Back Surgery Site

Why Back Surgery Usually Fails

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:29:50 +0000

In traditional medicine, back pain is often treated by surgery. And it often doesn’t work. So often, in fact, that back pain surgery is the only category of surgery that actually has a clinical term for failure: Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

If you ask me, any treatment that actually expects failure is not a treatment at all.

I don’t care what type of surgery you’re considering. With any treatment that only addresses the symptoms – in this case, pain – the question is not what symptoms you have but what caused them.

3 Reasons Surgery Doesn’t Work

I’m not going to tell you that you should not have surgery. I can assure you, however, that once you have surgery, everything changes. You will never be the same, even if the surgery is a success.

There are maybe a dozen or so types of surgical procedures for back pain, and all of them attempt to do one of two things: remove the pressure on the nerve or stabilize the spine. Let’s take a herniated disc, for example. You have pain because the disc is pressing on the nerve. Your doctor says that the only thing he can do is remove the part of the disc that’s touching the nerve.

Your first thought probably is: Good-bye pain!

Not so fast.

1. Once the operation is completed, your body will go through a recovery process that includes a lot of pain and awkward movement just to get you through each day. This is going to be your first potential source of trouble. Because your body now has to contort itself, you’ll be putting unnatural wear and tear on other areas of your body. As a result, you may begin to have problems above or below the surgery site or in other joints such as the hips or sacroiliac.

2. All surgeries produce scar tissue. But because back pain surgery occurs so close to nerves, the scar tissue often builds up and makes contact with a nerve. This can cause as much pain as if the disc itself were still putting pressure on the nerve.

3. The rehab you’re likely to get soon after the operation is only going to address your postoperative pain. It will help you improve your functional skills to perform what are called “activities of daily living,” which include bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom, and the like. This is fine and necessary so you can go home and be safe. But it doesn’t address the long-term cause of the pain.

The Causes of Back Pain

Most back pain conditions have to do with something called “postural dysfunctions.” Postural dysfunctions are similar to a car’s tire being out of proper alignment. In the body, improper alignment is seen as abnormal curvature of the spine and abnormal positioning of the pelvis.

The great news is that we know what cause these postural dysfunctions and how to correct them.

To get our bodies back into balance so they can function normally again, we need to get our muscles back into alignment.

5 Important Questions to Ask

If you are considering surgery, I’d recommend finding a qualified therapist first. Give yourself 60 days to work on stretching and strengthening before you decide whether or not to go under the knife.

If you still opt for surgery, tell both your therapist and your surgeon that you want your postoperative rehab to address both short-term and long-term goals. It must not only work on decreasing your pain so you can safely go home. It also must answer the following five questions related to the root cause or causes of your pain.

1. Which postural dysfunction did you identify? Ask the surgeon and therapist to examine you for dysfunction, including the following two potential abnormalities.

2. How would you describe the curvature of my spine from top to bottom?

3. How would you describe the position of my pelvis (level or tipping)?

4. What are my muscle imbalances? The therapist must explain how your muscles are out of balance – which muscles are strong, weak, flexible or tight in relation to one another.

5. Which muscles do I need to stretch and which ones do I need to strengthen? (Be sure the therapist explains what each muscle group does so you know how to do the exercises correctly.)

Have both your surgeon and your therapist write everything down as part of your long-term goal and ask for a copy.

The Path to Success

If you eventually do decide to have surgery, understand that the number one reason why back pain sufferers fail to get long-term relief — and by that I mean more than five years — is that this very simple principle of muscle imbalance was not addressed seriously.

Once you do address it, though, then you really are on the path to a pain-free life.

About the Author:

Steve Hefferon is certified massage therapist and co-founder of The Healthy Back Institute. Find out which treatments work and which ones don’t here: http://www.losethebackpain.com/treatments/

The Original Post is Located Here: Why Back Surgery Usually Fails

New Center in Arizona Caters to Western U.S. Spine Patients

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:16:45 +0000

New Center in Arizona Caters to Western U.S. Spine Patients

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) October 7, 2008

Dedicated to serve western U.S. patients, Laser Spine Institute (LSI) as manager for Michael W. Perry, M.D. P.C. proudly opened the doors to an innovative office-based surgical center in Scottsdale, Arizona. On September 2, 2008, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a milestone for LSI expanding into a managed facility in the western part of the country.

The dedicated team of compassionate and capable professionals led by Dr. Michael C. Weiss and Michael W. Perry, M.D enjoyed observing patients walk back into the office for post-surgery appointments with open arms and big smiles during the first full month of operation.

The team has already helped many patients by performing minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery at the new Scottsdale location. In support of the opening, LSI President Trey Traviesa said, “Our west coast plans are in recognition of the need for safer, less invasive endoscopic spine surgery solutions and in response to thousands of west coast inquiries seeking a world-class local provider of this innovative alternative to traditional open back and neck surgery.”

Surgical candidates receive a complete evaluation, medical history review and surgical consultation at the convenient and medically advanced office-based surgery center. LSI’s managed center also provides imaging, pain management and physical therapy through an outsourced network of medical professionals that deliver the same high quality service as the Michael W. Perry, M.D. team.

About Laser Spine Institute:

Laser Spine Institute (LSI) offers a successful alternative to traditional open back and neck surgeries. The orthopedic surgeons at LSI can correct painful ailments with endoscopic outpatient spine procedures. Chronic pain that stems from pinched nerves, herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, spinal arthritis, bone spurs, scar tissue and failed open back or neck surgery can be alleviated with LSI’s minimally invasive approach.

Potential candidates with back and neck pain can visit http://www.LaserSpineInstitute.com or call toll free 1-866-853-6191 for more information on outpatient, minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery and upcoming seminars in cities across the United States.

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MasterCases in Spine Surgery, Alexander Vaccaro, Todd Albert, Good Book

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The Original Post is Located Here: New Center in Arizona Caters to Western U.S. Spine Patients

Back To Fitness

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:37:11 +0000

Product Description
Back to Fitness, a one of a kind program. Back to Fitness is a comprehensive strengthening and stretching program designed by physicians for those with back pain as well as those who wish to maintain a healthy back. Back to Fitness was designed by a neurosurgeon, psychiatrist and two neuroscientists to allow individuals to achieve a healthy mind and body. Unlike exercise manuals, books or pamphlets, the individual can turn on the DVD and follow the experts through a unique program designed for the back and abdomen.

Over 60 million people in the USA suffer from back pain! Back to Fitness will provide them with an educational introduction, a warm-up, exercises and a cool-down made specifically for low back pain. This is not a yoga or aerobics tape; many of which are inappropriate for those with back pain. Back to Fitness is an innovative, easy-to-follow program designed by doctors. This is the DVD that can be easily utilized by those 60 million back pain sufferers.

The Back to Fitness program includes 4 chapters.

Chapter 1 Back Pain 101: In this segment, Dr. Todd and Dr. Di discuss back pain and back anatomy. They explain why the back is a problem for so many patients. They discuss common treatment options, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Chapter II Warm-up: a complete head to toe warm up.

Chapter III Back Stretching and Strengthening Program: a detailed program for stretching and strengthening the back and abdominal muscles. Each activity can be customized for beginner, intermediate, and advanced participants.

Chapter IV Cool down: Dr. Di leads a brief and relaxing cool down.

For more information: Back To Fitness

The Original Post is Located Here: Back To Fitness

How do I take care of myself after spinal fusion surgery?

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:37:18 +0000

How do I take care of myself after spinal fusion surgery?
I’m having Global Fusion (Spinal) surgery in a few days and could use some tips on taking care of myself at home when I get out of the hospital. My husband is kind of freaking out, and I want to help make things as easy as possible…

Best answer:

Answer by Georgina R
I just googled it and I got:

“Following spinal fusion surgery, by whichever method, it is usual to stand out of bed on the day of surgery and to mobilize progressively afterwards.

Your hospital stay may vary from four to ten days depending on the type of surgery performed and your home situation. When there has been previous surgery, or where a multiple level fusion is undertaken the results may be less successful.

It has also been shown that smoking decreases both the chance of achieving a solid fusion and obtaining a successful outcome. Smokers are therefore advised strongly to endeavor to cease smoking before undergoing surgical intervention.

A blood transfusion is usually not required following a spinal fusion but a routine blood test may be requested to assess your general health or to assist the anaesthetist. Hepatitis and HIV screening tests may also be requested.”

Yep, also this is a REALLY good site http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spinal-fusion/postoperative-care-spinal-fusion-surgery as it tells you what you need to do 1-2 days after (2nd page), after discharge or 3-6 days (3rd page), 1-4 weeks (4th page), 1-3 months after (5th page) and 3 months and after (6th page)

I wish you luck and hope you get better soon.

George

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MRI Capacity Leads to Unnecessary Back Surgery

admin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:49:14 +0000

The accessibility and availability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging has been linked to an increase in low back surgery. Research published in the October issue of Health Affairs shows a statistical increase in the number of surgeries performed in correlation to the number of machines in a geographic area.

MRI scanners are a huge capital investment and a state of art machine costs more than $2 million dollars. A lower back scan is about $1500 per patient. The number of machines increased in a five year period from 7.6 machines per 1 million people in 2000 to 26.6 machines per million in 2005. That is more than tripling the number of MRI scanners in a geographical area in less than 5 years.

Researchers collected data from Medicare patient records who received care for nonspecific low back pain from 1998 through 2005. Established clinical guidelines recommend delaying MRI use for four weeks after the onset of pain because during this window most low back pain patients show spontaneous improvement. However, the study indicates that the introduction of an MRI scan increases the chances of surgery on the lower back. The researchers were able to determine that of the MRI scans that resulted due to the increased availability of machines two-thirds of the scans were performed within the first month of the onset of pain.

A Magnetic Resonance Image is a diagnostic procedure which uses magnetic fields to create detailed pictures inside the body and head. These pictures help to detect subtle changes in tissue matter. MRI’s are a medical marvel for ruling in or out specific causes of back pain due to trauma or over use problems, such as a herniated disk. However, like any diagnostic tool it may also detect anomalies unrelated to back pain but will prompt doctors to perform surgery which may not benefit the patient and alleviate their pain.

In the report researchers suggest that each additional MRI scanner in an area results in 40 additional lower-back scans. If you extrapolate this to the whole Medicare population that means around 6,400 more scans in a MRI dense area than a non-MRI dense area. Researchers are concerned because of the close link between the scan and back surgeries.

From a healthcare reform angle this is very interesting research. Just because providers have access to high tech diagnostic tools they need to practice solid judgment when recommending MRIs. This study shows that the net result of increased use of MRI’s due to increased capacity raises the risks of unnecessary surgeries for patients and increased costs for everyone else.

About the Author:

Alicia Verity brings 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, along with a Master’s Degree in Public Health, both of which uniquely positions her to help guide Healthagen’s content and user experience. Diagnose medical symptoms and find appropriate medical care with Healthagen’s free healthcare app called iTriage.

The Original Post is Located Here: MRI Capacity Leads to Unnecessary Back Surgery

Surgeons await a helping hand from manufacturers in attempt to improve spinal surgery

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:20:08 +0000

(PRWEB) January 30, 2004

As in other areas of surgery, surgeons are looking to reduce the invasive nature of spinal surgery, in an attempt to improve patient outcomes. The potential benefits of minimally invasive spinal surgery such as microdiscectomy and mini spinal fusion include: reduced morbidity and blood loss, faster rehabilitation, shorter hospital stays, and the economic benefit of returning to work earlier.

This report provides:

-An analysis of opinions from leading spinal surgeons and minimally invasive spinal surgery pioneers, including thought-leader interview transcripts

-Evaluation of microdiscectomy, percutaneous and mini-open fusion, and laparoscopic techniques: benefits, learning curve, and surgeon perception

-Coverage of key companies and products in minimally invasive spinal surgery arena

-Specific recommendations for companies looking to expand their minimally invasive spinal surgery product portfolio

The report also highlights:

Minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques continue to be refined, but surgeons suggest that widespread uptake is dependent on companies improving the design of instruments and implants.

While BMPs and similar technologies may help drive minimally invasive spinal surgery, artificial discs will negatively impact this trend, giving companies several potential areas of focus to drive spinal revenues.

Reasons to purchase the report:

-To understand the potential benefits, and current limitations of, minimally invasive spinal surgery

-To identify areas of unmet need that, when addressed, will help your spinal business grow

-To consider current surgeon opinion regarding the future of minimally invasive spinal surgery, from competitive technologies to innovative therapies

For a complete index of this report click on

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/42850

About Research and Markets Ltd.

Research and Markets Ltd. are Europe’s largest resource for market research. R&M distribute thousands of major research publications from the world’s leading publishers, consultants and market analysts. R&M provide you with the latest forecasts on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest market trends.

For additional information on ResearchandMarkets.com, their range of reports or their value-added services, visit their web site at http://www.researchandmarkets.com or

mailto:press@researchandmarkets.com

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The Original Post is Located Here: Surgeons await a helping hand from manufacturers in attempt to improve spinal surgery

Sciatica Home Remedies – Alternative Cure For Sciatica

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:10:40 +0000

What is Sciatica?

It is important to understand just what exactly sciatica pain is although it is often confused with other medical conditions and sometimes even used as an umbrella term for anything else that is not easily diagnosed! Sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis in itself. Sometimes sciatica pain can be confused with other serious medical conditions such as a tumour or infection so a careful diagnosis is always important. This article will outline some basic facts about sciatica and point to sciatica home remedies.

What Causes Sciatica?

Basically it is severe acute pain in the lower back or it can be constant back pain radiating from the

lumbar region of the back. The pain is caused by pressure or irritation of one or more nerves exiting the lower spine that make up the sciatic nerve. There are many medical conditions that can cause this, for example, a spinal disc has moved out of its original position and can therefore irritate the nerve root in the lower back which is joined to the sciatic nerve. Pain can be acute- lasting less than a month. Chronic pain will usually last longer than six months- the percentage is between 1-5% of all lower back pain cases.

Pain can be felt along all or part of the course of the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower back, through the buttock into the calf and even into the foot.

Sedentary lifestyle, weak back and stomach muscles are usually causes of sciatica. Obesity will put an enormous strain on the spine and therefore increase pressure on the vertebrae.

How Is Sciatica Normally Cured?

Anti inflammatory drugs and surgery are solutions which may or may not cure the condition. Spinal manipulation, massage therapy and physical therapy are all possible solutions and are sometimes recommended before considering surgery.

What is the remedy for this condition and what can be helpful instead of going down the path to drugs and surgery?

Many doctors recommend bed rest but exercise is usually much better in the long term for healing this condition. Some patients like to rest for a few days after an acute attack but if inactivity continues, this may make the pain worse. It is essential to understand that if the back muscles become weak and flabby from lack of exercise, then they will be less able to support the back.
Weak muscles here will cause more pain than before and will increase the chances of injury due to sudden movement.

Exercising the lower back area and postural stretching can be enormously beneficial. Careful attention needs to be paid to posture and body mechanics to get the maximum benefit from the exercises. Exercises need to be done twice a day and under supervision of a trainer or instructor.

Overall, sciatica sufferers can avoid a lot of agonising back pain by maintaining a support for the back while sitting (avoiding sprawling on a couch!) and maintaining good posture, avoiding standing for long periods of time and using safe techniques for lifting heavy objects. Caring for your back should be an essential part of your daily routine. You can find out more about home remedies and an alternative cure for sciatica by looking at the link below this article.

About the Author:

Robert Locke is an Internet Marketer specializing in Health and Fitness. For Breaking News on the Wellness Front, visit his blog on: http://thewellnessbible.blogspot.com

Get Relief from Sciatica Now Without Having to Change Your Lifestyle!

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The Original Post is Located Here: Sciatica Home Remedies – Alternative Cure For Sciatica

Oxford mayor back from hospital

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:35:54 +0000

Oxford mayor back from hospital
Leon Smith has been seen back in town, after a week of medical tests in Birmingham.

Posterior Surgery Corrects Severe Spinal Deformities

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:18:04 +0000

Lawrence Lenke, MD, and his Washington University orthopedic spinal surgery colleagues at St. Louis Childrens Hospital, including Keith Bridwell, MD, Scott Luhmann, MD, and Matthew Dobbs, MD, have led the effort to treat and correct severe spinal deformities from a posterior-only surgical approach. They resect vertebrae out of the spinal column to release the spine and insert rods and pedicle screws to support the patients spine. With the largest experience in North America, pediatric and adult patients come from around the world for help to correct their spinal deformity caused by idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular conditions, congenital deformities and various syndromes.

Posterior Surgery Corrects Severe Spinal Deformities

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Q&A: How long was recovery time after your spinal fusion surgery?

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:18:03 +0000

How long was recovery time after your spinal fusion surgery?
I had spinal fusion surgery 12 days ago, L4, L5. I was up and walking within one day, and out of the hospital in less than two. I’m wearing a brace, and have some pain, but manageable. Walk about a mile a day, but that’s about only activity I can do now. Can anyone share their experience on recovery time?

Best answer:

Answer by missingora
I had a spinal laminectomy with fusion three years ago today, the same discs you had fused. Without it, I would have been paralyzed because my spinal cord was nearly closed off. The first two weeks were painful…very painful. But within three months I was totally healed and the pain was much relieved. I wore a brace too for three months with electrodes on either side of my spine. You are doing great if you’re walking a mile a day. I still see my surgeon every three months because I have both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and scoliosis. Hang in there! You seem to be doing fine. JUST DON’T LIFT!!.

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