Spinal Surgeon Addresses Mineola Kiwanis

Professionally acknowledged as one of the foremost spinal surgeons in the area, Dr Marc Agulnick startled the Mineola County Seat Kiwanis at their Monday morning at the Williston Park IHOP by devoting most of his talk to a discussion of how to avoid his surgical services.

The number one technique is good posture followed by proper exercise, stretching and good sleep habits. Several members of the Kiwanis club who have availed themselves of Dr. Agulnick’s services agreed with Hon. Scott Fairgrieve who, in introducing the doctor acclaimed him as a most ethical surgeon who inspected every corner before resorting to “cutting.”

One member remarked that he had operated on his son for several hours, undoing the “botched” prior back surgery of a less talented surgeon. Another member remarked that Dr. Agulnick had performed a rather simple surgical procedure, restoring about 75 percent of his prior functioning when other doctors had said it would be too complicated to perform.

Dr. Agulnick modestly acknowledged the complements while distributing a handout that explained spinal functioning, some common spinal maladies and good exercise habits, but added that he would rather see patients avoid surgery through proper exercise.

Using the upcoming Kiwanis Annual Golf outing at on May 7 as an example, he noted that most golfers do not warm up sufficiently. Most, he said, “will simply stop at the practice range and hit a few balls, but few will properly stretch out all the muscles they will use (or abuse) over the next few hours.”

On the pro tour, Agulnick said, most pros will “spend an hour or more” in the clubhouse going through a complete program of stretching. Many pros also travel with a trainer who evaluates which muscles need the most work.

While the weekend golfer doesn’t need to bring a trainer to the golf course with them, he said it is wise to spend at least 15 minutes stretching the legs, thighs, back arms and neck before beginning a round of golf. Doing so will often help to avoid most injuries that may occur on the course and, of course, avoid a visit to Dr. Agulnick.