Our Specialties
Vertebral Column Clinic
Vertebral Column Clinic
The Vertebral Column Clinic is devoted to diagnosing and treating spinal disorders, including muscular-skeletal conditions, intervertebral discs, degenerative conditions, lower back pain, spinal deformations, fractures and tumors. The multidisciplinary medical team is made up of neurosurgeons, neurologists specialized in pain management, specialists in alternative medicine and a rehabilitation team.
What is Spinal Surgery?
This is surgery to correct problems with the bones of the spine, called vertebrae, and with the discs or nerves of the spine in the lower part of the back (lumbar spine).
Description:
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, which are separated by soft cushions (discs). The pressure on the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord may cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness and may be caused by:
- Injured discs that protrude between the vertebrae (herniated disc)
- Bone lesions (fractures)
- Narrowing of the intervertebral space (spinal stenosis)
- Growths (tumors)
- Infected cavities (abscesses)
- Blood-filled cavities (hematomas)
Patients with neck or back pain that is related to the spine are generally treated conservatively before considering surgery. Frequently, bed rest, traction, anti-inflammatory medication (non-steroidal and steroid), physical therapy, corset use and exercise are prescribed.
Maintaining good health, muscle strength and good body posture, together with proper rest and exercise, help to avoid unnecessary tension on the spine and muscles.
Lumbar spine surgery is performed while the patient is asleep and pain-free under the effect of general anesthesia. An incision is made in the affected area to remove the bone structure that surrounds and covers the spinal cord (laminectomy); then, the tissue that is causing pressure on the nerve or spinal cord is removed.
The orifice through which the nerve passes may be enlarged to avoid posterior pressure on it. Sometimes, vertebral fusion is necessary to stabilize the area.
Symptoms:
- Symptoms of lumbar spine problems include:
- Pain that extends (radiates) from the back toward the buttocks or the lower part of the thigh
- Pain that interferes with daily activities
- Weakness in the legs or feet
- Numbness in the legs, feet or toes
- Loss of control of the intestine or bladder
If the person is experimenting numbness in the inguinal region and problems with urinary and intestinal control, he or she should seek medical attention immediately, because this may indicate cauda equina syndrome and should be treated as soon as possible. Details and indications are listed below for the following procedures:
Spinal Fusion:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100121_1.htm
Scoliosis:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/1114.htm
Herniated Lumbar Disc:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/9540.htm
Spinal Cord Endoscopy Surgery:
http://www.imbiomed.com/Ortoped/Orv11n3/espanol/Wor73-01.html
