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…
Spine Surgeon Rochester Hills MI
What To Expect After Back Surgery
You may be wondering what to do after back surgery. Most people have tons of questions about the recovery process. The best way to answer these questions is through research and communication with your surgeon. Recovery is a long process, and the things patients must do to recover can vary from person to person. This…
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…
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…
Classification of Orthopedic Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries which are purely orthopedic (musculoskeletal) rather than affecting the spinal cord can take many forms, from hairline vertebral fractures to herniated discs to arthritis. An orthopedic spinal injury can be minor to severe, with minor back injuries possibly needing only noninvasive treatment (such as physical therapy) whereas severe injuries may warrant back surgery…
Spinal Stenosis: Treatment Options
Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves. It can produce symptoms that range from radiating pain, numbness, and weakness to gait problems, depending on the location of the narrowing. Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck region, while lumbar…
Common Questions About Bracing as a Scoliosis Treatment Option
Bracing is a common non-surgical treatment for children with scoliosis or those with a curvature of the spine. The goal of treating scoliosis with a brace is to slow or stop the progression of the curve. Bracing is an option for some children, depending on several factors. The child’s age, the location of the curve,…
What Does a Spine Surgeon Treat?
Your spine does it all, from keeping you upright to enabling flexibility of your torso to housing your spinal cord. Naturally, age-related degeneration or back injury can take its toll – and this warrants expert medical attention. The best type of doctor to see for an evaluation and treatment of your back pain is a…
What to Know About Scoliosis Treatment for Kids
Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that causes it to have a pronounced curve, measuring at least 10 degrees or more. It affects the thoracic or lumbar region of the spine. As a result, the shoulders, hips, and waist look uneven. The arms may hang awkwardly beside the body. The head may not look…
What Causes Chronic Spinal Pain?
Spinal pain is often felt in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) region. Pain symptoms include stiffness, limited range of motion, weakness, and muscle spasms. Pain can turn chronic, especially without proper treatment. Pain can also radiate into the upper and lower extremities. For whatever reason, chronic spinal pain can keep you from your…