Spine Universe Editorial Board

Gerard A. Malanga, M.D. is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Pain Medicine. He is an Associate Professor of PM&R at UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School, Director of Pain Management at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ and in private practice at Associates in Rehab Medicine located in Morristown. Dr. Malanga holds several other prestigious positions including Medical Director, Consultant for Horizon Healthcare Worker's Compensation Services, Blue Cross & Blue Shield Worker's Compensation and Clinical Chief, Rehabilitation Medicine and Electrodiagnosis at St. Michael's Medical Center, Newark, NJ.

Following a medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, Dr. Malanga completed an Internship in Internal Medicine at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Columbia University Affiliate, Morristown, NJ. He completed his Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Medicine and Dentistry. A Fellowship in Sports Medicine was completed at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

As an active member of many professional organizations, Dr. Malanga currently serves as Chairman, Public Education Committee, North American Spine Society (NASS). He is the Past President of the Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports, and Occupational Rehabilitation (PASSOR) and a Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine and American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Malanga is also a member of the American Pain Society and Minnesota Medical Association.

Dr. Malanga has lectured throughout the country on a variety of musculoskeletal and spine topics. He is a prolific author with more than 60 publications including original research and book chapters. He has edited a textbook entitled Whiplash and will publish a new textbook with accompanying DVD on Musculoskeletal Physical Examination in October 2005.

Dr. Malanga is a highly regarded physician who has received multiple awards including Best Doctor in the New York Metro area 2003-2005.

Gerard Malanga, MD is on the Spine Universe Editorial Board.

SpineUniverse articles from Gerard Malanga, MD

• Acetaminophen in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
  In low back pain, acetaminophen can be effectively utilized as an analgesic. It does not, however, offer patients other desirable effects against inflammation or muscle spasm.
• Anti-depressant Medication Used to Treat Low Back Pain
  Anti-depressant medication has been found to alleviate the pain associated with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
• Back Pain and Stretching Exercises
  For people with back pain, stretching exercises may help reduce pain and prevent future episodes of pain or injury.
• Colchicine in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
  Colchicine has been regarded by some as the most powerful anti-inflammatory agent known to man. Learn how this medication is used to treat acute low back pain.
• Conclusion: Acute Low Back Pain and Medication
  Proper selection of pain medication and a positive response can help the patient progress through rehabilitation and avoid the development of a more chronic condition.
• Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
  As potent anti-inflammatory agents, oral steroids represent a theorectically useful agent in the treatment of patients with radiculopathy due to local inflammation secondary to disc injury or herniation.
• Diagnostic Tools: X-Ray, Bone Scan, MRI, CT Scan
  Spine specialists use x-rays, bone scans, MR imaging, and CT scans to confirm a diagnosis.
• Electrodiagnostic Tools
  Electrodiagnostic studies should be considered an extension of the history and physical examination and not a substitute for a detailed neurologic and musculoskeletal examination.
• Epidural Corticosteroid Injections and Low Back Pain
  Epidural steroids have been shown to be effective in pain reduction in patients with radicular pain.
• Exercise to Optimize Outcome in Low Back Pain
  For lumbar pain, doctors recommend exercise as a treatment, suggesting patients work to become as physically fit as possible. The term "exercise" is broad, encompassing cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscular strengthening exercises.
• Facet Injections in the Treatment of Low Back Pain
  Injections should not be used in isolation, but rather in conjunction with a program stressing muscle flexibility, strengthening, and functional restoration.
• Low Back Pain Relief and Pneumatic Vest Use
  A pneumatic vest has similar properties to traditional spinal braces but with an additional function. The vest is designed to use inflatable lifters to unload weight off from the lumbar spine.
• Medicación y tratamiento del dolor lumbar agudo
  El dolor suele ser el motivo de queja principal de las personas que presentan problemas lumbares.
• Medication and Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
  There are different types of medications used to treat lower back pain. During the acute phase, medications work to lessen pain and inflammation. A physician discusses many of the commonly prescribed drugs in detail, even considering the cost.
• Medications to Optimize Outcome in Low Back Pain
  Various types of medications may be used to help relieve low back pain. Gerard Malanga, M.D. discusses many of these drugs and explains how patients may benefit.
• Muscle Relaxants in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
  The muscle relaxing properties of "muscle relaxants" arise not from direct activity at the muscular or neuromuscular junction level but rather from an inhibition of more central polysynaptic neuronal (nerve cells that end in synapses) events.
• Myelography, Discography and Selective Neural Blockade
  Myelography, discography or selective neural blockade are tests that may be performed to diagnose the cause of acute low back pain.
• Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
  In single doses, most of the NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are more effective analgesics (painkillers) than a single dose of acetaminophen or aspirin.
• Opioids in the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
  The goal of successful opioid prescription involves achieving a tolerable balance between analgesia and the side effects often associated with opioid use.
• Physical Therapy
  Physical therapy often includes exercise to help patients recover from a spine problem.
• Physical Therapy- Passive Modalities
  Massage, ice or heat therapy, and ultrasound are examples of 'passive modalities' or treatments provided by a physical therapist.
• Physical Therapy: TENS, Ultrasound, Heat and Cryotherapy
  Physical therapy modalities should never be used as the sole method of treatment. Rather, these treatments should always be considered an adjunct to an active treatment program.
• S-1 Joint Injections to Manage Back Pain
  The sacroiliac joint is a common area of referrred pain and can persist as the primary focus of pain.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Treating Paralysis
  Treatment in a rehab center is geared towards helping the patient maximize their ability to function and to prevent complications that typically occur with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Learn the typical treatments for SCI.
• Spine Specialists On-Call: Paralysis - How Close Are We to Walking Again?
  Medical and allied health professionals define paralysis in terms of function. Some patients have what are called incomplete spinal cord injuries.
• Trigger Point Spinal Injections
  Trigger point injections are an adjunctive treatment, which facilitates participating in an active exercise program.
• Whiplash: 5 Things You Should Know
  Most people equate whiplash with car accidents. However, did you know athletes are at risk, too? Learn prevention pointers and common non-surgical treatments for whiplash.