The spine is one of the most intricate parts of the human body. It is made up of a number of vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other and protect the spinal cord. In between each of the vertebrae are intervertebral discs that help to cushion the vertebrae and keep them from coming in contact with each other. There are also tendons, ligaments and many smaller bones that help to hold everything together and allow for the free movement of the human body. This intricacy can really help us to move about but it can also lead to the need for spinal procedures.
Before we start to discuss the various procedures that can be done on the spine, it’s important to recognize that surgery is often the last option when it comes to treating problems with the back. Nonsurgical treatments are always preferred and they can often work with a high rate of success. If your doctor is able to treat you with medication, chiropractic care or perhaps physical therapy then the possibility for surgical procedures may be reduced completely. That being said, there are also a number of procedures that are possible. Here are a few:
Discectomy – This is one of the spinal procedures that is often used when you are having a problem with the intervertebral discs. Those disk act as a cushion for the spine but one they are damaged or if they degenerate due to age, it can end up putting pressure on a nerve in the area. The discectomy is a procedure that removes part of the disc or all of it surgically. By removing the disc, it can help to remove pressure from the nerve.
Spinal fusion – This is another one of the common spinal procedures and he can really make a difference in the life of those who are suffering from spine pain. After a discectomy, a fusion is necessary to keep the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. In addition, spinal fusion may be necessary for a fractured vertebrae or any number of different problems.
Artificial discs – There may be times that your doctor feels it is better to use an artificial disc rather than a spinal fusion surgery. This is something that can be discussed with your physician. Not everybody is a candidate and it is a technology that is often coming.
Those few procedures are only really scratching the surface of the many different surgical options that may be possible for spinal problems. There may also be differences in the way that the spinal cord is approached as well as differences between open surgery and minimally invasive surgery.
When you are suffering from spinal problems in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you have access to one of the top neurosurgeons in the United States. Dr. Dickerman has been helping people to overcome problems with spinal pain for many years. Contact him to see how you can be assisted to overcome your problem.
