Is Spinal Surgery Right For You?

There are several kinds of spinal surgery that are done to alleviate pain. There is microdiscectomy (formerly known as lumbar laminectomy), lumbar fusion, fixation, and decompressive laminectomy. These are some of the more common and frequently performed procedures done for patients suffering from spinal pain and injury.

Types of Spine Surgeries

Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy is a surgery that is done by spine surgeon in Chennai for patients who have just a herniated disc or a simple ruptured disc. There should be no other problems with your spine besides this. It is done through a small incision, usually about an inch or less, if your doctor has the special instruments and magnification to do so. This causes less damage to the muscle and that means less pain and quicker recovery time for you. Most patients these days are using epidural instead of the general anesthesia. In this surgery, the doctor will only remove the ruptured part of the disc since the disc is the cushion between your vertebrae.

Lumbar Fusion

Lumbar Fusion is done for patients that need to have more stability between their vertebrae. The patient will get a bone fusion from their back, pelvis, or an artificial bone supplement. The bone will be prepared and fused between the vertebrae that are unstable. This procedure will allow for new bone growth and it will also stop motion involving those vertebrae. For about three months after the surgery, patients will wear a back brace to allow the bone graft and vertebrae to fuse together. There will be several x-rays to see if there is any need for internal fixation (rods and screws) if the fusion is not where it needs to be.

Fixation

Fixation of the fusion may be required if there needs to be more stability to the spine. Rods and screws will be used to make the spine more rigid and to stabilize the fused bones. When there is a concrete fusion of the bones, there really is no need to have the rods and screws removed.

Decompressive Laminectomy

Lastly, there is decompressive laminectomy which is mostly used for patients that have a small spinal canal (spinal stenosis). This condition is frequently due to arthritis in the spinal canal that cause the bone spurs and broadening of the ligaments. This will cause pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The doctor will remove bone from the spinal canal to allow more room for the nerves and spinal cord. The incision will be longer than the microdiscectomy and the patient will usually spend a night or two in the hospital.

Also, make sure that your doctor explains all the details of the surgery. You need to know what will be done to your spine, how long recovery will take, and what are some problems that may occur. Your doctor should be willing to sit down with you and talk about all of these things and any further questions you may have for him/her.

Lower Back Pain Exercise: A Healthy Back Means an Active Life

Lower back pain exercise is the solution for chronic lower back pain, a common ailment that affects a large number of  India. It is a pain that just does not go away and many a times becomes an integral part of the body and mind leading to a very painful coexistence. In this case managing this chronic pain assumes primary importance and the first thing you must do is consult your Neurosurgeon in Chennai and taking the prescribed medication.

But the most important thing you can do is exercise regularly to assuage some of the chronic pain. You can engage in specific types of lower back pain exercise to alleviate your sufferings and these are crucial as it helps you become flexible and toned and thus control pain. 

You must be in a good physical condition so as to help you other physical problems that can be the result of chronic lower back pain. It is also necessary to relax your body and Yoga is a great relaxation technique that you can imbibe in your daily routine. Other techniques include visualization, acupuncture, acupressure, and meditation among others.

These relaxation techniques are the first step towards lower back pain exercise and make you breathe correctly and concentrate on the health of your body. These pave the way for the low back pain exercises the foremost among which is the lower back extension exercise. This is a simple exercise that requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. This exercise performs to functions: strengthening lower back and elimination lower back pain.

The exercise makes you site on a carpet or a mat, with your stomach to the floor keeping your hands and arms flat at your sides and legs extended akin to a standing position. You must then raise your torso slowly as far as you can go, barely to the point wherein you are receiving maximum benefit and are comfortable. 

You must remember to tighten your buttock while lifting yourself form the ground al the while concentrating on working the lower back. The final step is to lower yourself back on the floor; please do not forget to breathe during this time. This lower back pain exercise must be performed 2-3 times a week, 2 sets with 12-24 repetitions.

Like all exercises this lower back pain exercise also has its variations and can be done on vertical benches or by holding onto extra free weights. But, this exercise is effective whichever way you do it, but you must always take care not to put undue strain on your back.

Treatment at Spine Center Can Do Wonders for Your Spine Pain

A spine center can directly affect your outcome of treatment if you are having issues with your back or spine. With 80% of people in the country reporting at least some type of back pain, the need for spine centers to address this pain is relevant. The back is a vital part of the body with its support required to walk, run, sit and bend. A spine center will be staffed with professional neuro specialists to treat all aspects of back pain, with the experience, training and tools to provide relief.

Spine Center Professionals

A spine treatment center will typically be directed by an orthopedic surgeon. This specialist will have attended medical school with a specialty in the musculoskeletal system, and be board certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A well-qualified orthopaedic surgeon will have completed fellowship training in spine surgery. 

Because back pain is an issue that can often be controlled with pain management, often an anesthesiologist board certified by the American Board of Pain Management will be available at the center as well. This specialist may also have fellowship training in pain management and as well as anesthesiology. The registered nurses (RNs) of a spine pain treatment center have been trained in pain management and dealing with spinal issues as well and can record patient symptoms to relate to the physician.

Non-surgical Options at a Spine Center

There are five regions of the spine with the most recognizable the top three: cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back) and lumbar (lower back). Lumbar back pain is the most common, and with rest and treatment, can often be relieved with non-surgical options. With physicians on staff at a spine treatment center, prescription medications for pain and muscle relaxing can be ordered when over the counter (OTC) drugs are not effective any longer. After a proper diagnosis, these stronger pain killers may be prescribed before any treatment takes place. Some of the treatments may include physical therapy, massage, electrical nerve stimulation, traction and back supports. In addition, at-home treatments will include the use of hot/cold packs, stretching and extension exercises, and proper rest. With the rest prescribed, the patient will also be asked to slowly move into an exercise routine to strengthen the muscles around the affected area.

Minimally-invasive Options

Sometimes the non-surgical treatment options do not relieve the pain. A spine center will have the tools to offer minimally-invasive back treatments that do not require a trip to the hospital. When a nerve has pressure from a herniated vertebral disc, steroid and anesthetic injections can ease pain in the area and can last up to six months or more. Kyphoplasty, the insertion of an x-stop spacer for spinal stenosis, and minimally invasive spinal fusion are all treatment options with a spine center specialist.

Surgical Options

When minimally-invasive or non-surgical spine pain relief options do not relieve back pain discomfort, the physicians at a spine treatment center may recommend surgery. With the many back conditions and different areas of the back to be addressed, there are also numerous surgical procedures that can be recommended. Laminectomy, spinal fusion, discectomy and disc replacement are a few of the more common.

The bottom line is that a spine center will be able to offer specialized care to an individual with spine issues and should be considered for dedicated expertise.