Chronic back problems are usually caused by disc problems. The discs in your spine consist of a hard exterior and a soft jelly-like interior. They are found between each vertebra and allow for spine flexibility and range of motion. Once the discs dry up -- a process that begins as early as your 20s -- you may experience a range of symptoms, including stiffness and pain. As the discs begin to degenerate, they may herniate or push out, irritating the surrounding nerves and causing pain. Who To ... [Read More]
back pain
Who is a candidate for minimally invasive spinal surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) allows surgeons to access the spine through smaller incisions. It is made possible by the use of a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end – called an endoscope – and specialized tools. The endoscopic technique is used to treat patients with complex spine disorders. MISS may be used to treat trauma, spinal tumors, or deformities. Fracture reduction, spinal fusion, laminectomy, and discectomy may be performed using minimally-invasive ... [Read More]
What Should I Ask My Spinal Surgeon Before Undergoing Tumor Surgery?
Spinal tumors can grow inside the spinal canal or the bones that make up the spine. Depending on their type and grade, the tumors may spread to the vertebrae and surrounding tissues. Nonsurgical treatment options—such as medications and radiation therapy—are usually the first-line treatment for spinal tumors. However, if they are ineffective, your spinal surgeon may recommend tumor surgery. Surgeries by their very nature are complex and risky, so it proves prudent to equip yourself with ... [Read More]
What You Need to Know About Spinal Tumor Surgery
A spinal tumor may be a primary tumor, which means it develops initially in the spine, or it may be metastatic from a tumor spreading from another part of the body. Either way, a skilled neurosurgeon can perform surgery to remove the spinal tumor. This is a very delicate operation because a severed or damaged spinal cord can result in paralysis. You will therefore want to partner with a neurosurgeon who has years of successful experience in performing spinal tumor surgery. Let’s talk about ... [Read More]
Spine Surgery: How Serious Is It?
Spine surgery can help to greatly reduce or eliminate your back pain. It can also be performed to address referred pain in another part of your body that is being caused in the spinal cord. While most people automatically assume that spine surgery is a major procedure, you may be surprised to know that it might not be as serious as you thought. Let’s talk about what you can expect from back surgery, and where you can go for a medical evaluation and recommendations to finally achieve pain ... [Read More]
