Tag Archives: spinal fusion

Spine pain can leave people in severe pain, and unable to take part in life the way they used to be. However, not all surgeries to relieve this back pain have to be very invasive. Consulting a surgeon for lumbar disc degeneration is the best way to see if there is anything that can be done through non-surgical treatment before moving forward to look into surgical options. Nobody has to suffer forever with back pain, there are procedures that can give people back their livelihood. However, once patients have gone through several types of non-surgical treatment, artificial disc replacement may be the next option.

This involves completely removing and replacing a disc in the lumbar spine. Spinal fusion is another option, but it doesn’t offer the same results as disc replacement. Disc replacement offers a better range of motion, and it can even get rid of the pain that could be caused by a pinched disc. It’s also a somewhat simpler surgery, there are no screws used or bone grafts. Those suffering from lumber disc degeneration may finally be able to get some relief with a new artificial disc. It will remove the pressure that has been causing pain along nerves or along the spinal cord. In some cases though, there are non-surgical treatments that can also improve movement and reduce pain. People can also look into less invasive surgeries to help to alleviate their symptoms without having a major surgery. Continue reading

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Chronic neck pain can be the sign of a more serious underlying condition. Should you suffer an injury to your cervical spine, chronic pain may be the result, failing to address the underlying issue may result in more severe nerve damage, loss of mobility and increased pain in the future. Given the severity of such a symptom, it would be prudent to make use of the most effective recovery resources and professional care available.

Procedures like an MRI can offer conclusive information into the state of your cervical spine after suffering form an injury or a potential injury. Ruling out the risk of further damage is the smallest of benefits that you will be in a position to enjoy when you make use of the professional care and diagnostic procedures professional care can make available. If you are dealing with frequent, chronic or severe neck pain, it may suggest a more serious underlying injury, seeking out appropriate care is not something that you may be able to afford putting off.

With a selection of care and procedures ranging from the non-invasive to spinal fusion depending on the severity of the condition you are dealing with, you will be able to address any harm or damage done to your spine in the most successful way possible. Ignoring the signs of a spinal injury, or failing to obtain proper diagnostic procedures after having suffered from an event or accident that may have done harm to your spine can mean having to deal with more serious consequences in the future.
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Traditional back surgery is risky and involves a long recovery period. Many people never get the full mobility back. In recent years, another, better option has become widely known. This is commonly known as endoscopic spine surgery.

Endoscopic back surgery uses specialized video feeds to access damaged areas of the back and perform repairs. Because of the use of an endoscope for visualization, the incisions are smaller. Due to the fact that surrounding tissue does not need damaged, recovery tends to be easier and take less time. Both the smaller incisions and the lack of damage to surrounding tissue mean that, typically, the patient is also in much less pain.

This operation does not require general anesthesia. A much safer process, known as conscious sedation, is often employed. Conscious sedation uses local anesthesia along with IV sedation to put the patient into a low level of sleep. The pre-operative procedures are the same and the patient is still constantly monitored. The IV sedation is given through a pump and medication can be adjusted to keep the patient calm but minimally conscious.
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Those who have suffered injuries that require back surgery are faced with many tough decision, and very often one of those is whether or not spinal fusion is a good treatment option. This invasive technique is performed by essentially “welding” two vertebrae together.

Spine fusion can be a painful process. With its extensive recovery time and invasive nature, many patients actually end up suffering from failed back surgery syndrome following treatment as their problem persists. As a result, a growing number of back pain sufferers are turning to alternatives to alleviate their pain and live the fulfilling lives they desire.

Intradiscal electrothermal coagulation is an increasingly popular technique in which the annulus is warmed by inserting a needle and catheter into the affected area, thus closing the gaps made by tears that are the underlying cause of the pain. While this method has proven effective and is not invasive, it is a better option for those suffering from less severe back pain. Continue reading

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What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal Fusion surgery is a procedure in which vertebrae are fused together to prevent a painful movement at the joint. Inserting a piece of bone between the vertebrae and encouraging the bone to grow accomplish this process, fusing the vertebrae together, preventing movement between them and eliminating the pain. To eliminate movement, this process is repeated in the spaces above and below the target vertebra, isolating it from moving entirely.

Who Would Be A Good Candidate?

Spinal Fusion surgery is a method of treating several problems with the spinal column. Some of those problems include (but are not limited to):

· Degenerative Disc Disease
· A Weak or Unstable Spine
· Scoliosis
· When a Vertebra Slips Out of Place in the Spinal Column
· Deformities

These are some of the most common conditions under which a patient should talk to a doctor regarding their options on spinal fusion surgery. If a patient is experiencing severe back pain, s/he should immediately talk to a doctor to determine the cause and location of the pain to know how to best take care of the problem. Continue reading

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