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Associated Press
6 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Local Neurosurgeon Jeremy Denning Raises Awareness for National Scoliosis Month
PLANO, Texas, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month – an ideal time to explore causes and treatment methods for scoliosis, which affects approximately 7 million people in the United States, as reported by the National Scoliosis Foundation. 'Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often resembling an S or C shape when viewed from behind. This can lead to spinal or truncal imbalance and pain that may interfere with one's daily activities,' says Jeremy Denning, MD, a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine and chief of the Neurosurgery Department at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano. 'Thankfully, early detection and tailored treatment plans can significantly improve quality of life.' Common scoliosis symptoms include visible symptoms – such as a visible curvature of the spine, uneven shoulders or a tilted pelvis. Other symptoms might include back pain, fatigue, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties and limited mobility. Dr. Denning recommends regular scoliosis screenings by a qualified healthcare professional for anyone who is experiencing symptoms or has high risk factors. 'Most patients are diagnosed during childhood growth spurts, so children around 10-14 years old are considered high risk. Adult cases are less common, but scoliosis can occur at any age, so if you're experiencing symptoms or have high risk factors, consult a healthcare provider,' explains Dr. Denning. 'The exact cause of scoliosis is frequently unknown, referred to as idiopathic scoliosis – but it can also arise from congenital spine defects, neuromuscular disorders or degenerative diseases.' A family history of scoliosis can increase risk, as can certain neuromuscular disorders. In addition, the National Scoliosis Foundation reports girls as being eight times more likely to develop more serious scoliosis cases, which are severe enough to require treatment. Not all cases require medical intervention, and treatment methods vary, depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment methods for mild and moderate cases include physical therapy and strengthening exercises and/or bracing. Bracing is used to prevent curve progression in growing children or adolescents. More severe cases may require surgery. 'We always explore nonsurgical treatments first. If those treatments are ineffective or the patient's condition worsens significantly, then we may recommend surgery,' notes Dr. Denning. 'Surgical options range from minimally invasive techniques to correct the curvature, such as vertebral tethering, to more extensive procedures like spinal fusion.' Dr. Denning adds that patients with mild to moderate scoliosis may find pain relief through at-home remedies such as strengthening and stretching exercises, posture awareness or heat therapy. A board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, Dr. Denning has more than 20 years of experience treating patients. Dr. Denning's specialties include head injuries, scoliosis treatment, degenerative spine disease, tumor removal and pathology, disc treatment, reconstructive surgery, arthritis treatment and cerebrovascular surgery. Dr. Denning graduated with honors from Howard Payne University with dual degrees in biology and broadcast journalism. He graduated first in his class from medical school, earning his MD from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Dr. Denning completed his internship in general surgery and a residency in neurosurgery through Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. In addition, Dr. Denning completed a prestigious fellowship in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery at New York University Medical Center and a preceptorship in cerebrovascular surgery under Professor Juha Hernesniemi, one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject and the chairman of neurosurgery at Finland's Helsinki University Central Hospital, Töölö Hospital. Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine is the longest running, privately held neurosurgical group in North Texas, with more than 50 years of experience caring for patients. Located in Plano, Texas, the nationally renowned neurosurgical care center draws patients from all over the United States, treating approximately 6,000 patients per year. The practice's doctors are widely regarded for their exceptional skill, specialized training and patient-centered approach. For more information, visit Media Contact: Krista Simmons Bluebonnet Public Relations 682-225-9135 [email protected]
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Skin Cancer prevention tips ahead of summer
Waco, TX (FOX 44) – May is skin cancer awareness month and the beginning to the unofficial start of summer–with longer sun exposure. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States — but not everyone knows what skin cancer looks like. When it comes to skin cancer, early detection equals better outcomes. Dr. Katie Fiala is a dermatologist at Baylor Scott and white. She says the most common kind of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. 'A lot of times people will tell us they thought it was just a pimple or something. Like, it wouldn't heal and it wouldn't go away. It kept bleeding. It kind of grew a little bit,' says Fiala. She adds melanoma is more aggressive–and says 'ABCDE' is a helpful way to help remember any significant changes in the development of this type of skin cancer: A, for asymmentry: healthy moles should be round. Moles with an irregular shape are suspicious. B, for border: if the mole has an uneven border, this may be cause for alarm. C, for color: a mole should be a deep brown color. If it has any discoloration such as red, white, pink, or deep black, it should be looked at immediately D, for diameter: any mole that is larger than 3 millimeters in diameter should be checked. 'Keep in mind though, we definitely have caught melanomas smaller than that. You don't have to wait until it's the size of a pencil eraser,' says Fiala. E, for evolution: closely monitoring moles is important. A mole may seemingly look harmless, but once there are any signs of the other four changes, please notify a physician. 'Pay attention to if you have an old mole that's been there for years and years, and then all of a sudden it starts to bleed, change, grow, change, colors,' adds Fiala. Dr. Fiala adds to avoid being in the sun during its harshest times of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., wear sunscreen and re-apply it every two hours, do not burn, wear protective clothing like sunglasses, and hats, and do self-skin checks every week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
