Back Pain Treatment
The spinal column is among the most important and complex systems in the human body. It is the body’s primary support structure and comprises of 33 different bones or vertebrae. These together make up the spinal column and can be divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.
An intricate knowledge of several different disciplines is required for the medical treatment of spine related diseases and injuries. Most spinal treatment providers focus on pain management, prevention, and function restoration. They are also dedicated to controlling costs for developing back pain treatments.
Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Spinal Pain and Epidural Injections
Epidural spinal injections contain steroids, which is directly injected around the nerve root sac, called the dura. This sac contains the cerebrospinal fluid. The injection helps in reducing inflammation that accompanies most spinal issues, like disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
Inflammatory proteins are flushed out from the spinal structure, that may have been causing pain. Epidural injections go a long way in relieving lower back pain in almost 50% patients. They are beneficial in allowing patients to manage pain in a better way and move towards rehabilitation.
Understanding Minimally Invasive Options for Spinal Surgery
Minimally invasive spinal surgery can help if your chronic back pain doesn’t respond to noninvasive treatments. The procedure is unlike open spine surgery. It combines state of the art technological advances to reduce the incision size and downtime.
More than one spinal condition responds in a positive way to minimally invasive spinal procedure. There are fewer risks associated with the procedure as compared to open spine surgeries.
Understanding Artificial Disc Replacement or ADR
ADR or Artificial Disc Replacement is an alternative option for lower back pain. It is used mainly instead of lumbar fusion since it helps in preserving the normal functioning of the spine. The results of the surgery can vary significantly. Artificial or synthetic disc is used in place of the damaged or worn disc material between the vertebrae.
The procedure is designed to help with chronic back pain while regulating normal motion of the spine. ADR has been performed in the United States with successful results since 2004. There is a 89-97% chance of excellent results in ADR surgery.
Should You Get a Back Surgery?
Back pain is a common occurrence and everybody faces it at some point or the other. However, surgery is not required for every back issue. Your physician should understand the extent of your pain issues and take a call whether surgery is required or not.
Back pain can pass away on its own with rest within a few weeks or months. However, you should still consult a doctor to understand the extent of damage. It is usually better to explore all conservative and non-invasive treatment options before going ahead with surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada