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Spinal fusion is a surgical process that fuses two or more vertebrae so they heal as one solid bone. By “welding” the vertebrae together, spinal fusion eliminates motion between the bones, which is theorized to be the cause of pain. The procedure also prevents the nerves, surrounding muscles, and ligaments from stretching. Generally, spinal fusion…

When patients encounter problems in the back and neck, spine surgery is often considered by surgeons as the last resort after other therapies have failed to relieve the pain. In rare cases, spine surgery can address problems other treatment modalities cannot. For persistent pain related to a mechanical issue in the spine, it might be…

Both conditions mentioned commonly cause low back pain in younger athletes. Spondylolysis is a stress fracture occurring in one of the vertebrae.  This condition, as stated above, usually affects adolescents and even children who are involved in sports which exert pressure on the lumbar (lower spine).  For example, weightlifting, football and gymnastics. While the two…

Sciatic pain can be a recurring problem, bringing with it a loss of mobility.  It can be debilitating. But you can eliminate your leg pain with sciatica surgery.  Let’s read a little more about sciatica and find out when surgery can be helpful. The sciatic nerve The largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve…

There is nothing a patient who’s undergone spine surgery wants to hear less than “you need a revision”.  After having gone through the original surgery, they’re told that something has gone wrong.   When this happens, you’ve had “failed back surgery” and may require a revision. The failure can be attributed to many factors but often,…

A pain in the neck can sometimes mean a pinched nerve.  But how the heck does that happen and why?  Let’s look at the condition and get some answers, then get you some help! Cervical Radiculopathy A pinched nerve in the neck is referred to in medical terms as “cervical radiculopathy”.  When a nerve is…

You’ve had your spine surgery. But you’re still in pain.  You had anticipated that surgery with great hope and now that it’s done, you’re disappointed and following a consultation with your spinal surgeon, you’re looking at yet another surgery.  Or maybe you’re reading this, looking for answers about the persistent post-surgical pain you’re in. If…

Ah, Spring!  It’s time to get out there and start digging in the dirt, right? But before you do, we’d like you to take a moment to read this post, outlining some ways to protect your back while you’re out there digging. Don’t let spring yard work become a pain in the back.  Instead, follow…

Pain messages from the rest of the body are forwarded urgently to the brain.  How spinal cord stimulator systems work is by blocking those urgent messages.  SCS is an ideal pain management strategy for those with chronic pain and for those who’ve experienced a failed back surgery.  It may also be used for other types…