Dr. Kern Singh, Co-Director of the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, is currently conducting a research study on the effects of spinal pain and minimally invasive spinal surgery on a patient’s ability to play golf. Using a state-of-the-art golf simulator, a patient scheduled to undergo minimally invasive surgery will undertake a swing analysis, strength and flexibility measurement, and 3-dimensional motion analysis. This sophisticated golf swing analysis will allow Dr. Singh to determine a participant’s golfing abilities prior to surgery. Patients undergoing either a minimally invasive neck or back fusion will be included in the study. Following their minimally invasive surgery, the patients will participate in the same analysis at two time points. The data collected in this study will be used to establish return-to-sport procedures for golfers at any level of competition.

If you suffer from neck or low back pain due to degenerative spinal conditions, you may be eligible for a study on minimally invasive spine surgery.