Treatments

Have you recently seen a spine specialist who recommended spine fusion surgery? Did you walk away from the appointment asking yourself, do I need a fusion, and are there alternative, less invasive surgeries? You may be confused with the pain’s diagnosis and cause and seeking a second or third opinion to confirm or change treatment plans.

If you are seeking an alternative to spine fusion surgery, these are a few options that you might want to explore. Living with back or neck pain can substantially affect your quality of life, sleep, work, and ability to be physically active. Choosing to have spine surgery can be difficult, especially spine fusion. Many things weigh into the decision-making process, such as: “I am not sleeping well at night because of the pain” or “how long will I be out of work due to spine fusion surgery?” 

Our spine is the critical musculoskeletal organ in our body, supporting us in every movement we make. Thus, when structures within our spine malfunction or cause discomfort, it can have widespread effects. Since chronic lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among the general population, with an estimated 60 to 80% of people dealing with it at some point in their lives, it’s a critical issue to address. One effective solution to the travails of chronic low back pain is endoscopic rhizotomy.

Learn more about this innovative and minimally invasive spine surgery in this article!

Neck pain is a common condition that can hinder a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and routines. While some instances of neck pain are temporary and heal fairly quickly, chronic neck pain can persist for months or years without treatment. Some people find relief with simple solutions, such as rest, physical therapy, medications or hot and cold therapy, while others need more intensive treatment to relieve their discomfort.

Treatment for neck pain ranges from non-surgical treatment to surgical procedures. Steroid injections or radio-frequency energy can sometimes help manage chronic neck pain, but more serious conditions causing neck pain may require surgery.

It’s important to consider surgery as an option only if necessary. If you struggle with persistent neck pain, an experienced physician can evaluate your situation and determine if you’re a candidate for surgery. There are many ways to treat and manage temporary and chronic neck pain, so it’s important to understand what causes neck pain and what your options are if you experience it.