Spine Surgeon
Common Conditions Treated by Spine Surgeons:
Herniated Disc: A condition where a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, putting pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord or nerves, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness, especially in the legs.
Scoliosis: A curvature of the spine that can cause pain, postural problems, and in severe cases, breathing issues. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct the curvature.
Sciatica: Pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the legs. Often caused by nerve compression from a herniated disc or bone spur.
Spondylolisthesis: A condition in which one vertebra slips over another, leading to spinal instability and nerve compression, which can cause back pain or leg pain.
Spinal Fractures: Breaks in the vertebrae, often due to trauma or osteoporosis, which may require surgery to stabilize the spine and prevent further injury.
Degenerative Disc Disease: An age-related breakdown of the spinal discs that can lead to chronic back pain, stiffness, and nerve compression.
Spinal Tumors: Abnormal growths in or around the spine, which can cause pain, neurological symptoms, and even paralysis in severe cases.
Kyphosis: An a excessive outward curvature of the spine, resulting in the hunched posture. Severe cases may require surgical correction.
Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve irritation or damage in the neck area (cervical spine), often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur, leading to arm pain, numbness, or weakness.
Surgical Procedures Performed by Spine Surgeons:
1. Discectomy:
- Purpose: Removal of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve.
- Indications: Sciatica, nerve compression, and leg pain due to herniated discs.
- Approach: Often minimally invasive with small incisions.
2. Laminectomy:
- Purpose: Removal of part of the vertebra (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Indications: Spinal stenosis and nerve compression.
3. Spinal Fusion:
- Purpose: Fusion of two and more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
- Indications: Degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal fractures, and severe scoliosis.
- Procedure: Bone grafts or implants are used to join vertebrae together.
4. Disc Replacement:
- Purpose: Replacing a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one to the preserve motion in a spine.
- Indications: Degenerative disc disease or disc-related back pain.
5. Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty:
- Purpose: Minimally invasive procedures to treat spinal fractures, often caused by osteoporosis.
- Procedure: Involves injecting a cement-like substance to stabilize the fractured vertebra.
6. Scoliosis Surgery:
- Purpose: To straighten and stabilize the spine in cases of severe scoliosis.
- Procedure: Rods, screws, and bone grafts are used to correct the curvature and fuse the spine into a straight position.
7. Foraminotomy:
- Purpose: A procedure to widen the opening where nerve roots exit the spine, relieving nerve compression.
- Indications: Conditions like herniated discs or bone spurs causing nerve compression.
8. Decompression Surgery:
- Purpose: To relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Indications: Conditions like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or tumors.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery:
Many spine surgeons now use minimally invasive techniques to perform spine surgery with smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and faster recovery times. These procedures often involve specialized instruments, endoscopic cameras, and robotic assistance.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery:
- Reduced Pain: Less postoperative pain due to a smaller incisions.
- Faster Recovery: Patients can often return to a normal activities sooner.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Some procedures may even be a performed on a outpatient basis.
- Less Scarring: Smaller incisions mean less visible scarring.
When to See a Spine Surgeon:
You may need to see a spine surgeon if you experience:
- Chronic back or neck pain that doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatments.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs, which could indicate nerve compression.
- Severe back pain following an injury or accident, especially if accompanied by neurological symptoms.
- Spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, that are progressing or causing pain.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, which can be a sign of severe spinal cord compression (emergency situation).
When to See a Spine Surgeon
You may consider seeing the spine surgeon if you experience:
- Chronic back and neck pain that does not respond to conservative treatment.
- Numbness, tingling, and weakness in a arms and legs.
- Severe pain after an injury, especially if neurological symptoms are present.
- Spinal deformities that are progressing or causing discomfort.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, which can indicate severe spinal cord compression (this is a medical emergency).
Conclusion
If you believe you might need a spine surgeon or want to explore treatment options, it is essential to consult a qualified medical professional who specializes in spinal disorders. They can evaluate your condition, recommend appropriate treatments, and guide you through the surgical process if needed.
At our Neurosys Multispeciality Center, we perform several key procedures including Craniotomy, which is primarily for the excision of brain tumors; V-P Shunt Surgery for treating hydrocephalus; surgeries for epilepsy; and operations targeting brain stem glioma. Beyond these, we offer a range of other neurosurgical services. If you have any questions that are not answere, please contact us through our Contact Us or Book your Appointment.