The spine is made up of many different moving parts and if any of those parts are experiencing a problem, it may require surgical intervention. For individuals who have an unstable spine due to a number of different difficulties, the possibility for a spinal fusion surgery is sometimes considered. During this type of surgery, a bone graft is inserted into the area and it grows to fuse the vertebrae together that may be causing difficulties. This type of procedure can be performed by Dr. Dickerman for those who live in Plano or throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Although spinal fusion may be necessary in some cases, nonsurgical options are typically considered prior to the time that it is performed. Dr. Dickerman can discuss the possibility for many different types of nonsurgical treatments and they may be successful at treating some of the symptoms and reducing the pain that you are experiencing. Medication is a common non-surgical treatment but physical therapy, chiropractic care and the possibility for spinal injections are also considered in some cases. These types of treatments are not designed to help cure the problem that is causing your spine pain but they may be able to give you the relief you need so you can deal with it successfully.
It is only after the nonsurgical options are exhausted that Dr. Dickerman may recommend you go through a spinal fusion surgery. The types of issues that often lead to this surgical procedure include spinal fractures, spinal deformity and scoliosis. It may also be associated with lumbar degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis. When you visit Dr. Dickerman, he will diagnose the problem you are experiencing and then offer these solutions that may be able to help treat the condition successfully.
Although many people tend to lump spinal fusion into a single category, there are actually a number of surgical options that would fall under this umbrella. It often is associated with the part of the spine that is experiencing problems as well as how that area is reached through the surgical procedure. For example, a posterior lumbar interbody fusion is done from the back of the body and involves the lower back. On the other hand, an extreme lateral interbody fusion is done when the approach comes from the side of the body. Dr. Dickerman will explain the different options that are available and discuss which one will be best for your particular problem.
Many people who are suffering from spinal problems are able to successfully overcome those difficulties through the use of surgical procedures. Choosing the right doctor for your needs is very important and if you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Dr. Dickerman can help you to overcome your problem by providing the treatment solutions that will work the best for your needs. In some cases, it may not be necessary to have fusion surgery because nonsurgical options will provide you with enough relief. If it does become necessary to have spinal fusion surgery, however, Dr. Dickerman is the best choice available.
