It’s rarely the first choice, but for some people, fusion is the best treatment for stabilizing the cervical spine. Your benefits include pain relief and improved quality of life. But there are some factors to consider during the healing process. At Yale Neurosurgery New London, our neurosurgeon, Dr. Patrick Doherty,...
You may need rest, bracing, and physical rehab to overcome the effects of a fractured vertebra. Sometimes, however, the break compromises spinal stability, leading to significant pain and decreased mobility. Even then, the fracture is usually repairable with a minimally invasive in-office procedure. At Yale Neurosurgery New London, our neurosurgeon, Dr....
Here at Yale Neurosurgery New London, Patrick Doherty, MD, and our group provide the least invasive, most effective treatments available for issues affecting your spine. We’re also committed to patient-centered care, prioritizing education that helps you make informed decisions about your health. The following information can help you manage your...
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) typically start in the small joints of the fingers and toes and then move on to the knees and other larger joints. Studies show that as many as 86% of people diagnosed with this progressive inflammatory disease also have RA in the cervical...
Even top-level spine surgeons like Dr. Patrick Doherty at Yale Neurosurgery New London prefer conservative treatment to surgery whenever possible. However, an operation may be your preferred choice when your pain doesn’t respond to these therapies. Dr. Doherty and our New London, Connecticut, team share their expertise about the effectiveness...
If you’re considering spine surgery, you’re probably looking forward to what it can do to improve your overall quality of life. It’s understandable, though, if you’re wondering what’s involved in the recovery process. Dr. Patrick Doherty and our team at Yale Neurosurgery New London are well-known for providing state-of-the-art care for painful spinal conditions....
Our Yale Neurosurgery New London team, led by Dr. Patrick Doherty, is well-known for providing top-level care that offers the most effective solutions for back and neck pain. Although Dr. Doherty specializes in intricate spine surgeries, he aims to treat you with the most conservative therapies available whenever possible. Fortunately,...
Robotic surgery enables neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Doherty at Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut, to perform highly complex back surgery and neck surgery with more precision and control than traditional surgical procedures. Our team offers this information about this advanced surgery and how you can prepare for it....
Cervical osteoarthritis can become painfully disabling if ignored. Our Yale Neurosurgery New London team, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Doherty, explains osteoarthritis of the cervical spine (neck) and the treatments we offer to address your pain and decreased mobility. Understanding the effects of cervical osteoarthritis The cervical spine is a complex structure that runs from the base...
Researchers estimate that as many as 5 to 20 out of every 1000 people in the United States have one or more herniated discs. Not all require treatment since disc problems can remain asymptomatic throughout your life. However, depending on how and where the disc ruptures, you may experience considerable pain and...
You may focus more on appearance than health when thinking about good posture. And all that slouching can affect how you look and feel as you face the world. However, posture also influences your spine and joint health and even plays a significant role in digestion and breathing. The Yale Neurosurgery...
The National Institutes of Health expects about 80% of people in the United States to experience one or more episodes of back or neck pain in their lifetime. And that pain is often related to disc problems. Dr. Patrick Doherty and our team at Yale Neurosurgery New London offer outstanding diagnostic and treatment services for painful...
Hunching over a computer for several hours, using the wrong pillow, or carrying a heavy bag over your shoulder can strain neck muscles and make it hard to turn your head. These symptoms generally fade after a few days of home care. Sometimes, though, neck pain requires medical care. The...
Dr. Patrick Doherty of Yale Neurosurgery New London is a board-certified neurosurgeon and spine specialist. He has spent much of his medical career assisting in the development of innovative, effective, and less invasive surgical approaches for treating a variety of conditions that affect your neck and back. Dr. Doherty explains the many benefits...
Dr. Patrick Doherty and our team at Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut, specialize in diagnosing and treating painful spinal disorders that can affect your mobility and overall quality of life. Here’s what these specialists suggest you try if your work-from-home dream job is turning out to be...
Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Doherty leads a team of spine specialists here at Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut. Our group is known for combining the most advanced treatments available with a patient-first strategy that’s customized to fit your needs. Understanding the cervical spine The cervical spine, better...
Depending on where it’s located and how the disc ruptures (herniates), a herniated disc may not cause any pain at all. But when they do hurt, herniated discs are hard to ignore. Dr. Patrick Doherty and our team at Yale Neurosurgery New London spend most of every workday helping residents...
One of our top priorities here at Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut, is providing minimally invasive surgical procedures for painful back and neck conditions that affect your mobility and overall quality of life. However, Dr. Patrick Doherty, who leads the team at Yale Neurosurgery, is committed to...
Our team at Yale Neurosurgery New London, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Doherty, specializes in patient-focused care for painful spinal conditions that threaten your mobility and overall quality of life. We’re known for providing the highest quality treatments available for back and neck pain that’s often linked to joint changes...
At first glance, your spine appears to be one continuous line of backbone that travels from the base of your skull to the roughly triangular shaped sacrum and coccyx (tailbone) region. Take a second look, however, and you’ll find that each of the five segments of the spine is quite...
Do you spend a lot of time at a desk with your head thrust forward and your shoulders slumped? Then that pain in the neck you’ve been grumbling about may be caused by poor posture rather than the overtime you’re putting in at work. Dr. Patrick Doherty and our team...
Dr. Patrick Doherty and our team at Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut, are dedicated to treating back pain of all shapes and sizes. Once he’s discovered what’s driving your symptoms, Dr. Doherty’s attention shifts to designing a customized treatment strategy that addresses your discomfort and the underlying...
You can’t always prevent a spinal disc from herniating or rupturing, but there’s much you can do to correct bad habits that might have contributed to the malfunction. Dr. Patrick Doherty of Yale Neurosurgery New London is a board-certified neurosurgeon who is highly regarded for his significant surgical skills and...
Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Doherty and our specialty team at Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut, are known for successfully treating spinal issues that result in chronic pain. Read what our experts say about the ways that various components in cigarettes and other tobacco products affect your back...
Surgery is sometimes your best treatment option for overcoming the challenges of various painful conditions that threaten the functionality of your spine. But how do you know when it’s time for an operation? Dr. Patrick Doherty of Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut, is a highly respected neurosurgeon...
Dr. Patrick Doherty is a board-certified neurosurgeon with a busy practice (Yale Neurosurgery New London) in New London, Connecticut. Dr. Doherty is well-known for his significant surgical skill and pioneering approach to developing effective and minimally invasive treatments for painful spinal issues. Read what this medical expert has to say...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is by far the most common form of arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 32 million Americans have symptomatic OA, and clinical findings indicate it probably affects most adults to some extent. OA can cause varying degrees of stiffness and discomfort in...
Patrick Doherty, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon who is widely known in the medical world for his surgical skill and expertise. He directs our team’s commitment to patient-first care here at Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut. Dr. Doherty also receives high praise for his pioneering work in...
Our team at Yale Neurosurgery New London, led by Patrick Doherty, MD, offers patients the least invasive and most effective treatments available today for numerous spinal issues that can lead to debilitating pain and decreased mobility. Dr. Doherty is a highly skilled neurosurgeon who is widely recognized for leading the...
There’s no doubt that good posture has its benefits. It makes clothes fit better, and who doesn’t envy that noticeably straight back anyone who takes their posture seriously greets the world with? The truth is that good posture also provides serious health benefits. Did you know, for instance, that your...
Unfortunately, neck pain does not always remain in one spot, which would be bad enough. You may already know that pain in your neck can work its way into your head, across your shoulders, and even down your arms. But why is that? Patrick Doherty, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon...
Whether it’s a twinge you feel when bending over or a full onslaught of pain as you try to straighten up, back pain is a common issue for millions of Americans. The conditions that might cause the back pain, however, are as diverse and complex as the people it affects....
Traditional or open spine surgery often requires a long period of rest and rehabilitation before you can return to your normal routine. But for many people, newer methods based on technological innovations and improved surgical techniques offer effective results and a quicker return to your usual activities. Considered a pioneer...
Most herniated discs respond to conservative therapies like modifying activities and taking medications to reduce inflammation and pain. Sometimes, however, disc problems can lead to significant issues with reduced mobility, worsening pain, and even permanent nerve damage. Dr. Patrick Doherty and our team here at Yale Neurosurgery New London are...
Neck pain can really put a damper on your day. The good news? Whether your neck pain is intermittent or a constant companion that affects your entire day, you don’t have to live with it. Patrick Doherty, MD is a board-certified neurosurgeon who leads an expert team of medical professionals...
It’s best to undergo conservative therapy for back issues whenever possible. Sometimes, however, a ruptured disc or other condition requires surgery for pain relief and improved mobility. Fortunately, advanced technology and improved techniques make back surgery a better alternative than in decades past. Dr. Patrick Doherty is a top-rated neurosurgeon...
Neck surgery probably isn’t at the top of anyone’s wish list, but there are times when it’s the best solution for resolving your pain. What to expect during recovery often depends on the condition being treated, how active you were before the procedure, and whether underlying health conditions, such as...
Spinal stenosis, which is narrowing of the spinal canal, is a common and often increasingly painful condition that can cause symptoms anywhere along your spine. Spinal nerves in the narrowed area become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to tingling, numbness, and other debilitating symptoms in your arms or legs....
Back surgery doesn’t signal an end to your sports career. Whether you’re a pro or a weekend warrior, however, there’s a right way and a wrong way to get moving again after spinal surgery. Board-certified neurosurgeon, Dr. Patrick Doherty, is a well-known spine expert who leads our team at Yale...
Neck pain caused by arthritis (cervical spondylosis) is so common in the United States that the American Orthopedic Association estimates 85% of people over 60 have cervical arthritis. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for chronic neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis. At Yale Neurosurgery New London, our neck...
Your spine is a complex structure that holds up your head and upper body. It supplies the support you need to stand and the flexibility required to bend and twist. It also protects your spinal cord, which runs through the spinal column and houses the spinal nerves your brain uses...