Deciding when to see a doctor for a spinal injury is a critical decision that should not be taken lightly. The spine plays a vital role in supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord, which carries nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Any injury to the spine can have…
Spine Specialist near me
How to Choose the Right Spinal Injury Doctor
The spine is a complex structure that supports the entire upper body. Any damage to it will also cause problems in mobility and flexibility. You need to choose the right doctor who can provide high-quality spinal injury care and deliver the best results. After all, spinal injuries need to be treated with care and precision….
When Should I Consider Back Surgery?
Surgery is no walk in the park, and it is often saved as a last-resort treatment for good reason. When it comes to back surgery, you can expect a hospital stay and a long recovery ahead. There are also risks associated with surgery, such as infection, procedure failure, and other complications. That is why it…
Serious Problems That Can Develop from Untreated Disc Degeneration
As you age, your bones and joints naturally begin to wear down. You may not notice any signs and symptoms at first, but even your spine will begin to weaken. The spinal discs – those rubbery cushions protecting the vertebrae of your spine – can wear away over time, leading to disc degeneration. Disc degeneration…
Managing Pain After Back Surgery
Experiencing pain following back surgery is normal and understandable as your bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints are manipulated during the back surgery to correct your problem. An orthopedic surgeon devises a pain control plan before the back surgery to decrease your suffering (pain), reduce complications, and enhance the overall results of your surgery. Understanding the…
What Are the Nonsurgical Options for Spinal Stenosis Treatment?
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), up to 11 percent of the population suffers from spinal stenosis – a chronic, degenerative condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves traveling through the spine. The condition is most common among people over the age of 50. The symptoms of…
How to Prepare for a Back Surgery
Nonstop back pain can significantly interfere with your daily life. Your doctor may recommend back surgery if conservative (noninvasive) measures do not ease your symptoms. You may have lots of preconceived notions about back surgery, but rest assured that the procedure is much safer and less invasive than ever before. With proper preparation and your…
Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease
Irrespective of its name, degenerative disc disease is not a disease but a natural occurrence that comes when you enter your golden years. In degenerative disc disease, normal age-related wear and tear or an acute spinal injury cause one or more of your intervertebral discs to deteriorate over time. They may lose fluid, collapse, and…
What to Ask a Spine Surgeon About Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion is a procedure that involves an orthopedic surgeon placing a bone graft within the spaces between the small bones in the spine (vertebrae) and using screws, metal plates, and rods to hold them together. The goal is to enable the bones to heal into one solid unit and ultimately eliminate the movement between…
Can You Damage a Spinal Fusion?
The results of any type of surgery can be undone if you don’t take care of yourself in the proper ways. If you follow your spine surgeon’s recommendations and your physical therapist’s protocol of continued exercises and stretches, your spinal fusion results should actually improve over the years. Generally, the more closely you follow your…