Back pain is one of the most common — and most frustrating — issues people face. But what if the real problem isn’t where the pain is? On this episode of Bad to the Bones Podcast, Dr. Joseph Zerbo breaks down how to truly get to the root cause of back pain.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why starting with the patient’s story is the key to proper diagnosis
• The truth about MRIs and why they may not always be the first step
• How collaborative care at POA helps patients get faster, better care
• Conservative vs. interventional vs. surgical treatment options
• The emotional toll of back pain & how a team approach makes a difference
• New advancements in spine care that are improving patient outcomes
• How neck pain can come from the shoulder, and back pain can come from the hips

If you're living with back pain or caring for someone who is, this episode is packed with expert advice, hope, and a pathway toward better outcomes.

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Why are young athletes—who seem strong, flexible, and full of energy—more prone to injuries, especially during growth spurts? In this episode with Dr. Ravin Patel, double board certified family medicine and sports medicine with Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we dive into the biomechanics and psychology behind youth sports injuries. Learn why rapid bone growth outpaces tendon and ligament development, creating a temporary mismatch that can lead to overuse injuries like Osgood-Schlatter’s disease and Sever’s disease. We also explore:

🔹 The impact of muscle tightness and decreased coordination 🔹 Why the lower extremities (hips, knees, calves, ankles) are most affected 🔹 The role of emotional and psychological stress in injury risk 🔹 Early warning signs and how to detect movement compensations 🔹 Tips for injury prevention and better performance

Whether you're a parent, coach, or young athlete, this episode offers essential insights to help reduce injuries and build resilient, high-performing bodies.

👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, and share with someone who needs this!

Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.

Our host Debra is accompanied by Dr. Eddie Wu, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellowship Trained Adult Total Joint Reconstruction. In this episode, Dr. Wu dives into hip and knee replacements while explaining his experience in the field.

Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.