35 Diving Myths
BY DR. JOLIE BOOKSPANMisinformation can be fun on April Fool's, but not in diving. Here are 35 of the most common divers' myths, mistakes, and mix-ups about gases, heat, cold,…
Bad Discs, Sciatica, and Diving
By Dr. Jolie BookspanA degenerating disc, or one that is slipped (herniated) can be painful and frightening. Divers may be told to give up diving, or they may find they…
Abdominal Muscle Fitness for Divers By Dr. Jolie Bookspan
Exercises for Abs No More Crunches! No More Back Pain! By Dr. Jolie Bookspan Why "Do" Abs? Most people don't know what abs specifically "do" or how. You've heard that…
No More Back Pain by Dr. Jolie Bookspan – Part 3
Bad Diving PracticesThe Diving Doc that Harvard University calls "The St. Jude of the Joints" shows you how to save your back from common bad practicesThis is Part III of…
No More Back Pain by Dr. Jolie Bookspan – Part 2
Back ExercisesThis is part II of "No More Back Pain." Part I explained how the majority of back pain comes from bad standing, sitting, lifting, and carrying habits. The relentless…
No More Back Pain by Dr. Jolie Bookspan – Part 1
You Don't "Just Have To Live With It"The Diving Doc that Harvard University calls "The St. Jude of the Joints" shows you how to save your back from common bad…
Herniated Disc Disease
Diving With Unoperated Disc DiseaseDiving with un-operated herniated disc disease is thought by some authorities to constitute a contra-indication to scuba diving. However, post surgical and healed vertebral fusions generally…
Fractures, Surgery and Acute Conditions – limitations for divers
General ConsiderationsDisqualification of divers with musculoskeletal injuries, surgery and inflammations should be considered during the period of an incompletely healed fracture, sprain, ligamentous injury or inflammatory process for several reasons;the…
Diving with Joint Replacement
Knee or Hip ReplacementThere should be no diving limitations or restrictions placed on diving with a knee or hip replacement, or any other metallic inserts or implants. The effects of…
Sjogren’s Syndrome and Diving
A chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by dryness of the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes and often associated with rheumatic disorders sharing certain autoimmune features (eg,…