Author: Lenard MD

In spinal fractures, a fracture or displacement of a vertebra can cause bone fragments to pinch and harm the spinal nerves or spinal cord. A spinal fracture may occur due to car accidents, sports, falls, gunshots, etc. A fracture in the spine, usually caused by osteoporosis, is generally referred to as a compression fracture. The foremost symptom of spinal compression fractures is back pain. The pain may get worse over time.

Compression fractures are most common in women over 50 years of age because of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the medical term for low bone density, and it is most common in women over 50, though it can occur in men as well.

Apart from back pain, various other symptoms of spinal compression fractures include:

Severe back pain when you stand or walk but some relief when you lie down

Difficulty in bending or twisting your body

A curved, stooped shape to your spine

Loss of height

Limited spinal mobility

Though most fractures heal with traditional treatment, severe fractures may require spine surgery in Florida to realign the bones.

Despite several months or years of nonsurgical treatments, back pain can become intolerable. If you are still suffering from chronic, unbearable back pain in spite of several conservative treatments, your physician may recommend back surgery. Choosing the right type of back surgery in Florida for your spine condition usually depends on the location of your condition.

Depending upon the damaged area of spine, surgeons can use different minimally invasive techniques to perform the surgery. With the advances in medical technology and orthopedic surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery has become increasingly popular. In this procedure, specialized instruments are used to access the spine through small incisions. Patients who suffer from chronic back pain are finding minimally invasive spine surgery an excellent alternative to traditional open back surgery.

When performed by an experienced spine surgeon, a minimally invasive procedure reduces the risk and recovery time. The advantages of this procedure include a shorter hospital stay, less narcotic use, potentially shorter recovery time, and less pain. The procedure is performed by making a small, 1-inch incision. As minimally invasive spine surgery does not involve a long incision, it avoids major damage to the muscles surrounding the spine.

Over the last few decades, the procedures used to perform spine surgery have come a long way. Minimally invasive spine surgery has become a standard in treating a number of spine injuries and illnesses that were once treated with open back surgery.

Spinal fusion surgery is one of the most popular surgery options that can be used to treat spine conditions such as spondylolisthesis, retrolesthesis, anterolesthesis, pars-fracture, scoliosis, spinal instability and spinal fractures, degenerative disc disease, spinal tumors, infections, and Scheuermann’s disease. When the small bones in the spine, also known as vertebrae, shift or move out of place as a result of trauma or a spinal condition, it can cause instability and movement in the spine, and eventually leads to chronic pain.

However, by joining the two vertebrae together with a bone graft, the procedure can treat the pain and instability caused by the free moving vertebrae. The bone graft works together with the body’s own healing mechanisms to help fuse and even out the vertebrae over a period of time after surgery. The recovery time and ability to return to routine physical activities after a spine surgery in St. Thomas may vary from patient to patient.

Orthopedic spine surgeons are medical doctors who have completed a bachelor’s degree and medical school. Orthopedic surgeons must undergo 14 years of education to earn their doctorate, which includes: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and 5 years of determined study in orthopedic residency at any major medical center. In addition, orthopedic surgeons receive 1 year of specialty training.

The infographic titled “All about Spine Surgeons in Palm Beach” explains the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of any disorder or disease in the musculoskeletal system. Most orthopedic surgeons are familiar with the entire musculoskeletal system, but some prefer to specialize in certain areas like hands, shoulders, feet, ankles, spine, elbows, knees, etc. Before going to a spine surgeon, you should make sure the spine surgeon is board certified. Do you feel comfortable with the spine doctor? Does the surgeon hold experience relevant to your case? For complete details on spine surgeons and things to look for in a spine surgeon, refer to the infographic below.

It’s tough to find out the exact cause of back pain, but it is never difficult to get relief. You only need to strengthen your muscles, protect your spine, reduce the strain, and relieve the pressure. Some good habits will give you a painless and healthy back.

1. Keep pillow under your knees

When you sleep with your legs elevated, you release pressure from your back while sleeping. By placing a pillow under your knees, you cut half of the pressure on your spine.

2. Wear comfortable footwear

Do not harm your body in this world of changing trends and fashion. Use footwear that is comfortable and flat. Spine surgery doctors in St. Thomas say that women who wear heels on a daily basis are more prone to have backaches when compared to women who uses flat and comfortable footwear.

3. Increase calcium and vitamin intake

When you have strong bones, you have lowers chances for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common reason for backache in life, especially for women.

4. Sit in good posture

If your job involves long hours of sitting, then make sure to sit in a good posture rather than slumping over your desk.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking is one of the main causes of back pain in later life. If you have a habit of smoking, it’s better to quit today so that you can have a painless future.