09/29/2023
Discover The Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery offers patients a range of advantages compared to traditional open spine surgery. This type of surgery can be used to treat various conditions and has been shown…
Learn More09/21/2023
How Surgery Helps to Relieve Spinal Pain
Our spines are essential components of our bodies, intended to give us stability, balance, and mobility. However, millions of Americans live with conditions that can cause chronic pain, disability, and…
Learn More06/28/2023
The 5 Most Common Spine Injuries in Athletes & How to Treat Them
Athletes must always be aware of their bodies, and this is especially true when it comes to spine injuries. Spine injuries can be extremely debilitating and restrict athletes’ ability to…
Learn More05/31/2023
Back Pain in Children
A study reveals that up to 15% of children aged 11 to 14 years old have back pain. This is a startling statistic and one that all parents should be…
Learn More04/30/2023
The 5 Most Common Causes Of Pain That Radiates Down to The Legs
The human body is an intricate system of nerves and muscles that can cause us pain when something isn’t working right. Pain that radiates down to the legs can be…
Learn More04/01/2023
Lordosis (Swayback): All You Need to Know
Lordosis, also known as ‘Swayback’, is a spine condition that can occur for different reasons and the effects to the body may vary from person to person. In most cases,…
Learn More03/01/2023
Why does your neck hurt?
As with most things, we often don’t appreciate them until they stop working properly. The same is true of the neck. Most of the time our necks ‘work’ without any…
Learn More02/01/2023
Headaches Caused by a Neck Problem
Headaches are a widespread health issue, affecting millions of people around the world. From mild to severe, headaches can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life. While…
Learn More01/01/2023
Things to Start Doing If You Have Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
If you suspect you suffer from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and would like to learn what steps you can take to reduce the symptoms, then you have come to the right…
Learn More11/30/2022
All You Need to Know About Forward Head Posture
With proper head posture, the head vertically aligns with the spine. Forward head posture occurs when a person leans their head forward, out of the neutral alignment with the spinal…
Learn More09/01/2022
Sports that Cause the Most Spine Injuries
Over half of all serious injuries in contact sports are C-Spine injuries. Spine injuries can have serious, long-lasting effects, so awareness is essential so you can take preventive measures to…
Learn More07/31/2022
How to Take Care of Yourself After a Spinal Fusion
Healing from a spinal fusion varies from person to person. As with any serious surgery, it will take time for you to heal completely. In fact, full recovery can take…
Learn More07/01/2022
What is a Cervicogenic Headache?
If you have a headache that seems to start in your neck, then you likely are experiencing a cervicogenic headache (CGH). Usually, the pain occurs on one side of the…
Learn More06/07/2022
3 Signs You May Have a Slipped Disc
A slipped disk is a common spinal injury. A slipped disc may also be referred to as a herniated disc, bulging disc, protruding disc, or a ruptured disc. Spinal discs…
Learn More05/01/2022
How to Tell if You Have a Spinal Infection
Spinal infection is a serious condition that occurs when bacteria, fungi, or viruses invade the spinal tissue. Fortunately, spinal infections are a rare condition. That said, it is important to…
Learn More03/23/2022
What You Need to Know About Metastatic Spinal Tumors
Metastatic spinal tumors are growths that spread to the spine when there is cancer in another part of the body. Common cancers originate in the lungs, breasts, kidneys, and prostate….
Learn More01/29/2022
Do You Know Your Spine? Learn About Spinal Conditions and Treatments.
The spine is a complex part of the body, so it is susceptible to various conditions. What treatment options are available for these conditions? Our spine surgeon in Delray Beach,…
Learn More01/01/2022
How Poor Posture Can Cause Neck Pain
Did you know that frequent headaches and discomfort around the neck may be due to poor posture? If you’re slouching and keeping your head forward or down most of the…
Learn More10/31/2021
Osteochondroma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Osteochondroma accounts for more than 20 to 50% of ALL benign bone tumor cases. It is commonly seen in children as early as ten years old. In fact, 75-80% of…
Learn More10/29/2021
What are the Signs of Scoliosis in Children?
Scoliosis is a common spine condition often diagnosed among adolescents and teenagers, or kids 10 to 15 years old. According to the latest available data, scoliosis affects about 2% of…
Learn More08/31/2021
What to Expect From a Laminoplasty
Spinal stenosis is a condition which can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves along the vertebrae of the neck. This can lead to symptoms such as numbness,…
Learn More07/31/2021
How to Keep Your Back in Good Health
Many back-related issues could be avoided if only we were a bit more cautious about our lifestyle and aware of how it affects our spine. In this article, you will…
Learn More07/29/2021
Do You Need Surgery for Osteoid Osteoma of the Spine?
Osteoid osteoma refers to bone-like tumors that grow on the spine and long bones, such as the thigh and shin bones. These tumors are benign and not cancerous. Although they…
Learn More05/31/2021
Acute Low Back Pain: When is it Time to See a Specialist?
Back problems, including backaches, are among the most common reasons why patients see a specialist. In the US alone, about 65 million Americans report experiencing a recent episode of back…
Learn More05/16/2021
What Are the Different Types of Spinal Surgery?
Does back pain stop you from enjoying an active south Florida lifestyle or make it hard to get around or work? Well you’re not alone. According to statistics, around 16…
Learn More04/25/2021
Pros and Cons of Surgical Treatment of Spinal Stenosis.
The decision to have surgery is never easy. Given a choice, we would all rather avoid it. There are many fears and doubts around surgery, many of which are based…
Learn More04/08/2021
The best and worst exercises for back pain
One of the best treatments for lower back pain is exercise. The right type of lower back exercises can give you relief, when the wrong ones can do more harm…
Learn More01/31/2021
Do You Need Back Surgery? 3 Signs to Watch Out For
Do you experience back aches that don’t seem to want to go away? You’re not alone. Back pain is one of the most common chronic complaints among Americans. If you’ve…
Learn More01/13/2021
How to Choose the Best Spine Surgeon?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders reports that almost 80% of Americans will endure back pain that needs some form of treatment. When you have back pain you want it…
Learn More12/01/2020
3 Work From Home Habits to Avoid Back Pain
Many people have been given the privilege of working from the comfort (and safety) of their homes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, the ability to work from…
Learn More11/01/2020
Thoracic Kyphosis
If you look at yourself in the mirror, you will notice that the spine is not a straight line when viewed from the side. It has a natural S-shaped curvature…
Learn More10/28/2020
Here’s Why Back Pain With Fever Should Not be Taken Lightly
Back pain, as common as it is, has many different causes. Most of them are mechanical in nature and caused by an undue amount of stress or strain on the…
Learn More10/22/2020
Life after spinal fusion
If you are contemplating undergoing spine surgery, specifically a spinal fusion, then you may be wondering what kind of quality of life you can expect afterward. The purpose of this…
Learn More10/20/2020
What is Spinal Tuberculosis (Pott’s disease)
Spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott’s disease or tuberculous spondylitis, is a rare infectious disease that leads to the collapse of the vertebrae, causing a deformity or kyphosis (hunchback). Named…
Learn More08/31/2020
Exercises For Flat Back Syndrome – Infographic
If you are experiencing difficulty in standing upright or having balance problems caused by flatback syndrome, our orthopedic spine specialist is ready to help. Dr. Matthew Hepler is an adult and pediatric…
Learn More07/13/2020
3 things you should know about sciatica
Sciatica, if you’ve ever suffered this you will know how debilitating it is. If you are living in pain with this condition, please keep reading, there is help out there. …
Learn More06/05/2020
How to Ensure a Back Pain-Free Quarantine?
Staying home is crucial during this quarantine period to avoid the risk of getting coronavirus. As much as it’s a good idea to remain indoors in this pandemic, there are…
Learn More05/11/2020
Are You Doing These 3 Unhealthy Quarantine Practices That Damage The Spine?
Are you stuck at home because of the quarantine, or forced to work-from-home in a cramped space? According to our spine surgeon in Palm Beach County, being sedentary during this…
Learn More04/27/2020
Don’t Catch the Sitting Disease When Staying at Home
Do you have the sitting disease? Experts coined this term to refer to an overly sedentary lifestyle. If you’ve been staying at home for a long period, you’re at risk…
Learn More03/30/2020
Thoracic Kyphosis: When Is Surgery Necessary?
Thoracic kyphosis occurs when there’s an excessive curve of the thoracic spine, producing a hump in the mid back and a forward stooping posture. According to the journal Neurosurgery, this…
Learn More03/16/2020
Herniated Disc Surgery: What to Expect
A herniated disc — also called bulged, ruptured or slipped disc — happens when the disc nucleus is pushed out of the spinal canal. It can happen anywhere in the…
Learn More02/24/2020
Flatback Syndrome: Why It’s Hard to Stand Straight?
The spine has two natural curves. It’s naturally shaped like an “S” to help with weight support and balance. On the lower back, known as the lumbar region, the inward…
Learn More02/19/2020
Lower back pain – is it time to see a doctor?
Low back pain is one of the most common conditions in adults and one of the most common reasons for visiting a spine doctor. According to the National Institute of…
Learn More02/17/2020
Back Problems That May Benefit From Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery is, as the name suggests, an operation done to the spine to permanently connect two or more vertebrae. This procedure is sometimes needed to eliminate back pain,…
Learn More12/31/2019
Exercises for flatback syndrome
Flatback syndrome is a condition where the spine loses its natural curvature. The natural shape of the spine isn’t completely straight and has an S-shaped curve. The curves work like…
Learn More12/30/2019
Stay pain-free during the holidays!
The holidays should be a time of joy, excitement, and happiness. However, back pain, regardless of time or place, can make anyone’s life miserable. There are, of course, many conditions…
Learn More11/28/2019
Happy Thanksgiving!
November is the time to be thankful, a time to remember and to embrace those who enrich our lives. Wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!
Learn More11/25/2019
How is a desk job affecting your health? [6 shocking facts]
Did you notice that for most of your waking hours you spend sitting? Driving, watching TV, browsing the internet on your phone, or tablet, eating, and of course, working at…
Learn More10/31/2019
What is a back brace and why might you need one?
Back problems are a common cause of chronic pain and what’s worse, they are a common reason for absence from work and seeking medical attention. If you have a desk…
Learn More09/28/2019
Top 10 tips for a healthy spine and pain-free back [guide]
Most people are not conscious about the importance of their spine until they experience neck or back pain. Then they realize how important a healthy spine is. Today Dr. Hepler,…
Learn More08/26/2019
Back Pain Facts and Statistics
Did you know that about 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any moment and what’s more, around 80% of the population suffers from spinal pain at a time?…
Learn More08/26/2019
5 tricks to teach your children good posture
Since we have benefited from all the technology verities, probably you have noticed that you spend more time on your laptop, tablet, phone or watching TV. So do the kids….
Learn More07/30/2019
Did you know that knee pain can be caused by your spine? Part 2
In our previous article, our spine surgeon in Boynton Beach – Dr. Matthew Hepler explained how knees are linked to your spine and presented the first two of four signs…
Learn More07/28/2019
Did you know that knee pain can be caused by your spine? Part 1
When you think about knee pain, probably the first thought is that there must be something wrong with your knee joint. Or maybe some kind of inflammation that makes your…
Learn More06/30/2019
Do’s and Dont’s After Spine Surgery [10 useful tips]
Time after the spine surgery The time after surgery is critical to your recovery. Although the surgical part is over and you can look forward to improved mobility and…
Learn More05/29/2019
Flatback Syndrome
Flatback syndrome is a condition where the spine becomes flat because it loses its natural curvature. The natural shape of the spine isn’t completely straight and has an S-shaped curve….
Learn More05/26/2019
Do I have osteoporosis? How to diagnose this silent disease?
Many people show no signs, or symptoms of osteoporosis until they have a bone fracture. This common condition makes your bones weak and brittle without noticeable symptoms. So, if there…
Learn More05/01/2019
Fast facts and statistics about osteoporosis that you should know!
As you probably know, osteoporosis, also known as porous bone, is a very common condition and affects more than 75 million people worldwide each year. This bone disease with its…
Learn More04/25/2019
What type of posture do you have? Flat back or maybe swayback?
As you probably know, the human spine isn’t completely straight and has a natural S-shaped curve. The curves work like a coiled spring to maintain balance, absorb shock, and allow…
Learn More03/22/2019
3 easy ways to improve your posture
Did you know, that posture has an impact not only on your spine, but also on your function and overall health? The main symptoms of poor posture, besides rounded shoulders,…
Learn More02/26/2019
Warning signs and symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a common condition that affects adults over 50 years old. Your spinal canal starts to narrow as a result of arthritis, and that puts pressure on the…
Learn More02/15/2019
13 surprising facts you didn’t know about your spine
There is no doubt that your spine plays a crucial role and it’s very important for your body. For instance, your spine is flexible, protects your spinal cord, supports your…
Learn More01/31/2019
Do people shrink with age?
Losing or gaining weight with age is a known fact. You also know that your height is mainly determined by genetics, and in general it won’t increase after the age…
Learn More12/20/2018
Back pain? Modify these activities for a pain-free holiday season
The Holiday Season can be rough on your back. The preparations, such as lifting heavy stuff, moving furniture, decorating the tree or sitting on a plane for hours, can cause…
Learn More12/12/2018
Why does your back hurt in the morning?
Have you ever woken up in the morning and experienced back pain? You would be surprised how many people suffer from morning back pain. First you may consider you were…
Learn More11/26/2018
10 things you didn’t know about scoliosis
Did you know that scoliosis is the most common deformity of the spine affecting children and adults? Don’t be alarmed! A scoliosis diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to get…
Learn More10/26/2018
Is Text Neck the new hazard of modern life?
The negative tendency around the world of being attached to electronic devices and phones has finally started to yield painful results. The distinct posture while texting is now causing an…
Learn More10/17/2018
Your child needs to learn good posture
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure your child develops healthy habits. That can be a challenge: Explaining to your kids why eating vegetables or doing exercises is…
Learn More10/02/2018
4 Steps to a Back Free From Pain
Back pain has many different causes, including the normal wear and tear that comes with aging, injuries, low-activity lifestyle. While you cannot stop natural process of aging, you can prolong…
Learn More09/24/2018
5 Benefits of a Standing Desk
Studies show that more than half of the average person’s waking hours are spent sitting: watching television, working at a computer, commuting, or doing other physically inactive pursuits. While sitting…
Learn More08/27/2018
3 ways stress and anxiety cause your back pain
It’s generally known that emotional stress or psychological factors can make any back pain problem worse. The diagnosis of stress-related back pain assumes that psychological and emotional factors don’t just…
Learn More08/23/2018
5 guaranteed benefits of yoga practice for your body and mind
People who suffer from ongoing or recurrent bouts of back pain often have to try a number of different forms of exercise to find the most appropriate therapy to manage…
Learn More07/05/2018
All you need to know about disc issues
What is a “Slipped Disc”? Healthy discs separate the bones in our spines from the neck down to our lower back. The term ‘slipped disc’ is commonly used to describe…
Learn More06/28/2018
Don’t do these 5 exercises if you have back issues
Not every person experiences back pain the same way, but there are some things everyone can do to prevent further pain or injury to the back. Here, our spine surgeon…
Learn More05/31/2018
Is your spine crying out for help?
We are all guilty of neglect when it comes to taking care of our health, especially our musculoskeletal system, i.e., our system of muscles and bones. The modern lifestyle can…
Learn More05/04/2018
Patient Testimonial
We are proud to present one of many testimonials from our dear patient John B. who has undergone procedures here in Palm Beach County. Nothing speaks more directly than the…
Learn More04/25/2018
3 things you need to know before your back surgery
The decision to have surgery is never an easy one. However, if your doctor recommends you undergo back surgery, it most likely means that other non-surgical treatment options either failed…
Learn More03/30/2018
Did you know these facts about low back pain? Number 6 will surprise you!
Here are just a couple quick facts about Low Back Pain not many people know about, even though Low Back Pain is one of the most common medical conditions. Low…
Learn More03/27/2018
Radiculopathy – Definition, Causes, Treatment Options
Do you feel a tingling sensation in your arms or legs? Do they feel numb or weak? Perhaps they ache for no apparent reason? If so, you may be suffering…
Learn More02/01/2018
Spine Surgeon in Broward County – Neuromuscular Scoliosis (NMS) – What it is, causes, treatment options
Neuromuscular Scoliosis is a type of scoliosis that can can affect children and adolescents. According to Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) it is “an irregular spinal curvature caused by disorders of…
Learn More01/09/2018
Pain-free after holidays. Orthopedic spine surgeon in South Florida
Back pain can make anyone’s life miserable. There are of course many conditions that can cause back pain. After all, the spine is a very complex part of the body….
Learn More11/14/2017
4 things you need to know about low back pain.
The percentage of patients that come into our office seeking help to relieve low back pain is higher than for all other areas of the back combined. But this is…
Learn More09/27/2017
Looking for a spine surgeon? – 3 things to consider before choosing one
Back pain has become so unbearable that we’re finally considering spine surgery to help relieve our pain. Many consider the surgery as a last resort. Spine surgery requires a certain…
Learn More09/20/2017
Meet Dr. Hepler – 3 things to know about our orthopedic spine surgeon in South Florida
Matthew Hepler M.D. is an orthopedic spine surgeon in Palm Beach County. He specializes in Pediatric and Adult Spine Surgery with a subspecialty interest in complex spine reconstruction. If you’re…
Learn More