In this month's episode of Hadassah On Call, we welcome Dr. Josh Schroeder, head of the Spinal Deformities Surgery Department at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem. Dr. Schroeder explores how spinal fractures can dramatically affect quality of life, particularly in older adults. We'll discuss the progression from osteopenia to osteoporosis and the increased risk of fractures from seemingly minor activities. Learn why vitamin D and calcium are vital for bone health and how deficiencies can lead to severe complications.

Our guest also sheds light on the unique challenges faced in Jerusalem, where we see a higher incidence of spinal issues due to a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle.

Discover groundbreaking advancements in surgical techniques, including awake spine surgeries and integrating robotics and ultrasonic tools at the Hadassah Medical Organization. Learn about emerging technologies in spinal care, including new navigation software and cutting-edge implants designed to help those with severe spinal injuries.

Finally, Dr. Schroeder discusses the rise in spinal problems among younger populations, from sedentary children to athletes, how different lifestyle factors contribute to back pain and what steps can be taken to address these issues effectively.

What Else You’ll Hear

• Can you break a bone by sneezing?
• Why may spinal fractures impact women differently than men?
• How early should you increase your vitamin D and calcium, which are vital for bone health?
• How can vitamin deficiencies lead to severe back and health complications?

Further learning:

• Listen to Dr. Schroeder's previous appearance on our podcast - Backs to the Future: Hadassah’s Groundbreaking Robotic Surgery
• Hadassah Study Finds Women’s Pain Not Taken As Seriously
• Hadassah Surgeons Operate All Night After Collapse of Bleachers
• Only Hadassah Doctors Dared; Now My Mother Has Started Living Again
• Hadassah Doctors Uncover Rare Cause of Back Pain Masked by Pregnancy

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Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine is a production of Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America. Hadassah enhances the health of people around the world through medical education, care and research innovations at the Hadassah Medical Organization. For more information on the latest advances in medicine, please head over to hadassah.org.

Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite podcast app. If you haven't already, please leave us a review. It only takes a minute, and when you do, it helps others discover Hadassah On Call.

The show is hosted by Maayan Hoffman and produced by the team at the Hadassah offices in New York and Israel.

This episode includes promotions for:

Our recent episode with Dr. Yuval Tal
If you are enjoying this episode, you’ll want to check out our previous episode with Dr. Yuval Tal, director of the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, who shares the latest advancements in clinical immunology, focusing on personalized treatments and biological medicine.

You can find that episode of Hadassah On Call on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or wherever you get your podcast. Or on the web at hadassah.org/hadassahoncall.

Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Mount Scopus
Israel is facing a critical shortage in rehabilitation capacity, especially in Jerusalem, at a time when it is most needed. Since October 7, more than 15,000 Israelis have been wounded in Hamas’ terrorist attacks.

The world-class Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus opened three floors early to meet Israel’s rehab needs after October 7. You can still help advance the second phase of construction to serve 10,000 patients a year by donating at go.hadassah.org/GRC.

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