Back Surgery

Potential risks and complications

X-STOP for Spinal Stenosis: Research

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:20 -0800

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Percutaneous Injection Procedures for Vertebral Fractures

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:20 -0800

On This Page:

Vertebroplasty

Kyphoplasty

Other considerations

When to See a Surgeon for Low Back Pain

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:20 -0800

Almost everyone will experience at least one episode of acute low back pain at some point in his or her life. While these episodes can be extremely painful and cause significant disruption in one’s life, most episodes of low back pain will get better with time (about 2 to 12 weeks) and non-surgical care.

Vertebroplasty Procedure

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:19 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:19 -0800

A transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (called a TLIF) is essentially like an extended PLIF. It was developed in response to some of the technical problems with a PLIF procedure. The main difference between the two spine fusion procedures is that the TLIF approach to the disc space is expanded by removing one entire facet joint (whereas a PLIF is usually done on both sides by only taking a portion of each of the paired facet joints).

Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Compression Fractures

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:19 -0800

Kyphoplasty overview
Kyphoplasty is an elective surgery designed to achieve three main goals in patients suffering from painful vertebral compression fractures:

Vertebroplasty After a Painful Spine Fracture

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:19 -0800

Vertebroplasty for compression fractures

Posterolateral Gutter Spine Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:19 -0800

There are multiple different methods for obtaining a spinal fusion, but the gold standard is a posterolateral gutter fusion surgery. This type of spinal fusion, which involves placing bone graft in the posterolateral portion of the spine (a region just outside the spine), has a long history and is considered by many surgeons to be the "tried and true" method of spinal fusion (see Figure 1).

Kyphoplasty Considerations and Alternatives

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:19 -0800

Timing of Kyphoplasty surgery

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Managing and Preventing Spine Fractures

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:19 -0800

Vertebroplasty treatment example

An 83-year-old woman, with severe osteoporosis, developed sudden severe mid back pain that radiated to the front of the chest on both sides. This occurred when she bent over to pick up an object. The pain was constant and worse when she tried to get up from a lying position.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:19 -0800

More Spinal Fusion Info:

Elements of Spinal Fusion

Spinal Fusion Recovery

Spinal Fusion History

Lumbar Laminectomy (Open Decompression)

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

A lumbar laminectomy is also known as an open decompression and typically performed to alleviate pain caused by neural impingement that can result from lumbar spinal stenosis.

Posterior Cervical Decompression (Microdiscectomy) Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Some spine surgeons may prefer the posterior approach (from the back of the neck) for a cervical discectomy. This approach is often considered for large soft disc herniations that are lateral to (to the side of) the spinal cord.

The principal advantage of the posterior approach is that a spine fusion does not need to be done after removing the disc.
read more

Microdiscectomy (Microdecompression) Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

In a microdiscectomy or microdecompression spine surgery, a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root is removed to relieve neural impingement and provide more room for the nerve to heal.

A microdiscectomy is typically performed for a herniated lumbar disc and is actually more effective for treating leg pain (also known as radiculopathy) than lower back pain.

Anterior/Posterior Lumbar Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

More Spinal Fusion Info:

Elements of Spinal Fusion

Spinal Fusion Recovery

Spinal Fusion History

Sometimes, both an anterior lumbar interbody fusion and a posterolateral gutter fusion surgery will be performed and both the front and back of the spine will be fused.

Anterior Cervical Decompression (Discectomy)

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

A cervical disc herniation can be removed through an anterior approach to relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure and alleviate corresponding pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. This procedure, called a cervical discectomy, allows the offending disc to be surgically removed.

Lumbar Decompression Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Decompression is a surgical procedure that is performed to alleviate pain caused by pinched nerves (neural impingement). During a lumbar decompression back surgery, a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root is removed to give the nerve root more space and provide a better healing environment.

There are two common types of spine surgery decompression procedures: microdiscectomy (or microdecompression) or a lumbar laminectomy (or open decompression).

Lumbar Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Two general types of lumbar spine surgery comprise the most common surgical procedures for the lower back: decompression and spinal fusion.

Decompression surgery involves removing a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root to relieve pinching of the nerve and provide more room for the nerve to heal (a microdiscectomy or laminectomy).
read more

Posterior Cervical Laminectomy

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Procedure for anterior cervical corpectomy spine surgery

When the cervical disease encompasses more than just the disc space, the spine surgeon may recommend removal of the vertebral body as well as the disc spaces at either end, to completely decompress the cervical canal. This procedure, a cervical corpectomy, is often done for multi-level cervical stenosis with spinal cord compression caused by bone spur (osteophytes) growth.

Bone Stimulators

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Bone stimulators, which emit low electrical currents, can be used to stimulate bone growth and enhance the spinal fusion. Bone stimulators can either be implanted (internal) or worn on the outside of the spine (external).

The internal bone stimulators have a battery pack that is placed under the skin, with wires that lay on top of the transverse processes (a muscle attachment site) in the posterolateral gutter.

Cervical Spinal Instrumentation

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Cervical spinal instrumentation is often used to help provide considerable stability for the spine after surgery.

Common types of instrumentation include:

Anterior cervical plates
Posterior cervical plates
Posterior cervical wiring
Anterior cervical interbody cages
Post-operative cervical braces
read more

Successful Recovery from Back Surgery - Patients' Advice: Part III

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Back-to-Back

Patients share tips on achieving a successful recovery from back surgery
In this section, patients share tips and advice about what helped them most during their post-surgical recovery.

I was pain free right after my back surgery

read more

Spinal Decompression for Back Pain Relief - Patients' Advice: Part II

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Back-to-Back

Patients share tips on experiences with spinal decompression
In this section, patients share tips and advice about using non-surgical spinal decompression to treat their back problems.

Spinal Decompression Therapy is FDA cleared and has several health benefits. Every year it gives hundreds of patients an option besides surgery. However, spinal decompression therapy and the physicians performing this therapy are not all created equal.
read more

Specific Questions to Ask Your Spine Surgeon

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

There are several questions you can ask a spine surgeon to help you more thoroughly understand your prospective surgery and instill confidence in your selection of a surgeon. You can compare your surgeon’s specific answers with the general overview of the surgical procedure provided in the Overview of surgery.

Questions before choosing surgery:

What is the specific anatomic lesion being addressed?
What is the natural course of the condition if left untreated?
read more

Other Considerations for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

When scar tissue is not the cause of pain

If the recurrent pain appears years after spine surgery, it is unlikely that the pain is due solely to scar tissue. Scar tissue does not continue to form years after spine surgery, so it is generally not considered a cause of late recurrent pain. Rather, the nerve may be compressed, or “tethered”, by a small disc herniation or by new bone growing near the nerve (stenosis).

Guidelines for Evaluating a Spine Surgeon

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

While there is no source of clear-cut criteria to compare spine surgeons, there are a number of ways patients can evaluate the surgeon they are being referred to. For example, patients can ask their referring physician several questions about the spine surgeon they are being referred to, they can ask the surgeon questions, and they can use third party information sources.

Spinal Cord Stimulation Advantages and Risks

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Treatment Options for Pain After Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

It must be kept in mind that postoperative imaging studies will almost always show scar tissue involving the nerve root and surrounding structures, a phenomenon known as the post-laminectomy membrane. Much clinical and animal research has been done on the nature and significance of this scar tissue, but it has not been conclusively shown that scar tissue is a major cause of back pain or leg pain after spine surgery.

Choosing the Best Spine Surgeon for Your Back Pain

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Peter Ullrich, MD

Successful Recovery from Back Surgery - Patients' Advice: Part III

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Back-to-Back

Patients share tips on achieving a successful recovery from back surgery
In this section, patients share tips and advice about what helped them most during their post-surgical recovery.

Surgeon recommended laminectomy for sciatic pain

I tried chiropractic care for over a year, acupuncture, and stretching. MRI confirmed severe bulging disk at L5-S1. Finally had sciatic pain down my left leg for 2 months. Tried ESI, didn't work.
read more

Spinal Cord Stimulation Research

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Red Flags to Notice When Choosing a Spine Surgeon

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Causes of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Diagnostics for failed back surgery syndrome

A comprehensive physical examination and appropriate diagnostic imaging techniques can often pinpoint the responsible pathology. For instance, a definitive diagnosis of recurrent disc herniation or other disorders may be made.

Successful Recovery from Back Surgery - Patients' Advice: Part IV

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Back-to-Back

Patients share tips on achieving a successful recovery from back surgery
In this section, patients share tips and advice about what helped them most during their post-surgical recovery.

Doctor's orders are important to a good recovery from back surgery

read more

Getting a Referral to a Spine Surgeon

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Introduction to spine surgeon referrals

For patients who are candidates for spinal surgery, the next obvious step is for them to ask their treating physician for a referral to a spine surgeon. However, getting a referral to an appropriate spine surgeon may not always be as straightforward as it may sound.

How Spinal Cord Stimulation Works

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

The first step in the process is to get a comprehensive evaluation by a spine physician to determine if the patient may or may not be a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation treatment of chronic pain.

Indications and contraindications for neurostimulation

Basic criteria that indicate someone might be a candidate for spinal cord or peripheral nerve field stimulation include:

Chronic back pain with or without leg pain
Chronic neck pain with or without arm pain
read more

Scar Tissue and Pain After Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Effects of scar tissue on back pain and leg pain

The formation of scar tissue near the nerve root (also called epidural fibrosis) is a common occurrence after back surgery—so common, in fact, that it often occurs for patients with successful surgical outcomes as well as for patients with continued or recurrent leg pain and back pain. For this reason, the importance of scar tissue (epidural fibrosis) as a potential cause of postoperative pain—commonly called failed back surgery syndrome—is controversial.

The Importance of Psychological Preparation for Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Successful Recovery from Back Surgery - Patients' Advice: Part IV

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Back-to-Back

Patients share tips on achieving a successful recovery from back surgery
In this section, patients share tips and advice about what helped them most during their post-surgical recovery.

Say no to overdoing it

I had a microdiskectomy march 2007 and have had amazing results I am not what I used to be, but at least I can walk without pain. I have for the most part full range of motion and feel that I made the right choice to have the surgery. Words of advice: Never over do it!
read more

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Spinal cord stimulation

How to Select a Spine Surgeon

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Disc Nucleus Replacement Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

John Sherman, MD

Benefits of Psychological Preparation for Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Post-Laminectomy Syndrome: Surgeon Viewpoint

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

Since the patient’s symptoms have been long standing and he has tried conservative treatment he would be a reasonable candidate for surgery. Factors that suggest he would do well with a fusion include the fact that there is a lot of disc space collapse at L5-S1 and that the rest of the discs are all well preserved.

As the disc space collapses the nerve root exiting the level (in this case the L5 nerve) can get irritated and radiate pain down the leg. He does not have a recurrent disc herniation so a discectomy alone will not provide him any relief.

New Advancements in Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

Spine surgery is a high growth and rapidly evolving field. Several important new technologies are in various stages of development and you may want to consider these when making any decision about your treatment options.

Preparing for Back Surgery - Patients' Advice

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

Back-to-Back

Patients share tips on preparing for back surgery
In this section, patients share tips and advice about how they were successful in preparing for back surgery, or things they wish they had known before.

MRI before scoliosis surgery - successful update

Here is updated information on my daughter's scoliosis surgery. On June 15, 2007, my daughter had scoliosis surgery performed. The surgery was more than successful. My daughter went home without any pain.
read more

What You Need to Know About Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

When you’re considering having spine surgery, complete and reliable information is important to help you make the decision whether or not to have the surgery, as well as how to select a spine surgeon, prepare for back surgery, and make best use of the recovery process.

Preventing Post-Laminectomy Spinal Deformity in Children with Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors (Research Article)

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

This study was conducted with the goal of determining if instrumented spinal fusion surgery performed at the time of tumor removal is effective in preventing the development of spinal deformity for children with intramedullary spinal cord tumors.

Post-Laminectomy Syndrome: Physiatrist Viewpoint

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

Given the patient's history, physical examination, and imaging findings, several possible sources of pain come to mind.

Regarding his imaging studies, his L5-S1 disk degeneration with significant disk space narrowing could be painful in itself, but the disk space narrowing may also place increased stress upon the L5-S1 facets, and may cause some degree of neuroforaminal narrowing around the left L5 nerve root.

Know Your Options for Degenerative Disc Pain

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

Age brings many advantages—wisdom, independence and experience. Unfortunately, it can also be pretty tough on our bodies. Spine experts know that by 40 most people will have some level of disc degeneration, and for some this will become degenerative disc disease, the symptoms of which can range from very mild, to significant, debilitating pain.

Post-Laminectomy Syndrome

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

History of present illness

The patient is a 47-year-old male who had an L5-S1 discectomy 5 years ago. Although the back surgery relieved his sharp leg pain, he continued to not only have back pain but also leg pain.

What You Need to Know About Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

Dear Spine-Health Member,

Whether you're considering having back surgery and/or you've already had surgery, reliable information can help you with the decision on whether or not to have spine surgery, selecting a spine surgeon, preparing for surgery and participating in your recovery. The following summarizes a few important pieces of information to help you in this process:

Preventing Constipation After Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

Constipation is a common problem for many people recovering from back surgery, and frequently causes considerable discomfort and/or pain. While it is often not mentioned to patients as part of the recovery process, constipation and its adverse side effects can be a significant challenge following back surgery.

Post-Laminectomy Syndrome: Chiropractor Viewpoint

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:16 -0800

Considering Spine Surgery? What You Need to Know

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

The news that you may need spinal surgery can create many emotions -- hope that you may find more pain relief, fear about the procedure and recovery, and confusion about what to do next. This newsletter presents a series of things patients can do to make the decision-making process about whether to have spine surgery a productive experience.

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Postoperative Care for Lumbar Microdiscectomy Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

Recovering from lumbar microdiscectomy surgery

The lumbar microdiscectomy surgery—to alleviate sciatica, or pain along the sciatic nerve, caused by a disc herniation—has significantly improved in recent years (e.g. a shorter recovery period, less pain, and higher success rates). While different spine surgeons will recommend somewhat different approaches to postoperative care after this type of back surgery, there are several general facets of postoperative recovery that can be expected.

Minimally Invasive Anterior Approach Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

The minimally invasive anterior approach for spine fusion surgery is in many ways an ideal technique for gaining access to the disc space in the lumbar spine with minimal risks or unwanted after effects for the patient. The anterior approach (from the front—through the abdomen) allows the surgeon to:

Completely remove the painful degenerative disc while restoring the disc to its native disc height
read more

Medical and Family History to Present to a Spine Surgeon or Spine Specialist

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Are You Trying to Avoid Spine Surgery?

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

While spine surgery may be the right option for certain patients, many people suffering from back pain have decided that they will do almost anything to avoid surgery. If avoiding surgery is an option for you, it's worth exploring some of the less common options. This newsletter features several treatments you may not know about that might be worth trying.

Present Back Problems to the Spine Specialist or Spine Surgeon

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

Description of back pain and back problems

You will probably be asked by the spine specialist or spine surgeon to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible, with questions such as:

How long have you had your present spine or back problem?
What is your main spine problem? Neck, arm(s), mid back, lower back, buttock and/or leg(s)?
How and when did your back problem start?
What always makes your back problem worse? What always makes it better (even if only a little)?
read more

Anterior Approach to Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

The anterior approach to the spine has been around since the 1950s. Originally, the surgery involved a large abdominal incision in which the surgeon would cut through the abdominal muscles and the peritoneal cavity to gain access to the spine. The peritoneal cavity contains the patient’s intestines. This would require long recovery times due to the large dissection of the abdomen and muscles to get access to the spine.

If You Need to See a Spine Surgeon for Your Back Pain

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

Expectations from spine surgery

If it is determined that you might need back surgery, the physician will probably ask you questions about what you expect to obtain from the surgery. For example:

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Systems

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

In-depth information and research on minimally invasive back surgery techniques for spine fusion surgery, kyphoplasty and microdiscectomy

Preparing to Meet with a Spine Surgeon or Spine Specialist

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:15 -0800

Meeting with a spine surgeon or spine specialist

Doctor visits can be intimidating and—especially when you're in pain—it can be difficult to describe your situation in a complete, concise and accurate manner. However, it will serve you well to prepare for questions your spine surgeon or spine specialist is likely to ask in advance—this way, you can avoid feeling like you didn't tell your doctor something important during the visit.

Pain Relief After a Vertebral Compression Fracture

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:14 -0800

Kyphoplasty for spine fractures

When a painful fracture from osteoporosis occurs in the spine, kyphoplasty is a treatment option designed to help reduce or eliminate the pain, restore height of the vertebral body and reduce spinal deformity. Vertebral compression fractures from osteoporosis are quite common, occurring in approximately twenty percent of women over the age of seventy years old.

Who Does the IDET Procedure? (Research Article)

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

Skills and training needed to perform IDET

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Osteo. Fracture Prevention

Lumbar Decompression Back Surgery Considerations

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

Kyphoplasty for an Osteoporosis Fracture

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

More Osteoporosis Info

Back Pain and Fractures

Full Osteoporosis Guide

Calcium and Vitamin D

Scar Tissue and Continued Pain After Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Mr. WW’s Kyphoplasty Procedure

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

Mr. WW had an extensive history of medical problems, including high blood pressure, severe coronary artery (heart) disease and a seizure disorder, so he was felt to be at high risk for general anesthesia and thus local anesthesia was employed during the kyphoplasty procedure as the sole pain-numbing agent.

What is Known About Outcomes for IDET? (Research Article)

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

Study results on IDET for back pain management

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: What It Is and How to Avoid It

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

Failed back surgery syndrome (also called FBSS, or failed back syndrome) is a misnomer, as it is not actually a syndrome - it is a very generalized term that is often used to describe the condition of patients who have not had a successful result with back surgery or spine surgery and have experienced continued pain after surgery. There is no equivalent term for failed back surgery syndrome in any other type of surgery (e.g.

Description of Kyphoplasty Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

The goals of the kyphoplasty surgical procedure are designed to stop the pain caused by a spinal fracture, to stabilize the bone, and to restore some or all of the lost vertebral body height due to the compression fracture.

During kyphoplasty surgery, a small incision is made in the back through which the doctor places a narrow tube.
read more

Rehabilitation After Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Vertebral Fracture Treated with Kyphoplasty: Case Review

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

The following set of images outlines one patient's experience with the use of kyphoplasty to treat a vertebral compression fracture.

IDET: A New Procedure for Discogenic Back Pain Management

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

IDET

(Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty) provides a new alternative to other surgical procedures for patients who suffer from back pain caused by certain types of disc problems.

It is a fairly advanced procedure made possible by the development of electrothermal catheters that allow for careful and accurate temperature control. The procedure works by cauterizing the nerve endings within the disc wall to help block the pain signals.

Disc Nucleus Replacement as an Alternative to Artificial Disc Replacement (Research Article)

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:13 -0800

Traditionally, the standard of care for surgically treating low back pain from degenerative disc disease has been spine fusion surgery. Starting in 2004, an alternative to many types of spine fusion was introduced into the US—artificial disc replacement surgery, and many alternative forms of artificial discs are also in development and various stages of clinical trials.

How to Prepare Psychologically for Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Deciding Against Spine Surgery for Chronic Pain Relief Part II

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Patients share advice about deciding against spine surgery
In this section, patients share their insights about why they made the decision not to have spine surgery.

Putting off surgery until success rates rise

I have cervical and Lumbar DDD and was told I would need surgery as I have leg weakness, hand numbness, back and neck pain. After reading through the posts in the Artificial Disc vs. Fusion section, it is obvious that those who are satisfied with their surgeries are only weeks into recovery.
read more

Healthy Habits After Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

In addition to following the doctor’s post-surgical recommendations, such as rehabilitation and physical therapy, it is a good idea for back surgery patients to examine areas that are under his or her control that will help with their post-surgical recovery process.

Here are a few lifestyle changes for patients to consider:

Surgery for a Degenerated Disc

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Degen. Disc Disease Info:

Preparation Before Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Especially for those undergoing spinal fusion or other forms of more extensive back surgery, it is beneficial to arrange the home to make it as safe and convenient as possible after surgery. The surgeon will often recommend that the patient avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects for several weeks or months following back surgery.

Here are several practical guidelines to help ease the transition home following back surgery:

Cognitive Techniques to Prepare for Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Cognitive behavioral techniques are mental exercises that help to change the way a person thinks about a situation in order to feel better emotionally and behave in a healthier way.

They help with back surgery preparation in two ways:

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Deciding Against Spine Surgery for Chronic Pain Relief- Patients' Advice: Part I

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Back-to-Back

Patients share advice about deciding against spine surgery
In this section, patients share their insights about why they made the decision not to have spine surgery.

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Spiritual Issues to Prepare for Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Many doctors underestimate the importance of religion and prayer to their patients, and many patients are reluctant to bring these issues up for discussion.

However, recent research seems to indicate that belief in a higher power makes a positive contribution to a person’s physical health and provides many benefits that can facilitate the surgery process and improve outcomes, including:

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Potential Risks of Surgery for a Degenerated Disc

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Patients who have not found pain relief through conservative care and have suffered diminution in their quality of life and ability to function because of a symptomatic degenerated disc should educate themselves and discuss the benefits and risks of each type of surgery with their physician. When possible, obtaining a second opinion from a similarly-credentialed surgeon may be useful to get as comprehensive a perspective as possible on what surgery entails, and to confirm that non-surgical approaches have been exhausted, leaving surgery as the next appropriate step.

Practical Advice for Recovering from Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Back surgery postoperative care

For patients who have decided to have back surgery, taking time to prepare for the post-surgical recovery period is a good idea and will usually improve their experience when they get home.

Choosing the Best Spine Surgeon for Your Back Pain Relief - Patients' Advice

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Back-to-Back

Patients share advice about choosing the best spine surgeon for your back pain relief
In this section patients share their insights into how they chose the right back surgeon for their back pain relief, including seeking a second opinion, using the internet to research a surgeon, and what they are most (or least) pleased with in the surgeon they chose.

Assertiveness Skills to Prepare for Back Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:11 -0800

Importance of assertiveness with a spine surgeon

Top Back Surgery Topics: