Newsroom Hospital for Special Surgery

The Best Mattress Toppers Are the Subtle Upgrade Your Bed Needs

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:46:00 -0400

Vijay B. Vad, MD, physiatrist at HSS, explains what to look for when purchasing a mattress topper in an interview with SELF.

If your sleep setup is nearly perfect, but not quite comfy enough, adding one of the best mattress toppers might be the little upgrade you need. “Good mattress toppers can help align the spine and help with shoulder, neck, hip and back pain,” said Dr. Vad.

Read the full article at self.com.

6 Surprising Factors that Contribute to Physical Pain

Mon, 15 May 2023 17:37:00 -0400

Psychology Today interviews experts including Vijay B. Vad, MD, physiatrist at HSS about factors that contribute to pain as we age.

One factor is not enough estrogen, which lowers pain thresholds. Dr. Vad recommended taking 2,000 mg daily of curcumin. A compound in turmeric, curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory, but it is hard to absorb in a powder, unless it is combined with a constituent of black pepper. But some formulations, including curry dishes, address that problem.

A low thyroid can also contribute to pain. Dr. Vad advised that anyone with arthritis or any type of joint or muscle pain that has taken a turn for the worse ask for a “thyroid function panel,” which measures levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and other hormones in your blood. A normal TSH is between 0.4 mlU/L and 4.0 mlU/L. Medication can relieve pain within a month, even if your level is considered “borderline.”

Read the full article at psychologytoday.com.

In Praise of the Hospital for Special Surgery

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 13:22:00 -0400

Naked Capitalism shares the experience of HSS patient Yves Smith, who received a successful bilateral hip replacement performed by hip and knee surgeon Seth A. Jerabek, MD.

Smith said, “This is one of the most bizarre but true statements you are likely to read all year. I had a good time getting my bilateral hip replacement, thanks to the top to bottom excellent and attentive care at the Hospital for Special Surgery [HSS].”

Smith highlighted the high quality care from Dr. Jerabek and other HSS physicians and staff, including physiatrist Vijay B. Vad, MD; physical therapist Marc Friedman; and also various nurses, an anesthesiologist, social worker, and a housekeeper who she encountered during her stay.

Read the full article at Nakedcapitalism.com.

You Need to Learn to Stop Resisting Distraction

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 16:29:00 -0400

Medium.com reports while distractions can detract you from your everyday life, it’s also true that if harnessed properly, they can be a beneficial source of inspiration, productivity, and uplift your mood. For instance, distractions can help lessen the typical dislike of exercise, resulting in more exercise, which is a positive thing.

Vijay B. Vad, MD, physiatrist at HSS, provided a comment to Medium.com on this matter, stating, “Listening to music you like while exercising has been shown to help release the endorphins that relieve stress and depression.”

Read the full article at Medium.com.

The 9 Best Mattresses For Back Pain, According To Doctors

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 18:05:00 -0400

Women’s Health reports on suggested criteria according to experts for considering when purchasing a mattress, to alleviate back pain.

Women’s Health spoke to Vijay B. Vad, MD, physiatrist at HSS, who suggests a “medium firm” mattress, a slightly softer alternative to “firm,” that is still good for your back. “Medium firm supports the spine with enough give—too soft and discs get irritated, too hard and joints in the spine get irritated,” said Dr. Vad. It’s also suggested to consider purchase of a latex mattress, which are known to last a long time, and “gives even and great medium firm support,” cited Dr. Vad.

Read the full text article at WomensHealthMag.com.