Dr. Joseph Weinstein

Active young athletes place extraordinary demands on their bodies as they train, compete, and grow simultaneously. Among all the systems that support athletic performance , the spine is one of the most important and often the most overlooked. It serves as the central support structure for movement, balance, strength, and coordination. When spinal health is compromised, performance can decline, injuries can become more frequent, and long-term issues may develop. Focusing on proper spine care from an early age helps young athletes stay competitive while protecting their overall health. Why Spinal Health Matters in Youth Sports The spine protects the spinal cord, supports posture, and enables efficient movement. In young athletes, the spine is still developing, which makes it adaptable but also more susceptible to stress and injury. Sports that involve running, jumping, twisting, tackling, or repetitive motions place constant pressure on the vertebrae, discs, muscles, and ligaments. Durin...

Choosing between microsurgery and conventional (traditional) surgery isn’t about which one is “better” overall—it’s about which method best fits the problem being treated. Traditional surgery is performed using standard visualization and instruments suited for structures that the surgeon can typically see and handle at a regular scale. Microsurgery, on the other hand, uses magnification and specialized tools to operate on microscopic anatomy , especially tiny blood vessels and nerves. Knowing the difference can make a surgeon’s recommendation feel less mysterious. It also explains why some procedures require a highly specialized team, longer operating times, or closer monitoring right after surgery. What Makes Microsurgery Different From Traditional Surgery? Traditional surgery focuses on repairing or removing tissue using standard surgical instruments and typical operative exposure. Depending on the procedure, surgeons may use open techniques or minimally invasive methods, but the wo...