Our experts treat the full range of conditions and disorders affecting the spine. Some of these conditions are present at birth others develop over time or result from trauma, age or disease.
The majority of lower back pain can be treated with non-surgical methods. Research shows that between 20 and 40 percent of all back surgeries fail to relieve pain. Failure in back surgery is so common, there's even a term for it: the failed back surgery syndrome.
Patients should remember that spine surgery can almost always be an elective procedure. Only very rare cases are spine surgery absolutely necessary. You are the only one who can determine how bad your pain is. Therefore, you have the final say on whether to undergo surgery.
Traditional spine surgery involves cutting through long, deep muscles. This can leave long scars, and takes a long healing time. The advancements in technology have allowed some procedures to be performed more easily. A small incision needs to be made in the spine. After that, a series or tubular dilators can be inserted to increase access without the need to cut any muscle tissue. Because the muscle tissue has been spread rather than being cut, it can heal naturally after surgery.
The criteria for minimally-invasive spine surgery are identical to those for open surgery.
This site is for informational purposes only. In no way is it intended or implied that this site can replace professional medical advice. This site is reviewed and produced by over 200 doctors with the purpose of providing unique and trustworthy information to people with painful medical conditions.
Advanced spine treatments. Our spine specialists can provide the best treatments for any spine injury or disorder. Spine Surgery NYC has 50 centers nationwide that train surgeons in disc arthroplasty, or disc replacement. Spine Surgery NYC orthopaedic surgeons were the first in the country to find out how to heal and reduce pain from spine fusion surgery.
Spine surgery is typically "open surgery". This means that an incision is made to allow surgeons to see the anatomy. Modern technology has enabled more back- and neck conditions to now be treated using minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Image Guidance Technologies is a technique that allows your surgeon create a virtual picture of your spine to assist with surgery. This technology allows surgeons to place your spine with greater precision. This technique reduces the likelihood of non-union, or failure to fuse.
This site is for informational purposes only. In no way is it intended or implied that this site can replace professional medical advice. This site is reviewed and produced by over 200 doctors with the purpose of providing unique and trustworthy information to people with painful medical conditions.
Every patient must remember that spine surgery almost always is an elective procedure and that there are very few instances when it is necessary to have the surgery. Your pain level is the only thing that you can control, so your decision about whether or not to have surgery is yours.
The information you need about the referred doctor can be gathered from trusted sources such as your family doctor or family members who have been treated with back pain. You also have the option to obtain the information from local hospitals physician-referral or universities.
Spinal fusion. This is the most common surgery for chronic nonspecific back pain with degenerative changes. The doctor will join spinal bones, called vertebrae, together. This limits the motion between them and how far your nerves can stretch. But it probably won�t limit your activity. It�s rare, but the bones don�t always fuse completely. Smoking can make this complication more likely. If it happens, you may need another operation to fix it.
Spinal fusion. This is the most popular surgery for chronic back pain. The doctor will connect the vertebrae (or spinal bones) together. This will limit the motion between them, and also how far your nerves are able to stretch. However, it won't affect your activity. Although rare, it can happen. This can make it more likely to happen if you smoke. You may need to have another operation if it occurs.
Spine surgeons can be classified as medical doctors. They have either a M.D. or a D.O. Both degrees require the same certifications, and both must complete post-medical school training in order to specialize in spine surgery.
While back surgery may be an option for some back problems, it is not usually necessary. Most back pain will resolve on its own within three to six months.
The types and procedures that spine surgeons perform differ depending on whether they are an orthopedic surgeon, or a neurosurgeon. Many times, both types can perform the same procedures. However some procedures may be better suited to one particular specialty. A neurosurgeon can treat spinal cord tumours more easily because of their knowledge about the central nervous system. In the same way, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spine surgery might be more likely treat spinal deformities like Scoliosis. Also, extensive instrumentation may be performed more often by orthopedic surgeons.
Spine surgeons can treat a wide range of spinal conditions including disc herniations, spine fractures, and spinal stenosis. Many times, the condition name includes the location of a condition. While the cause of these conditions may vary, most often they are caused by disease, trauma, and/or degeneration.
Spine surgeons are specialists in treating conditions that affect the spine. Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons can be trained in or specialize in spinal procedures. Sometimes, specialization training might involve a team of both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons.
Spine surgeons can be doctors who specialize in treating spine conditions. Both Neurosurgeons, and Orthopedic Surgeons, are trained in and may specialize on spinal procedures. In some cases, specialization training could involve a combination team of neurosurgeons as well as orthopedic surgeons.
You have reached a point where your pain has become so severe that you are considering spine surgery. Spine Surgery NYC often gets asked the following questions: What are the most important questions to ask a spine surgeon?