Barbell Shrugged Spine Surgery Preparation, Recovery, and Metal Allergy Testing w/ Dr. Mitch Reiter, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #804
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Jun 25, 2025 Dr. Mitch Reiter, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, joins the discussion on navigating spinal surgery. He emphasizes the importance of patient selection and weighing non-surgical options first. The conversation delves into the complexities of disc health, especially for athletes, and highlights the critical role of metal allergy testing before surgeries. With insight into personal experiences, they explore how awareness of metal sensitivities can enhance surgical outcomes and recovery.
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Dr. Reiter's Path to Spine Surgery
- Dr. Mitch Reiter always wanted to be a doctor and entered an accelerated med program straight from high school.
- A key driver into spine surgery was seeing patients wake up pain-free after surgery, which felt miraculous to him.
Surgery as Last Resort
- Surgery is the last step after exhausting physical therapy, meds, and pain management.
- Always seek a second opinion to ensure surgery is truly necessary and consider long-term health goals.
Optimize Rehab Before Surgery
- Focus on physical therapy to strengthen core and improve biomechanics before considering surgery.
- Use imaging and interventional procedures cautiously to identify mechanical problems needing surgical correction.