SL_PSSMprofile_0620FINAL_Layout 1 6 / 17 / 20 2 : 40 PM Page 1 D PROFILE The Pandemic is Stressing Our Bodies Don’t be afraid to seek medical help when the body in New Ways signals “ something’s wrong , ” say the specialists at Princeton Brain , Spine and Sports Medicine . Mark R . McLaughlin , M.D . , FAANS , FACS Nirav K . Shah , M.D . , FAANS , FACS Seth Joseffer , M.D . , FAANS , FACS appreciates your concern . Early on , each lo - stops sounding altogether . ” s the stay - at - home orders around the re - cation adopted a number of measures in - Be especially mindful of neck pain that ra - gion began to lift , the specialists at Prince - diates to the arms and hands , and leads to t ton Brain , Spine and Sports Medicine ended to facilitate social distancing and A numbness or weakness and back pain that ra - noticed a pattern emerging . ensure a clean , sterile environment . diates to the legs and leads to numbness or “ I’ve been seeing a lot of people who , “ We’ve done our best to remain open weakness , says Nirav K . Shah , M.D . , FAANS , under normal circumstances , would have with the proper precautions throughout the FACS , Princeton Brain , Spine and Sports Med - come in sooner for an evaluation , ” says neu - pandemic , ” Dr . Shah says . “ Consequently , icine’s medical director . rosurgeon Seth Joseffer , M.D . , FAANS , FACS . we’re well suited now , as the restrictions lift , Those who have seen their exercise rou - “ They’re hands are going numb , or they’re to treat patients through both in - person visits e tines derailed may be experiencing a range of experiencing severe pain when they try to and telemedicine . ” icin aches and pains that stem from a loss walk . In some cases , it’s so bad , they haven’t While much of everyday life is now tinged of neck Med been able to walk for a couple of weeks . ” with a low - level anxiety , the key is managing and core strength and diminished muscle rts While all of Princeton Brain , Spine and it , says Dr . McLaughlin , who authored a book tone overall , according to Dr . Joseffer . Spo Sports Medicine’s locations remained open titled Cognitive Dominance : A Brain Surgeon’s “ Exercise is a powerful natural pain re - nd throughout the COVID - 19 pandemic , many Quest to Out - Think Fear . liever and antidepressant , ” Dr . McLaughlin a ne people have limited their outings to grocery “ It’s a human condition , ” he says . “ Every - adds . “ Removing it from the equation can sig - Spi shopping . But pain , whether it’s new or one has it . It never goes away . But easing back nificantly increase both . ” ain , chronic , shouldn’t be ignored . into your routines can help keep it in check . ” Regardless of whether you’re experienc - ? Br “ If someone’s experiencing pain , it’s re - ing neck or back pain or a sports injury re - eton ally important for them to have it evaluated lated to a decrease in activity or starting back rinc too hard , the sooner the intervention , the ecause if it’s left unattended , it could de - b P of Princeton Brain , Spine D greater the likelihood that the treatment will velop into irreversible nerve damage , ” says sy be less invasive than if you put off having it Mark R . McLaughlin , M.D . , FAANS , FACS , te and Sports Medicine ur looked at , Dr . McLaughlin says . The recovery founder of Princeton Brain , Spine and Sports co To learn more or to schedule an appoint - y should also be quicker . Medicine . “ Nerves are the body’s alarm sys - ph ment , visit princetonbrainandspine.com a If you’re hesitating out of fear of being ex - tem . Pain is their way of signaling something’s ogr or call ( 215 ) 741 - 3141 in Pennsylvania or t posed to the virus , know that the team at wrong . But , over time , that alarm’s going to ho ( 609 ) 921 - 9001 in New Jersey . Princeton Brain , Spine and Sports Medicine become quieter and quieter until it finally P SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2020 56 |