In the journey toward optimal health, understanding the central role of the spine is paramount. The spine is not just an anatomical structure—it is the backbone of overall wellness. Let’s explore why consulting a spinal specialist is crucial for anyone experiencing back pain and spinal disorders or seeking to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. The…
Spine Specialist
Surgical Options for Chronic Spinal Pain: When Is Surgery Necessary?
Have you ever experienced back or neck pain that won’t go away? You’re not alone. Back pain is a common issue; sometimes, it can become chronic spinal pain, meaning it lasts for a long time. In some cases, chronic spinal pain improves with non-surgical treatments like injections. In other cases, surgery may be required to…
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….
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…
How Are Orthopedic Spinal Injuries Diagnosed?
Orthopedic injuries affect the bones, joints, muscles, and/or other supporting structures, including the spine. We don’t typically think of the spine as having joints, but it actually does have joints between each set of two adjacent vertebrae – enabling us to bend and twist our back and torso. With all of that bending and twisting,…
How Is Lumbar Surgery Performed?
Lumbar surgery is effective for cases where more conservative treatments fail to provide adequate results. Surgery aims to resolve the underlying mechanical issues causing symptoms, such as slipped discs and bone spurs. While surgery can be expensive and may have a lengthy recovery time, it usually improves mobility and offers long-lasting pain relief. Let’s talk…
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…
What to Know About Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Anywhere from 51 to 84 percent of American adults experience back pain. Many are senior women; however, anyone with injury to the spine, a degenerative condition (arthritis), an inherited deformity, or physical stressors on the job is prone to back discomfort. Spinal stenosis, herniated discs, scoliosis, and fractures are other examples. When such conditions and…
Things to Consider When Choosing a Spine Surgeon
You may be suffering from chronic back pain due to your profession, your favorite hobby, a sports injury, a fall, or an accident. You’re not alone: About 28% of men and 32% of women in the United States struggle with back pain. If your primary care physician has recommended that you have back surgery, you…