Debunking Back Pain Myths: Spinal surgeon Dr Michael Wong reveals the common misconceptions about back pain on Nine's Today Extra. Read More
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This Is What Happens When You Get Your Back Cracked
Having your back cracked is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world... but what is actually going on inside our bodies when we get the old bend and snap treatment? To find out, 10 daily sat down with spinal surgeon Dr Michael Wong to smooth out some of our most pressing questions. Read More
Dr Michael Wong’s new spinal surgery technique providing hope for cancer patients
Three years ago, Melbourne grandmother Pavka Crnov was expected to die within weeks. Cancer had spread from her breast to her spine and eaten away the bone, causing her excruciating pain. th admission, she met neurosurgeon Michael Wong. Read More
Chronic back pain: Move regularly to help protect your spine
It’s an unfortunate fact that chronic back pain is extremely common. It can be caused by many things. Most of us are vulnerable to neck and back pain caused by poor posture – especially those who sit at desks in front of screens all day Read More
Different types of back pain: Common spinal problems put straight
The spine is a miracle of anatomy and articulation, but ‘‘bad backs’’ are all too common. The spine is divided into three sections – the cervical, the thoracic and lumbar spine. (In layman’s terms these are the top, middle and lower sections.) Back surgery may be undertaken to solve problems anywhere along the whole length. Read More
New technologies in spinal surgery: Human touch underpins surgical safety
Newest isn’t necessarily best in many areas of life, and back surgery is no exception.People often think that newer technology automatically means a patient will have better outcomes from back surgery Read More
Lumbar decompression surgery: Surgery eases lower back nerve pain
One of the most common forms of back surgery is lumbar decompression surgery. The lumbar is the lowest section of the back, involving the five joints that rise upwards from the base of the spine. Read More
Complications in spinal surgery: Rehab is essential after operations for back pain
Although spinal surgery is safer than ever before, it is still one of the most delicate forms of surgery a patient can undergo. A web of fine structures, particularly nerves, is involved. Scientists are still learning about nerve function and how they interact with the brain. Read More
Spinal fusion: Technologies boost back surgery outcomes
Spinal fusion surgery is undertaken to relieve pain in the spine by literally ‘‘fusing’’ together the pieces of bone that are triggering pain in a section of the spine. ‘‘Technically, it’s the union of as few as two of the spinal bones, although to be effective it usually involves more,’’ says Dr Michael Wong, neurosurgeon and spinal expert from Melbourne’s EPC Health Clinic. Read More
Opioid overuse a sore point for surgeon
Surgeon Dr Michael Wong says he treats large numbers of patients who are in the dark about why they have long-term spinal pain. Read More
Are high heels bad for your back?
The perfect pair of 4-inch heels can make any outfit, but are high heels bad for your back? HealthMinute chats to Neurosurgeon and Spinal Surgeon, Dr. Michael Wong to bust myths and get the facts about high heels. Read More
The five best ways to deal with chronic back pain
Dr Wong adds that a consultation with your GP before taking any medication is always recommended, and always follow the dosage instructions. Read More
Emerging from the fog: Bendigo woman Michelle Taylor details opioid addiction
Outstretched on the couch, a bag of frozen peas squeezed against her neck, Michelle Taylor hadn’t quite experienced pain like this before.But it was only after awakening in the early hours of the morning in agony that she realised something was truly amiss. Read More
Can Australia stop the opioid epidemic before it’s too late?
The use of opioid drugs such as codeine has been a source of increasing concern within the community. In the past decade, opioid related deaths have almost doubled from 591 in 2007 to more than 1,100 in 2016. This is a trend that is reflected internationally, with the United States experiencing record levels of opioid-related deaths year on year. Read More
4 ways to avoid injury at work: National Safe Work Month
Australian workers are called on to think ahead to prevent harmful situations and also incorporate simple movements into the working day to avoid potential injuries. Read More
Leading Spinal Surgeon shares tips for National Safe Work Month
October is National Safe Work Month and this year's theme is 'A moment is all it takes'. A safety incident can happen at any moment in any workplace. This month encourages Australian workers to think ahead to prevent harmful situations and also incorporate simple movements into the working day to avoid potential injuries. Read More