The spine is a long, tubular series of vertebrae (bones) and protective discs – and every disc sits between each set of two adjacent vertebrae. These bones and discs are stacked on top of each other from the bottom of the skull all the way down to the lower back. The spine surrounds the spinal cord, which is a crucial part of the central nervous system that enables us to feel sensations and to move around. Because it protects the spinal cord and also lets us move, bend, and twist our torso, t ... [Read More]
Back Surgery
Types of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
When a spinal condition or disorder impacts a nerve, it can disrupt motor and sensory signals and result in painful symptoms that radiate along the affected nerve pathway, and even cause disability. Nonsurgical, conservative or traditional methods are usually the first approach to many medical conditions affecting the spine. If such methods fail to provide relief, surgery may be prescribed. What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery? Minimally invasive spine surgery is a cutting-edge procedure ... [Read More]
Preparing for Neurosurgery
The field of neurosurgery focuses on surgery of the brain and spinal cord. If a neurosurgeon deems that surgery is necessary, there are many steps patients can take to prepare for the surgery to help pave the way toward a successful outcome. There are several steps you can take to prepare for your neurosurgical procedure: Get the appropriate medical clearance. Your neurosurgeon may ask you to see your internist (or a specialist such as a cardiologist) to get medically cleared for ... [Read More]
Lumbar Fusion for Back Pain
A lumbar spine fusion is a type of back surgery designed to treat lower back pain and leg pain as a result of degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, stenosis, or other spinal injuries. The fusion of vertebrae in the spine is performed to strengthen and stabilize the fused segment of the spine, thus decreasing or eliminating the back pain the spinal instability may have caused. This surgery is called a "spine fusion" because it involves placing small morsels of bone either in the front ... [Read More]
What is a Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is an augmentation or strengthening of vertebrae that have suffered compression fractures. This minimally invasive procedure alleviates pain, stabilizes the bone, and restores some or all vertebral height that was impacted by the fracture. A catheter with a balloon-like device creates space in the vertebra, and a special cement-like substance is injected to fill it. Hence it is also known as a “balloon kyphoplasty.” Kyphoplasty can help patients with spinal fractures due to ost ... [Read More]
