Odds are you've experienced back pain at least once in your life, but it's time to get the facts on what's causing your back pain and how you should be treating it. Christian DiPaola, MD, orthopedics, addresses some of the myths associated with back pain. Find out if bed rest is good for your back, if an MRI can reveal the cause of your pain or if physical therapy has benefits to ease symptoms. Watch Health Watch here. »

Losing weight before joint replacement surgery is recommended to decrease risk of infection and experience better outcomes. Many physicians have required it as conventional wisdom points to lower body weight and lower body mass index yielding better results in joint replacement.

Now, new findings from the University of Massachusetts Medical School have revealed that overweight and obese patients reap the same benefits from joint replacement as someone of normal weight. "What this study shows is that people who are overweight and obese get the same type of pain relief and improved function that other patients do," said David Ayers, MD, chair, orthopedics and rehabilitation medicine, and co-author of this study.

If you struggle to lose weight because it's too painful to move, joint replacement surgery may be an option. Read articles in U.S. News & World Report and the Telegram and Gazette.

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Topics: Joint Pain;
Shoulder Rotator Cuff