Millions of Americans suffer from neck and back pain but aren’t sure what to do to alleviate the pain that can impact their quality of life. Many people express fear about potentially needing spinal surgery. However, surgery, in most instances, is a last resort. You have options.
When to Seek Treatment for Spinal Issues
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, it may be time to make an appointment:
- Suffering from sciatica
- Experiencing leg and/or arm weakness
- Leg/arm sensory changes
- Chronic neck and/or back pain
- Radiculopathy
- Acute neck and/or back strain
- Herniated disc
- Stenosis
- Pinched nerve
- Spasms
Treatment Options for Spinal Issues
It’s important to note that surgery is not always the most common answer to spinal issues, so you should know what options are out there.
Nonoperative treatments include:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Spinal epidural steroid injections
If surgery is necessary, you have options there too, including:
- Discectomy
- Laminectomy
- Fusion
Determining the Best Treatment Plan
I often utilize the initial nonoperative, conservative care approach, including:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
For those who do not respond favorably to these options, epidural spinal cortisone injections would be discussed and considered as a secondary treatment alternative.
Seeking Treatment
There are many types of spine surgeries ranging from minimally invasive to traditional spine surgery, so it’s easy to understand why patients sometimes feel overwhelmed.
That’s why educating yourself about when to seek care and the different types of spinal surgeries is essential to putting your mind at ease.
The first step: make an appointment. A spine surgeon will examine you and ask questions about what’s going on with your health. This will give the physician most of the information they need to present you with the best possible options to get you back to feeling “normal” again.
In the office, your healthcare provider can order X-rays, an MRI, and even recommend physical therapy depending on your needs.
Minimally invasive and outpatient spinal surgery is performed for appropriate diagnoses when indicated.
Finding a Spinal Surgeon
Kent Hospital is home to a team of highly skilled and experienced spine surgeons. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge to the operating table, specializing in a range of spinal procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to complex spinal reconstructions. The hospital's commitment to ongoing education and training ensures that its surgical team stays abreast of the latest advancements in spinal surgery.
Kent Hospital’s state-of-the-art surgical suites and diagnostic tools are specifically designed for spinal interventions. From advanced imaging technologies to robotic-assisted surgery, the hospital invests in cutting-edge resources to enhance the precision and effectiveness of spinal procedures.
To make an appointment with a spinal surgeon, visit: https://www.kentri.org/services/spine-care
Disclaimer: While I am a doctor, I am not your doctor. The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider, or seek immediate medical treatment.
