Diseases of the spine may affect the movement, way of living and the general condition of an individual. Most spine problems are treated non-surgically (using physical therapy or drugs). Certain cases in which surgery might be necessary exist. Neurological surgeons are a part and parcel of the process of diagnosing, control and treatment of spine related problems. They provide their patients with all-inclusive treatment and access to the high-level surgical solutions in case of their need.
Spine-Related Disorders
The human backbone is a complicated assembly constituted of vertebra, intervertebral discs, nerves and muscles. It hold up the body and enables movement as well as shielding the spinal cord. Any breakage in all these can cause spine related disorders, with majority of them impairing the patients to carry out their normal activities.
High Frequency Spine Disorders
Neurological surgeons are confronted with several conditions in the treatment of the patients facing spine problems. These include:
- Herniated Discs: Herniated discs can create pressure on the nerves by protrusion of the soft substance present in the intervertebral disc outside the limit. Herniated discs usually result in pain, numbness or weakness that could extend to the extremities.
- Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a disease that happens when the space on the spine becomes small which pressurizes the spinal cancer and nerves. The symptoms can be back pain (or sensation), or difficulty in walking.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: The disc nuclei of the intervertebral disc may wear out, which leads to the reduced ability to move freely and persistent pain.
- Spinal Deformities: Disorders like scoliosis (side to side curvature of the spine), or kyphosis (overcurving of the spine) may cause physical pain and limit ability in physical activity.
Non-Surgical Management
An assortment of spine diseases is regularly treated relying on non-invase procedures. These comprise pain relieving medications and lifestyle changes and making change to those factors which worsen the condition. Before arriving at the conclusion that surgery is necessary, neurological surgeons usually bring up all possible options on the table. It is to relieve the symptoms and enhance the quality of life in a way least invasive to achieve.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is an option of treatment available when conservative measures fail to give relief, and when the condition is causing a lot of disturbance to the functioning of the spine and interfering with the spinal cord. The neurological surgeons have skills and techniques to undertake complex surgeries aimed at addressing particular problems and at the same time ensuring minimal risks are involved.
Neurological surgeons perform diverse operations to take care of spine-related problems. The following surgeries are some of the most common surgeries:
- Discectomy: It is a surgery that eliminates part of the herniated disc in the compressing nerve to alleviate pain and re-establish nerve functioning.
- Laminectomy: Laminectomy is the procedure in which part of the vertebrae is retrieved so as to alleviate strain on the backbone or nerves brought about by conditions like spinal stenosis.
- Spinal Fusion This surgery involves sticking together at least two vertebrae to bring the spine some stability when it comes to severe degenerative disc disease which will also decrease pain levels and enhance stability.
Find Neurological Surgeons
The patients with a spine disease can acquire useful skills through the contribution of neurological surgeons. They also have the skills in making complex diagnoses and carrying out complex surgery in cases where it is required and therefore contribute uniqueness in managing spinal health. Surgery is not the initial point of call to most of the patients, but it presents a way out that fail all other efforts. Patients who experience long-term symptoms or find it difficult to perform daily activities need to get an opinion with a specialist to examine possibilities.
