are bound to their desk chairs for eight hours a day. Recent studies have shown how bad a sedentary lifestyle is for your health, but did you know it can also hurt your back and spine? Sitting distorts the natural curve of your spine, which means your back muscles have to hold your back in shape. It’s important for all people with desk jobs to know the issues sitting for too long can cause and how to effectively prevent these issues from developing.

What Does Sitting Do To Your Spine?

Sitting can affect your spine in a variety of ways, including:

• Muscular Back Pain – Sitting for extended periods of time can weaken and stiffen the muscles in your back. It can also decrease the amount of blood circulating and oxygen that reaches the muscle cells.
• Herniated Discs – A sedentary lifestyle puts more pressure on your back and spine, increasing your chances of having a herniated disc.
• Pinched Back Nerves – Sitting for a majority of the day puts extra pressure on the nerve tissue of the spinal bones.

How Can I Prevent Back and Spine Injuries?

Until standing desks become popular for all companies, it’s important to follow these simple tips to prevent back and spine injuries:

• Focus on good posture – Slouching only increases your chance of developing back and spine injuries. Sit up straight with your back pushed against the chair to increase back support.
• Stand every hour – Standing every hour and walking around the office will keep your blood circulating and will stretch out your back.
• Do simple stretches – Placing your hands on your lower back and stretching backwards will take some of the pressure off your back and keep your muscles from getting stiff.

Contact your Dr. Pedlow for information on preventing spine injuries from a sedentary lifestyle.

The MGH Spine Service is the first hospital in Massachusetts to add the O-Arm from Medtronics, offering advanced imaging capabilities during surgical procedures. The O-arm can assist in the performance of all types of surgical procedures from traditional open surgery to more minimally invasive procedures, with the goal of improving surgical outcomes and patient safety. 

From more information please visit Medtronic’s website.