The Shift Away from Opioids: A New Era in Pain Management
At one time in the not-far-off past, doctors’ first line of defense against low-back pain, neck pain, sciatica, stenosis, etc, was to prescribe painkillers. It was during this time the medical community didn’t fully understand how addictive opioids would be. With more companies bringing these powerful painkillers to the market, doctors were prescribing more opioids […]
The Innate Healing Ability of the Intervertebral Discs
Intervertebral discs are cushion-like structures located between the vertebrae of the spine. They function as shock absorbers to protect the spine. Intervertebral discs have two parts: a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like inner core called the nucleus pulposus. Intervertebral discs are crucial in providing flexibility to the spine and protecting […]
Understanding Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Prevalence and Insights
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a challenging and debilitating condition that many patients face after undergoing spinal surgery. Despite the advances in medical technology and surgical techniques, not all back surgeries result in the desired outcomes. Recent studies show the success of spine surgery is less than 50%! In this blog post, we will […]
Pain Medications, Addiction, and Back Pain
Prescribing opioids for back pain has become a topic of increased scrutiny and caution in the medical community due to concerns about the potential for opioid misuse, addiction, and the opioid epidemic. While opioids can be effective in managing pain, especially after surgery or in cases of severe pain, there are several reasons why doctors […]
Spine Surgery: Microdiscectomy
A microdiscectomy, also known as microdecompression or microdiscectomy spine surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves caused by a herniated disc. This procedure is commonly used to treat conditions such as sciatica, which is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated […]
Spine Surgery: Laminectomy vs Laminotomy
Laminectomy and laminotomy are both surgical procedures that involve the removal of a portion of the vertebral bone, specifically the lamina, to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. These procedures are often performed to address conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or other spinal abnormalities. While they share similarities, there are key […]
MRI vs. X-ray: Which one is better for my back?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and X-ray are medical imaging techniques used to visualize different aspects of the spine. Here’s a comparison of their significance: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): 1. Soft Tissue Detail: 2. Radiation Exposure: 3. Diagnostic Range: 4. Time and Detail: 5. Cost: X-ray: 1. Bone Structure: 2. Radiation Exposure: 3. Speed: 4. Cost: […]
Understanding Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: Healing Discs through Imbibition
Introduction Back pain caused by disc-related issues is a common problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Traditionally, surgical interventions have been considered for severe cases, but advancements in medical technology have introduced non-surgical alternatives, such as spinal decompression. This innovative therapy focuses on restoring disc health through a process called imbibition. In this blog post, […]
The Healing Power of Laser Therapy: Benefits for Injury Recovery
Injuries can be frustrating and painful, impacting our daily lives and hindering our ability to perform everyday tasks. While traditional treatments have long been relied upon for injury recovery, advancements in medical technology have brought forth innovative solutions. Among these breakthroughs, laser therapy has emerged as a non-invasive and effective option for accelerating the healing […]
The Benefits of Maintenance Upper Cervical Spinal Care
Maintaining good spinal health is crucial for overall well-being. One area of the spine that plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s balance and proper function is the upper cervical region. The upper cervical spine consists of the first two vertebrae, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These vertebrae are responsible for supporting the […]