Good Morning Spine

One must understand natural aging will cause changes in the spine. In most cases good diet and exercise will delay the process. Unfortunately too little to late is what I see too often. Your spine is in need of day-to-day activity so that the bone or outer disc remain strong. Most herniations occur because the disc becomes weaken and the inner fluid leaks out thru a small defect. Fortunately.80 percent do not need surgery if there is no serious compression of the sciatic nerve.

I review many failed back surgery cases and find a common theme. In most cases, patients do not have a precise vision of what to expect long-term after their surgery. All patients need to understand that most spinal surgeries are salvage procedures that only can partially solve such issues as pain or weakness. Not to be depressed by less then perfect results,as long as patients understand until we have biological solutions the patient results should target 70-80 percent improvement after surgery.Most spinal conditions represent natural aging and this is a factor that affects long-term results. My best patients are realistic and have reviewed and performed personal research prior to having a procedure. I think they need to use google or yahoo to help learn about alternatives and find Internet sites such as spineuniverse.com or look at the website of their physician to learn their credentials. Surgery in my practice is only considered after failure of all non- surgical options.

spine wellness- I am glad to see that you really care about the whole person in your patients- not just their backs- Dr Benefield- director of spine wellness

The spine is like the heart muscle and needs to be condition each day. The first disc surgery was in about 1934 as prior to then people were active. It is very important to do load bearing activity so as to make the disc strong so the liquid inner nuclear material does not leak out. Walking,yoga.running, the gym can very much help prevent herneation of the disc.

Presentation on M-LIFF one of only 20 poster presentation accepted at society of minimally invasive spinal surgery. This new procedure is for the treatment of spinal stenosis.

Our director of research is featured on Youtube.

Many patients that have fusion are to stabilize the spine after removal of disc or fracture. Most of these patients can return to their pre-injury activity after several months. Elimination of pain is a primary goal and this is usually successful in 80 percent of patients.The pain is still there but much less acute and requring less pain medication.

We will posting short comments on Twitter as well under spinalstenosis1 or Stewart Eidelson.

Many patients with small disc protrusions can have much relief with a nerve block. I then use physical therapist and chiropractors that perform streching techniques.Only if there is continued sciatica down the leg would surgery become an option. The newer type surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis.Less invasive surgery means faster recovery although outcome may be the same.

We keep looking for new ways to improve patient education. You can watch our video on Youtube.