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Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical Disc replacement is an option for people who have herniated discs in the neck or bone spurs, degenerative disc disease or severe arthritis. It is typically done for patients with cervical disc herniations that have not responded to non-surgical treatment options and are significantly affecting the quality of life and ability to function.
Diagnostic procedures may include the following:
Symptoms
Depending on the location of the herniation the following symptoms may occur:
- ache in the lower back
- sciatica - pain that travels through the buttocks and down a leg to the ankle or foot
- pain in the front of the thigh.
- leg pain occurring in one leg
Pain from a herniated disc may:
- may be constant or intermittent
- may get worse when sneezing, coughing
- may be aggravated by sitting, prolonged standing, and bending or twisting movements
- may be relieved by walking, lying down, and other positions that relax the spine and decrease pressure on the damaged disc
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease:
- low back pain that worsens when seated
- back pain that worsens when bending, twisting and lifting
- pain that is alleviated by lying down
Treatment
An artificial disc is inserted in the space between two vertebrae. The goal is to replace the diseased or damaged disc while keeping your normal neck motion. Disc replacement can be done instead of fusing the neck and losing neck motion.
After Surgery/Recovery
Physical Therapy is a critical part of complete recovery. Our doctors recommend DMC's Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, with 30 convenient locations across southeastern Michigan. To find one near you, click here.
Discectomy
A discectomy is a surgery done to remove a herniated disc from the spinal canal. When a disc herniation occurs, a fragment of the normal spinal disc is dislodged. This fragment may press against the spinal cord or the nerves that surround the spinal cord.
Diagnostic procedures may include the following:
Symptoms
Depending on the location of the herniation the following symptoms may occur:
- ache in the lower back
- sciatica - pain that travels through the buttocks and down a leg to the ankle or foot
- pain in the front of the thigh.
- leg pain occurring in one leg
Pain from a herniated disc may:
- may be constant or intermittent
- may get worse when sneezing, coughing
- may be aggravated by sitting, prolonged standing, and bending or twisting movements
- may be relieved by walking, lying down, and other positions that relax the spine and decrease pressure on the damaged disc
Treatment
The surgical treatment of a herniated disc is to remove the fragment of spinal disc that is causing the pressure on the nerve. The traditional surgery is called an open discectomy. In open discectomy the surgeon makes a small incision to remove the herniated disc and relieve the pressure on the nerve. The surgery may also be performed endoscopically where a small scope is inserted into the back. Using a small video camera and x-ray, the surgeon can see and remove the bone fragments.
After Surgery/Recovery
Physical Therapy is a critical part of complete recovery. Our doctors recommend DMC's Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, with 30 convenient locations across southeastern Michigan. To find one near you, click here.
Epidural Block
When a patient with back or neck pain is not responding to a non-operative pain management program the next step may be an epidural injection. There are many types non injections including corticosteroid, spinal nerve blocks, cervical (neck) blocks, and lumbar facet blocks.
Diagnostic procedures may include the following:
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- chronic back or neck pain for months/years
- sciatica
Treatment
An injection of an anti-flammatory medication or steroid is placed in the space surrounding the membrane that covers the spinal cord and nerve roots in the spine or neck. The mediation will decrease inflammation of the nerve roots. It may provide permanent relief or provide a period of pain relief for several months while the injury/cause of pain is healing.
After Surgery/Recovery
Physical Therapy is a critical part of complete recovery. Our doctors recommend DMC's Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, with 30 convenient locations across southeastern Michigan. To find one near you, click here.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spinal surgery procedure used to treat painful, progressive vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). A VCF is a fracture in a vertebra, which causes it to collapse. In turn, this causes the spinal column above it to develop an abnormal forward curve.
VCFs may be caused by:
- Osteoporosis
- Tumors
- Certain forms of cancer
Diagnostic procedures may include the following:
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- pain that does not get better with rest
- numbness, tingling or weakness in legs
- loss of control or inability to urinate
Treatment
In kyphoplasty, a tiny balloon is inserted through a quarter-inch incision and placed at the sight of the fracture, creating a space between the compressed discs. Bone cement is injected into this space to stabilize the discs. At the conclusion of the procedure, the spine is better aligned and pain is dramatically relieved.
After Surgery/Recovery
Physical Therapy is a critical part of complete recovery. Our doctors recommend DMC's Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, with 30 convenient locations across southeastern Michigan. To find one near you, click here.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Spinal surgery is usually suggested after other pain-relieving methods have been tried, including medication and physical therapy.
Diagnostic procedures may include the following:
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Lower back pain with tingling or weakness in the legs
- Leg pain or sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis
Treatment
In spinal fusion surgery is performed when there is forward slippage of a vertebra or curvature of the spine and involves permanently fusing two or more vertebrae together. A piece of bone, usually taken from the hip, is used to complete the fusion. Screws and rods may be used to hold the bones together while they mend, and can also facilitate a faster recovery time. Newer techniques have been developed which are minimally invasive and 80% percent of patients that have spinal fusion have good to excellent results and see an improvement in their leg and back pain.
After Surgery/Recovery
Physical Therapy is a critical part of complete recovery. Our doctors recommend DMC's Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, with 30 convenient locations across southeastern Michigan. To find one near you, click here.