Our spine is our body’s central support structure, which goes through daily stress so we can stand upright and move around freely. No matter how strong or flexible it is, though, it’s not invincible, and it’s still susceptible to injuries and conditions that can drastically affect how your body functions, not to mention the uncomfortable symptoms it can cause.
Good thing there are spine surgeons in CT who have the training and expertise to deal with any of your spine-related conditions. They will usually exhaust all the possible non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, to alleviate your back pain. If those methods don’t work and the symptoms become more excruciatingly painful, a spine surgeon may recommend surgery.
Below are some of the most common conditions orthopedic spine surgeons in CT treat.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are caused by damage to the spinal cord or the nerves located at the bottom of the spinal canal. Since the spinal cord is a critical part of the nervous system, any injuries may cause impairment in some bodily functions. According to the World Health Organization, around 250,000 to 500,000 people suffer from spinal cord injuries annually, making it a severe medical condition that needs immediate treatment.
Instead of recommending conservative treatments, your spine surgeon in CT will more likely recommend surgical treatment. They will eliminate bone fragments or foreign materials and use metal components to stabilize your spine. They will also recommend spinal decompression surgery to reduce the pressure experienced by your spinal column.
Your spinal cord is an integral part of your body, and once it’s damaged, your spine surgeon will closely work with other specialists, such as nerve doctors and physical therapists, to help you recover.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a condition wherein the soft core of the spinal disc pushes through the exterior casing. There are times when a herniated disc causes no symptoms, but there are also instances when it can irritate nearby nerves and cause severe pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs, particularly in the arms and legs.
Not all cases of herniated discs require intervention. But when it does, there are some non-surgical interventions the patient can go through, including physical therapy, pain medications, and muscle relaxers, to name a few.
If the pain persists for around six or more weeks and is accompanied by bowel and bladder problems, it may indicate a complication that needs to be addressed. Your spine surgeon will recommend surgery if the conditions worsen. They will also suggest that the patient remove the specific part of the disc that causes the problem to avoid permanent nerve damage.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine, often diagnosed in adolescents. While some people are born with scoliosis, the cause of this condition is still unknown. Over time, this curvature can worsen, often leading to the rotation or twisting of the spine. In addition, when taken for granted, the protruding rib cage may press on internal organs such as the heart and the lungs, and it can affect the critical functions of said organs.
Spine surgeons in CT generally recommend braces and physical therapy as conservative treatments for this condition. Patients with scoliosis are also ideal candidates for spinal fusion surgery, wherein the surgeon will realign the vertebra to prevent it from moving independently. Afterward, the surgeon will install artificial components such as metal rods and screws to straighten the spine and allow the vertebrae to heal.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any of these conditions or injuries and require medical assistance. Here at Spine Specialist Litchfield County Ortho, we have the best spine surgeon in CT. Together with his staff, we can help you recover from your spine issues, no matter how severe you think it is.