Why choose our spine care experts?
Jun 05, 2021 · Innovative diagnosis and treatment. Our spine care experts offer comprehensive evaluation for people with every type of spine condition, from the common to the complex or rare. Your first visit may be with a nonsurgical medical spine specialist — someone with expertise in physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, or pain medicine.
What type of Doctor treats spine conditions?
Jul 29, 2020 · The surgery involves an incision on the back of the spine that allows the surgeon to remove bone spurs and thickened ligaments that are pressing on the nerves of the low back. Microdiscectomy is used to treat nerve pain (sciatica) due to a herniated disc impinging a nerve in the spine. This surgery involves making a small incision in the low back.
Why should I seek treatment for spinal pain?
Oct 07, 2021 · Treatment for Spine Disorders. Our spine specialists often use one or more treatments, depending on the specific condition or injury. Treatments we offer include: Back bracing; Cancer treatment such as surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy; Ice or heat therapy for injuries
What kind of injuries do spine surgeons treat?
Ongoing pain will often require special imaging or testing done by your doctor to help identify the cause. Common causes include: Muscle strain or ligament sprain - Muscles and ligaments around the spine can become stretched or torn. Arthritis - This occurs as the result of inflammation in the joints of your neck and back.
What is the treatment for a spine?
Acupuncture, massage, biofeedback therapy, laser therapy, electrical nerve stimulation and other nonsurgical spine treatments can also make a difference for chronic back pain. Talk to your spine specialist about alternative treatments that could benefit you.
What can I expect from a spine specialist?
As orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic spine doctors concentrate primarily on repairing problems of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal anatomy. These surgeons spend every day assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with spine-related injuries and conditions, including: Degenerative disc diseases. Herniated ...
Why is spine surgery important?
Spinal fusion permanently connects two or more bones in your spine. It can relieve pain by adding stability to a spinal fracture. It is occasionally used to eliminate painful motion between vertebrae that can result from a degenerated or injured disk. Artificial disks.
Do neurosurgeons treat the spine?
Neurosurgeons practice almost exclusively on the spine and the brain. Neurosurgeons specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems, treating health issues such as: Congenital anomalies. Traumatic injury.Mar 15, 2019
When should you see a spinal surgeon?
Five signs it's time to see a spine specialist Chronic pain of varying degrees that lasts for 12 weeks or longer, even if you've sought treatment for the primary cause. The pain is getting in the way of living your life. Are you missing work? Unable to exercise like you once did?May 20, 2021
What is the difference between a neurosurgeon and a spine surgeon?
A neurosurgeon is trained to treat conditions of the brain and spine, while an orthopaedic spine surgeon specializes in treating the spine.Feb 23, 2021
Can you live without a spine?
Your spine serves many important functions, including connecting your brain to other parts of your body and providing structural support. You can't live without a spine. Some conditions, such as SCI and spina bifida, can affect the spinal cord, leading to symptoms like partial or complete loss of movement or sensation.Feb 21, 2022
When is surgery necessary?
A patient may have surgery to: Further explore the condition for the purpose of diagnosis. Take a biopsy of a suspicious lump. Remove or repair diseased tissues or organs.
Is Spinal Surgery major surgery?
Myth #1: All spine surgeries are major surgeries. Yes, the spine is a large part of the body, but that doesn't mean every spinal surgery has to be a major procedure. Several spinal surgeries are minimally invasive -- meaning the surgeon makes a few small cuts, rather than large incisions.Mar 14, 2019
Why would I be referred to a neurosurgeon after MRI?
Why Would My Doctor Refer Me to a Neurosurgeon? Your primary care doctor may deduce that in order to diagnose and treat your symptoms effectively, you need a neurosurgeon. This specialist has in-depth knowledge about the brain, CNS, PNS, spine, and the conditions and diseases that can impact them.Jul 23, 2021
Do neurosurgeons treat herniated discs?
Conditions a Neurosurgeon Commonly Treats Neurosurgeons also treat spinal problems such as neck pain, back pain, leg pain (including sciatica), or shoulder pain caused by disc problems (such as degenerative disc disease or herniated disc), trauma or spinal/neck arthritis.
Which surgery is best for spine?
Laminectomy. This is the most common surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. In this procedure, a surgeon removes parts of the bone, bone spurs, or ligaments in your back. This relieves pressure on spinal nerves and can ease pain or weakness, but the procedure can make your spine less stable.Jun 27, 2020
What to do if your spine is not resolving?
If the issue is not resolving with physical activity, over the counter treatments, or pain management and anti-inflammatory medication, the next step would be to see a doctor for an evaluation. Many patients with spine problems can be treated non-surgically. Physical therapy, home exercises, medication and often times spinal injections are ...
What to do before surgery?
Physical therapy, home exercises, medication and often times spinal injections are recommended prior to considering surgery. If the problem still isn’t resolved, then surgery becomes a good option. For instance, if a patient has significant neurogenic pain in the extremities and non-surgical management has not provided relief, ...
What makes a good spine surgeon?
A good spine surgeon is dedicated to patient care and excellent outcomes, and is willing to learn new approaches and techniques while gaining expertise in standard approaches and techniques. A spine surgeon should also be a good communicator who is willing to spend time explaining their reason for surgery as well as the treatment options they offer.
What is the procedure to remove a herniated disc in the lower back?
The surgery involves an incision on the back of the spine that allows the surgeon to remove bone spurs and thickened ligaments that are pressing on the nerves of the low back. Microdiscectomy is used to treat nerve pain (sciatica) due to a herniated disc impinging a nerve in the spine. This surgery involves making a small incision in the low back.
What is spinal fusion?
Traditional spinal fusions are used to treat instability of the spine, scoliosis, severe degeneration of the discs, or a combination of these issues. A fusion involves using bone from the patient’s body to fuse one vertebrae to another.
What is UT Southwestern?
UT Southwestern conducts clinical trials aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of all types of spine disorders. Talk with our doctors to see if a clinical trial is available.
How many bones are in the spine?
The spine consists of 26 bones called vertebrae, which protect and support the spinal cord and nerves. A number of conditions and injuries can affect the spine, which can damage the vertebrae, cause pain, and limit mobility.
What are the different types of spine disorders?
Some of the many spine disorders we treat are: Degenerative spine and disc conditions: Arthritis. Degenerative disc disease. Herniated disc. Spinal stenosis. Spondylosis.
How do you know if you have a spinal cord injury?
Signs and symptoms depend on the specific spine disorder and often affect other parts of the body, depending on the area of the spine or spinal cord that is affected. Common symptoms include: Abnormally rounded shoulders or back. Back or neck pain that can be sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, or burning.
What are the factors that increase the risk of developing a spine disorder?
Factors that can increase the risk of developing a spine disorder include: Excess weight or obesity. Improper lifting techniques. Nutrition and lifestyle habits such as sedentary lifestyle, low calcium intake, or smoking. Other conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disease.
What is the purpose of MRI scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnet to produce detailed images of the spine. MRI is useful in detecting injuries and disorders in soft tissue such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, spinal cord, and nerves.
What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT uses specialized X-rays with or without a contrast agent to produce cross-sectional, 3D images of the spine. CT provides images that are more detailed than plain X-rays for evaluating bone injuries or disorders.
What causes back pain?
Determining the source of back pain isn’t always easy, simply because there are a number of possibilities. Back pain may occur suddenly or slowly worsen over time. Ongoing pain will often require special imaging or testing done by your doctor to help identify the cause. Common causes include:
When do I need to see a doctor for my back or neck pain?
In most cases, back and neck pain will resolve on its own over time. Home treatments such as over-the-counter pain medication, rest, and ice/heat application often help in the interim. However, you should see your doctor if you experience any of the following:
What type of doctor should I see for spine care?
Many spine specialists are surgeons, though they provide both surgical and non-surgical treatment. Neurosurgeons focus on the treatment of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, while orthopedic surgeons focus on the treatment of the bones, joints, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.
How will my back or neck pain be treated?
Conservative measures, such as activity modification, physical therapy, and medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxers, will often be attempted first. If the pain persists, your doctor may suggest epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide relief for a few months.
What types of minimally invasive spine surgeries are commonly performed?
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions and special medical equipment to access the spine and perform the procedure, minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue. Some treatments include:
What should I look for in a spine surgeon?
It’s important to do your research when selecting a spine surgeon. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified and fellowship-trained to ensure he or she has a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field.
What is the body plane of the spine?
A body plane is an imaginary flat, two-dimensional surface that defines a particular area of anatomy. The frontal plane divides the front and back halves of the entire body.
What are the functions of the spine?
The three main functions of the spine are to: Protect the spinal cord, nerve roots and several of the body’s internal organs. Provide structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture. Enable flexible motion.
Which vertebrae are the largest?
The Lumbar Spine consists of 5 vertebrae abbreviated L1-L5. The lumbar vertebrae are the largest and carry most of the body’s weight. This region allows more range of motion than the thoracic spine, but less than the cervical. Lumbar facet joints enable significant flexion and extension movement, but limits rotation.
Where is the sacrum located?
Sacral Spine. The Sacrum is located behind the pelvis. Five bones, abbreviated S1-S5, fused into a triangular shape, form the sacrum. The sacrum fits between the two hip bones connecting the spine to the pel vis. The last lumbar vertebra (L5) articulates (moves) with the sacrum.
Is a spine straight up or down?
Viewed from the front, a healthy spine is straight up and down. Viewed from the side, a spine has four distinct curves. Curves are described as being either kyphotic or lordotic.
What is the neck region?
The neck region is the Cervical Spine. This region consists of seven vertebrae, which are abbreviated C1 through C7 (top to bottom). These vertebrae protect the brain stem and the spinal cord, support the skull, and allow for a wide range of head movement. The first cervical vertebra (C1) is called the Atlas.
Where is the spinal cord located?
The spinal cord is contained and protected with the spinal canal. The spinal cord begins immediately below the brain stem and extends to the first lumbar vertebra (L1). Thereafter, the cord blends with the conus medullaris that becomes the cauda equina, a group of nerves resembling a horse’s tail.
Breakthrough Treatment for Back and Neck Pain
Back pain can be a debilitating condition that can stop you from living a normal and functional life. It can be caused by a variety of conditions or factors, which include but are not limited to the following:
What Should I Expect From The Procedure?
Before the procedure begins, your physician will strap you to the machine with a harness, which should position your back for optimal decompression. You should feel a gradual lengthening of your spine as the discs are relieved of excess pressure.
Why Does Spinal Decompression Work?
Though traction, physical therapy, and traditional manipulation can reduce disc pressure, it cannot achieve negative pressure, which may be necessary to correct the condition of your spine. The stretching and re-positioning of your spine is slow and gradual, so your body won’t “lock down” or stiffen your back muscles in response during treatment.
What is a fellowship in spine surgery?
Fellowship refers to an optional period of training after medical school and residency in which the graduate or fellow completes an additional supervised training program. Both the most respected and trusted orthopaedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons are likely fellowship trained.
Where do neurosurgeons work?
Neurosurgeons typically work in hospitals, and once the patient is discharged, they may have minimal contact with the patient.
Is neurosurgeon more concerned with nerves?
There is a perception that neurosurgeons may be more concerned with the nerves during surgery than orthopaedic spine surgeons. Regardless of which spine specialist is performing the surgery, every surgeon is going to be concerned with the patient’s nerves. Any surgery involving anatomy in close proximity to the nerves of ...
What is the nervous system?
The nervous system is comprised of the brain, spinal column, spinal cord and peripheral nerves as well as the extra-cranial cerebrovascular system. A neurosurgeon is a specialist who performs surgeries to treat conditions affecting the entire nervous system. Neurosurgeons divide their surgical practice between brain surgery and spine surgery.
What is neurosurgeon practice?
Neurosurgeons divide their surgical practice between brain surgery and spine surgery. For example, a neurosurgeon could be completing a craniotomy one day and a disc fusion the next day. Stephen R. Goll, M.D. A neurosurgeon is concerned primarily with diagnosis and treatment. After the surgery is completed, the patient moves on to rehabilitation ...
What is the difference between a neurosurgeon and an orthopaedic spine surgeon?
A neurosurgeon is trained to treat conditions of the brain and spine, while an orthopaedic spine surgeon specializes in treating the spine. When a spinal condition is discovered or suspected, a primary care physician will usually refer the patient to either an orthopaedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon for further diagnosis and treatment.
What is an orthopaedic spine surgeon?
An orthopaedic spine surgeon, on the other hand, is a specialist concerned specifically with the spine or back and neck. An orthopaedic spine surgeon’s focus is much less broad. He or she is working on backs and necks all day, every day.
Why is it so hard to stand up straight?
These curves are important for balance and they help us to stand upright. If any one of the curves becomes too large or small, it becomes difficult to stand up straight and our posture appears abnormal. Abnormal curvatures of the spine are also referred to as spinal deformity.
What are the three curves of the spine called?
The "c-shaped" curves of the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine) are called lordosis. The "reverse c-shaped" curve of the chest (thoracic spine) is called kyphosis.
How does the spine work?
Many demands are placed on your spine. It holds up your head, shoulders, and upper body. It gives you support to stand up straight, and gives you flexibility to bend and twist.
Where does the spinal cord travel?
The spinal cord extends from the skull to your lower back and travels through the middle part of each stacked vertebra, called the central canal. Nerves branch out from the spinal cord through openings in the vertebrae and carry messages between the brain and muscles.
Why are intervertebral disks important?
This allows movement to take place, yet maintains the strength of the spine. In effect, disks act as shock absorbers for the spine. The intervertebral disk is a very important structure. Many nerve endings supply the annulus and, as a result, an injured annulus can cause pain.
What is the term for a curvature of the spine?
Abnormal curvatures of the spine are also referred to as spinal deformity. These types of conditions include kyphosis of the thoracic spine ("hunchback"), lordosis of the lumbar spine ("swayback"), and "flatback syndrome," a condition in which there is too little curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is another type of spinal deformity.
How many vertebrae are there in the cervical spine?
The cervical spine is made up of seven small vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and end at the upper chest. The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae that start from the upper chest to the middle back and connect to the rib cage. The lumbar vertebra consists of five larger vertebrae.
What are the treatments for spinal cord injury?
Medications. Medications may be used to manage some of the effects of spinal cord injury. These include medications to control pain and muscle spasticity, as well as medications that can improve bladder control, bowel control and sexual functioning.
How to rule out spinal cord injury?
In the emergency room, a doctor may be able to rule out a spinal cord injury by careful inspection and examination, testing for sensory function and movement, and by asking some questions about the accident.
What tests are needed for neck pain?
But if the injured person complains of neck pain, isn't fully awake, or has obvious signs of weakness or neurological injury, emergency diagnostic tests may be needed. These tests may include: X-rays. Medical personnel typically order these tests on people who are suspected of having a spinal cord injury after trauma.
What is the purpose of MRI?
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce computer-generated images. This test is very helpful for looking at the spinal cord and identifying herniated disks, blood clots or other masses that may be compressing the spinal cord.
How long does it take to recover from a sprain?
Prognosis and recovery. Your doctor may not be able to give you a prognosis right away. Recovery, if it occurs, typically starts a week to six months after an injury. The fastest rate of recovery is often seen in the first six months, but some people experience small improvements for up to one to two years.
Is methylprednisolone IV safe?
Intravenous ( IV) methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) has been used as a treatment option for an acute spinal cord injury in the past. But recent research has shown that the potential side effects, such as blood clots and pneumonia, from using this medication outweigh the benefits.
How does spinal cord injury affect your life?
You may wonder how your spinal cord injury will affect your everyday activities, job, relationships and long-term happiness. Recovery from such an event takes time, but many people who are paralyzed progress to lead productive and fulfilling lives. It's essential to stay motivated and get the support you need.
What is bike fitting?
A bike fitting is like having a session with a tailor. When it fits right, a bike feels better AND you’re more efficient. You’re faster with less effort. More fun, less pain.
How long should I be off of EPAT?
All patients receiving EPAT therapy should be off all anti-inflammatory medication for a minimum of 1 week prior and 4 weeks after the procedure. This includes common over the counter medication such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin.
Do chiropractors do adjustments?
Your chiropractor will also take the time to counsel you about the prevention of disease and the methods for living a healthy lifestyle. You may not receive an adjustment at every appointment. The treatment you receive will be designed specifically for you – based on your symptoms and examination findings.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is a form of health care that is drugless, non-invasive, and actively promotes health. Chiropractic care is holistic, meaning that the entire body and a person’s lifestyle are examined and treated. When a chiropractor works with a patient, the cause of the patient’s physical problem is addressed and lifestyle factors ...
Can laser therapy be used with other forms of therapy?
Yes, Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, massage, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapy and following surgery. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
What is the foundation of chiropractic?
Chiropractic’s foundation in the basic life sciences includes coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physical and laboratory diagnostics, radiology, physiology, pathology, nutrition, and public health. In addition, chiropractic education involves a detailed study of clinical sciences as well as clinical experience.
What are the benefits of laser therapy?
Soft tissue injuries, degenerative joint conditions, chronic non-healing wounds and neurogenic pain such as Herpes Zoster (shingles) and fibromyalgia have all shown benefits from Laser Therapy.