Over the years we have seen many patients who became "pain managed" with prescription medications, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and possibly a few courses of physical therapy, possible chiropractic care, and then epidural steroid or cortisone injection. Eventually the patient will get a follow up MRI and one day, someone will find degenerative disc disease enough on their MRI that suggests a need for spinal surgery.

BUT, was it only a chronically sprained back all along?

Patients who were referred to knee replacement, but who in fact had a hip problem

I have written extensively on this website about the problems of MRIs sending people to surgery that they do not need. What an MRI cannot do is gently press on the hip joint. If we can press on the hip joint and you get a shooting pain in your knee, we can have a realistic expectation that knee replacement may not be the answer. If we can gently press on your spine, and this creates a knee pain, we may come to the same conclusion. Knee replacement may not be the answer.

Thyroid disease and joint pain

Many people with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism will suffer from joint pain. Hypothyroidism is a medical condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone for normal body function. Their joint pain comes from under-active (hypo) thyroid gland causing excessive protein deposits in joint tissue. The knees, ankles, feet, and hands the most common pain site in hypothyroidism. However, underlying autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis may also be causing issues. This is especially suspected if thyroid medication is given without relief of the person's joint pain.

Tennis shoulder injury

Most people with shoulder pain directly attributed to tennis will suggest that it was “this one serve,” or “this one return serve,” that was the point of their injury. Then after further talking they will reveal that their shoulder has actually been the cause of on and off discomfort for some time at that this “acute” injury was the accumulation of a lot of wear and tear.

On examination, a weekend warrior or semi-pro or pro tennis player can show shoulder impingement problems, superior labral (SLAP) tears, rotator cuff tears and acromioclavicular joint pain.

Treatments for a torn meniscus

Many people today are exploring meniscus surgery alternatives. One reason is that there is significant and controversial research to suggest that not only will meniscus surgery NOT help them, but is some instances, the surgery may leave them worse off. But what if you have been told that surgery is the only option? Research presented in this article may provide you with an understanding that perhaps there are more options than just surgery.

Vampire Face Lift

It is called a Vampire Facelift™ because the facelift is achieved with the use of injections of your own blood platelets combined with hyaluronic acids fillers. Read more

PRP hair loss and restoration treatment

PRP injections may stimulate hair regeneration in many people.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Email for free booklet on hormones

Stem cell and PRP injections for musculoskeletal conditions are not FDA approved. We do not treat disease. We do not offer IV treatments. There are no guarantees that this treatment will help you. Prior to our treatment, seek advice from your medical physician.

Neither Dr. Darrow, nor any associate, offer medical advice from this transmission. This information is offered for educational purposes only. The transmission of this information does not create a physician-patient relationship between you and Dr. Darrow or any associate. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, usefulness or adequacy of any resource, information, product, or process available from this transmission. We cannot be responsible for the receipt of your email since spam filters and servers often block their receipt. If you have a medical issue, please call our office. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.

Marc Darrow, JD. M.D.

11645 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 120

Los Angeles, CA 90025

(800) 300-9300 | 310-231-7000