Page 16 - PGA Community News - November '24

November 2024
Page 16, PGA C.A.N.! 2 Spaces November 2024

Understanding Moody Teenagers

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., School neuropsychological testing was the process in one day and we test children through young adults for
Licensed School which provided answers. If you are concerned about your autism, dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Psychologist child and would like understanding, testing is completed
“My teen son has a hard
time showing emotions,
has a hard time to make
friendships, has a hard time Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center’s
to feel happy and contented,
has a hard time to do Dedicated Spine Care Team Offers
activities that he considers
useless or are mentally or
physically demanding. Help Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
me figure out what is wrong with him!”
It’s not uncommon for teenagers to be moody since
patterns, and are vying for independence. All this occurs To Treat Neck And Back Pain
they are a ball of changing hormones, have variable sleep
while your teen is dealing with the pressures of school,
social media, and exposure to drugs and porn. As the Neck and back pain are among the most common minimally invasive approach to spine surgery not only
mom wrote, her teen was withdrawn and his behavior medical problems in the United States. It can come on enhances surgical outcomes but also reduces the risk
1
had changed within the past few months. Prior to this he suddenly – as the result of an accident, for example – or of complications, leading to shorter hospital stays and
was a happier person and a decent student. gradually, due to age-related degeneration of the spine faster recoveries,” Afshar said.
Our testing revealed this teen was depressed. Mom or another disorder. Afshar has 38 years of experience treating patients
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had wondered if he was depressed but thought looking Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center’s dedicated with neck and low back conditions. He completed his
down at him from the 30,000-foot view he had a good spine care team of medical specialists offers personalized residency at Georgetown University in Washington,
life. He had an intact family, a cell phone, nice place to treatment options utilizing minimally invasive techniques D.C., and completed his spine fellowship at the
live, and he was doing well in school. She thought, “What to manage and resolve both acute and degenerative University of South Florida at Tampa General Hospital.
is there to be depressed about?” Testing revealed he had conditions affecting the spine. Afshar is part of the Palm Beach Health Network
very strong feelings of inadequacy and was struggling “When neck and back pain persists, it may be a sign Physician Group.
with his identity. He believed he was not in control of of a more severe problem. Our goal is to minimize pain Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center’s commitment
his outcomes so, “Why should he try?” and preserve mobility, while helping our patients regain to the comfort of patients with back pain goes beyond
It took mom a while to get dad to recognize the struggle control of their lives,” said John Afshar, M.D., a board- surgical expertise. Each patient is accommodated
but after our results review meeting he understood certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in a private room, ensuring a peaceful and healing
additional support was needed. Dad actually initiated in minimally invasive surgery of the spine and the brain. environment during their recovery.
the conversation with his teen by saying, “I feel that “With minimally invasive spine surgery, we can address The compassionate spine care team, with physicians
our relationship is strained. It may not bother you but it complex conditions and allow patients to return to their from several medical and surgical specialties, including
bothers me and if you would, I’d like you to meet with a daily activities sooner.” orthopedics and neurology, is focused on providing
counselor. I will as well because I need some help knowing Traditional spinal surgery typically requires a large patients with the support they need every step of the
how to help you and our family.” The teen agreed to dad’s open incision and extensive tissue dissection to allow way. Physicians may recommend non-surgical options
request. the surgeon to access the spine. This can often involve first, such as lifestyle changes, stretching exercises,
lengthy recovery times and significant discomfort for the posture correction, medications and/or physical therapy.
patient. Minimally invasive spine surgery helps limit the If these do not resolve the patient’s pain or disease,
Season damage to muscles and other tissue by utilizing several spine specialists may offer advanced treatment options,
smaller incisions through which specialized instruments including minimally invasive spine surgery.
are inserted and manipulated within the patient’s body
For more information about the spine program at
Is Here! by the surgeon. Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, please visit our
At Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Dr. Afshar website.

and other fellowship-trained spine surgeons use cutting-
Along with season comes the edge 3-D surgical imaging technology to visualize the 1 2 https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain
spine in greater detail, allowing for greater precision
increased temptation to utilize the golf in performing minimally invasive procedures. “The
courses as a park/playground, but we
must ask you to refrain from any non- Paid Advertisement
golf related access.
Maintenance is performed on all
the courses during the year, so there
is equipment and work being done.
In addition, it is a time when there are
more golfers on the course enjoying our
beautiful weather.
Thank you

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