Saturday, September 27, 2008

Myths and Facts about Spine problems

Spinal problems are increasing now a days; reason being manifold, mainly lifestyle disorder, and an aging degenerative process.

Some basic understanding of spinal diseases need to be mentioned.

Back pain is one of the most common disability for those under age 45, and it runs second after the common cold for visiting a healthcare provider.

1.There is nothing wrong with you” usually told to a patient having chronic neck and back pain—myth.

2.or vertigo, occurring due to cervical spondylosis—myth.

3.Low backache is usually due to lumbar disc herniation—myth.

4.Spine surgery is not successful usually—myth.

5.After spinal surgery spine will become unstable—myth.

6.Spine surgery is very risky, and paralysis may occur—myth.

Facts:

  • 1. Only one fourth of patients see their pain resolved by itself, three fourth of people continue to suffer; and they need proper evaluation.
  • 2. Vertigo alone can not be due to cervical spondylosis.
  • 3. Low backache is usually due to musculo-ligamentous strain- wrong sitting posture.
  • 4. Spine surgery is very rewarding and successful, in proper hand.
  • 5. Spinal instability is taken care of as per required.
  • 6. Spine surgery is not that risky,now a days, in skilled hands; however, any treatment has an inherent risks, and spine surgery is no exception.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Today, I operated on a case of pott's spine D11/D12,level.A long segment titanium cage had to be placed in the space created by removing the dead & infected bone.Patient is doing well,post operatively.