Author: Lenard MD

Several surgical procedures are available to treat spine-related conditions and relieve pain or nerve compression. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive treatments for vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. Both involve injecting a cement-like substance to stabilize and strengthen the bone. A discectomy is performed to remove a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve or spinal cord, often combined with a laminectomy, where bone spurs and portions of the vertebra are removed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

Spinal fusion involves removing a spinal disc and fusing adjacent vertebrae using bone grafts or metal hardware to stabilize the spine. Disc replacement is an alternative to fusion, where an artificial disc is inserted to maintain motion while relieving nerve pressure. For neck issues, cervical disc replacement replaces a damaged disc with a synthetic one, preserving near-normal movement and offering relief from chronic pain or nerve compression.

Back pain can arise from various underlying issues, and choosing the right specialist is key to effective treatment.

Orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, offering surgical and non-surgical solutions for structural problems. Rheumatologists address autoimmune-related bone and joint issues, making them ideal for persistent, unexplained pain and swelling.

Primary care physicians act as the first point of contact, recommending basic interventions like medication or therapy for mild to moderate pain. Neurologists step in for nerve-related concerns like sciatica, providing precise diagnoses and treatments.

Physiatrists specialize in rehabilitation and physical medicine, helping restore normal function affected by injuries or disorders. Internists are invaluable when chronic conditions intersect, managing complex medical scenarios that contribute to back pain.

Each specialist plays a unique role, ensuring a comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing the root cause of your discomfort.

Spine surgery is a significant medical procedure, and understanding what to expect can help ease concerns and ensure a smoother experience.

Before surgery, your spine surgeon will explain the specifics of your procedure and the recovery process, providing clarity on what lies ahead. The cost of spine surgery varies based on factors like insurance, the type of surgery, and the facility, so discussing this with your surgeon’s office is crucial.

Every procedure comes with risks and benefits, and a trusted surgeon will offer a transparent assessment of potential complications, recovery timelines, and success rates to help you make informed decisions. Recovery expectations differ depending on the surgery type and personal health factors, and knowing what to anticipate can help you plan. While alternatives are typically considered first, surgery is recommended only when it offers the best outcome.

Ultimately, your surgeon will discuss how the procedure can improve your quality of life, both immediately and in the long term.

Lower back pain is a common condition with a variety of underlying causes. Strains and sprains are among the most frequent culprits, often resulting from improper lifting techniques or lifting heavy objects. More severe causes include spinal fractures, particularly in cases of trauma or conditions like osteoporosis.

Spondylolysis, a stress fracture in spinal bones, is common in young athletes. Another cause is bulging discs, which occur when the discs between vertebrae swell, leading to pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of spaces within the spine, can compress nerves and cause significant discomfort.

Lastly, scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, can misalign the spine, placing undue stress on muscles and joints, leading to pain.

To alleviate back pain, several treatments are available. Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxers may be prescribed to ease discomfort. Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles supporting the spine, improves flexibility, and prevents further injury.

Chiropractic adjustments may also be beneficial in improving spinal mobility and reducing pain. In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary, particularly for chronic pain due to degenerative conditions like arthritis or spondylolisthesis. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the pain.

VIA Disc NP is a cutting-edge, nonsurgical procedure designed to treat disc degeneration and provide long-lasting pain relief. This injectable outpatient treatment involves using real-time imaging to guide a needle into the damaged disc’s nucleus pulposus after applying a local anesthetic.

The injected VIA Disc NP tissue mimics the function of the original nucleus pulposus, absorbing water and promoting natural healing. This helps rebuild the cushioning your spine needs, while also activating tissue regeneration to repair the damaged disc. By addressing the root cause of pain at the disc level, the VIA Disc NP procedure offers targeted pain relief that can be more effective than traditional pain management methods. Restoring the disc’s structural integrity also improves spinal function, enhancing mobility and flexibility.

VIA Disc NP provides long-lasting pain relief by targeting the underlying cause of disc degeneration, reducing the need for ongoing treatments. As an allograft, it eliminates the risk of immune rejection, making it a safe option for most patients. Additionally, VIA Disc NP helps preserve spinal motion and improves patients’ quality of life by reducing pain and enhancing overall well-being, allowing them to enjoy daily activities without restrictions.