{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-blog-js","path":"/blog/23/","result":{"data":{"posts":{"totalCount":159,"edges":[{"node":{"id":"75f7a957-7503-57b3-bb80-02c3bdf191bb","excerpt":"Dr. Kadimcherla with Atlantic Spine Center explains the recovery process after Scoliosis surgery By the time scoliosis becomes severe enough to require surgery; reducing this curvature of the spine is…","html":"<p><em>Dr. Kadimcherla with Atlantic Spine Center explains the recovery process after Scoliosis surgery</em></p>\n<p>By the time scoliosis becomes severe enough to require surgery; reducing this curvature of the spine is certainly the top goal. Patients should expect to follow plenty of dos and don'ts in the months after surgery that can help smooth their recovery, according to Praveen Kadimcherla, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Atlantic Spine Center.</p>\n<p>The most common spinal deformity in school-age children, scoliosis affects about 2% to 3% of kids under the age of 16, according to the University of Washington. For some, the condition may begin in childhood and worsen in adulthood, leading to corrective surgery if lungs or other internal organs are squeezed by the curved spine. About 29,000 scoliosis surgeries are performed in the United States every year, mostly on adolescents, according to the Clear Scoliosis Institute.</p>\n<p>\"Scoliosis surgery isn't done unless someone has a severe curvature of the spine, typically 45 to 50 degrees or more,\" Dr. Kadimcherla explains. \"It's a major surgery and not something to be taken lightly. But patients are always glad to hear that they have some control over how well they recover if they follow some guidelines for what to do or not do in the first weeks and months afterward.\"</p>\n<h2>Scoliosis Surgery Recovery</h2>\n<p>Scoliosis surgery fuses vertebrae in the spine to both correct the curve and stop it from worsening. The 4- to 8-hour procedure typically involves placing rods, screws, wires or other surgical hardware in the spine to help keep it straight, while also using a bone graft to stimulate bone healing in the fused vertebrae.</p>\n<p>Given the procedure's complexity, a several-day hospital stay is usually required, Dr. Kadimcherla notes. During the immediate post-surgical period, heavy painkillers are often needed and a physical therapist works with the patient in the hospital to get them up and moving about adequately before they go home.</p>\n<p>\"We've moved muscles and re-aligned the skeleton, so naturally patients have quite a recovery process ahead of them,\" he says. \"It's also a process that requires both a short-term and longer-term mindset to realistically approach their everyday activities. They can break down their post-surgery expectations into shorter and longer periods.\"</p>\n<h2>Scoliosis Surgery Recovery Guidelines</h2>\n<p>For some guidance on what to do and what to avoid doing after scoliosis surgery, Dr. Kadimcherla offers these tips:</p>\n<p>1 week after surgery:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>DO expect lingering pain for several weeks but taper down painkiller type and use over time to avoid dependency.</li>\n<li>DO walk around for longer periods as comfort allows.</li>\n<li>DON'T disturb your surgical dressing until your follow-up appointment with your doctor.</li>\n<li>DON'T bathe or shower until your doctor's OK. Take sponge baths instead.</li>\n<li>DON'T expect to go back to school or work until 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Lie low and let your body heal.</li>\n<li>DON'T carry a briefcase or backpack until at least 4 weeks after surgery.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>1 month after surgery:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>DO aim to stop prescription pain medicine use by this time, since they can become addictive if taken for longer periods.</li>\n<li>DO resume light social activities and get out with friends to improve your mood.</li>\n<li>DO wear a protective back brace if prescribed by your doctor.\n*DON'T do any heavy lifting and minimize bending forward until 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. Also, don't run or jump.\n*DON'T drive a car until your doctor's OK, which is typically 6–8 weeks after surgery and only after narcotic-type pain medications are no longer being taken.\n3 to 6 months after surgery:</li>\n<li>DO expect lingering stiffness in your back, especially in the area where vertebrae were fused. But you should have enough motion to do all your daily activities of living and most sports by now.</li>\n<li>DO expect to get the green light to return to non-contact sports 6 months post-surgery, such as running, weightlifting, and other exercises.</li>\n<li>DON'T resume contact sports, such as football, until receiving your doctor's OK.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Dr. Kadimcherla cautions that it may take a full year to heal completely after scoliosis surgery, and contact sports may not be undertaken until that time.</p>\n<p>\"It takes a solid year for the spine to be completely fused and ready for all activities after this major surgery,\" he says. \"But by sticking to a logical set of dos and don'ts, patients can help ensure they're back to doing all their favorite things as soon as possible.\"</p>","frontmatter":{"title":"Do's and Don'ts After Scoliosis Surgery - Advice For Before And After Scoliosis Surgery","date":"February 1st, 2019","description":null,"tags":["Surgery","Do's and Don'ts"],"cover":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQD/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAP/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAaN8aLnoB0f/xAAYEAADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIQMf/aAAgBAQABBQKRULkiWf/EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMQ/9oACAEDAQE/ASn/xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADEP/aAAgBAgEBPwFJ/8QAFBABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIP/aAAgBAQAGPwJf/8QAGRABAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARMRAh/9oACAEBAAE/IVRGXgbPYF5DJ//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQhD//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEBH/2gAIAQMBAT8QWE//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMf/aAAgBAgEBPxCj/8QAGRABAQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAITFh/9oACAEBAAE/EI7LgAnHnuuFbgAFN2gCfM+d/9k=","aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/7d509/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/8d052/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.jpg 180w,\n/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/e2788/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.jpg 360w,\n/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/7d509/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.jpg 720w,\n/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/10d63/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.jpg 1080w,\n/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/7f945/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.jpg 1440w","srcWebp":"/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/2aa8d/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/1a890/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.webp 180w,\n/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/b6bb8/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.webp 360w,\n/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/2aa8d/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.webp 720w,\n/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/54d25/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.webp 1080w,\n/static/ff3b5a235704afa73c1ef1ef51153f8c/ba24a/no99-Do-s-and-Don-ts-After-Scoliosis-Surgery-Advice-For-Before-And-After-Scoliosis-Surgeryjpg.webp 1440w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}},"fields":{"slug":"dos-and-donts-after-scoliosis-surgery","post":"/blog/v/dos-and-donts-after-scoliosis-surgery/","readingTime":{"text":"4 min read"}}}},{"node":{"id":"3a2279d7-5209-5496-8a80-7bee3f78242c","excerpt":"\"Everyone has a doctor within them.\" Those words, from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, are proving increasingly true as physicians learn more about using a patient's own cells effectively to…","html":"<p>\"Everyone has a doctor within them.\" Those words, from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, are proving increasingly true as physicians learn more about using a patient's own cells effectively to treat peripheral joint pain and disorders that disable millions of Americans, says interventional spine and pain management specialist Jason Arora, DO. New, promising treatment approaches include injecting a patient's own blood plasma or repair cells directly into a diseased peripheral joint, explains Dr. Arora, a physician and member of the team at Atlantic Spine Center, with offices in New Jersey and New York.</p>\n<p>Peripheral joints refer to shoulders, hands, wrists, hips, knees, ankles and the body's several hundred other joints not spine-related. \"Blood plasma is rich in antibodies, enzymes and proteins – growth factors that accelerate healing,\" Dr. Arora says. \"Adult repair cells, on the other hand, can be harvested from a patient's bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue and are regenerative; they stimulate restoration and regrowth of collagen within a diseased or damaged joint.\"</p>\n<p>In some cases, physicians employ a combination of repair cells and concentrated platelets to treat peripheral joint problems because they believe the plasma helps maximize the effects of the repair cells, Dr. Arora says. Ongoing development of these minimally-invasive, biologic therapies has both scientists and physicians, like Dr. Arora, particularly hopeful about the possibility of bringing future relief to almost any patient who suffers from the swelling and pain of common joint conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and bursitis.</p>\n<p>Between 2013 and 2015, more than 54 million adults in the United States were diagnosed annually with some form of joint arthritis – a number expected to rise to 78 million by 2040 as the population ages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even more troubling, arthritis and other peripheral joint disorders are:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>A leading cause of work disability.</li>\n<li>Result in severe pain in a large percentage of patients.</li>\n<li>Limit the activities of nearly 24 million Americans aged 18 and older.</li>\n<li>Cost the economy more than $300 billion each year in medical expenses and lost wages.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Not every expert is excited about concentrated platelets and stem-cell therapies. Some critics point to clinical studies that indicate concentrated platelets injections may have no greater effect than a placebo. However, in other research, concentrated platelets and repair cells do proved beneficial to some patients.</p>\n<p>Authors of a study in a 2017 issue of Current Sports Medicine Reports emphasize caution in use of cell-based therapies to treat joint injuries in children or adolescent athletes until more is known about the long-term safety and effectiveness of these approaches. They also call for \"more regulatory oversight\" of biologic therapies and establishment of a patient registry system to catalog treatment and outcomes data.</p>\n<p>Dr. Arora concurs that more research is needed but says a growing body of evidence supports the potential benefits of biologic approaches to treating joint problems. Scientists theorize that, in cases of joint osteoarthritis, which is caused by advancing age, injury or genetic predisposition, repair cells may work by developing themselves into needed cartilage cells or by releasing proteins that slow the degeneration of joint cartilage. Cartilage acts as a shock-absorber and lubricant for joints, Dr. Arora says. As osteoarthritis erodes cartilage, bones begin rubbing on bones, causing swelling and inflammation in the joint.</p>\n<p>\"Even after a diseased or injured joint is repaired, prior damage to the cartilage may continue an ongoing cascade of cellular degeneration in the joint,\" Dr. Arora states. \"That's why continued study of molecular and biologic treatments, including the potential ability of primitive repair cells to change into cartilage cells, is so important.\" Of course, developing painful osteoarthritis and other disorders of the peripheral joints does not have to be an inevitable result of growing older.</p>\n<p>Dr. Arora Offers These 7 Tips to Help Preserve Joint Viability:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lose weight. Every pound lost removes four pounds of pressure from the knees.</li>\n<li>Don't just sit there. Move. Change positions frequently. Stay active. Perform exercises for arthritis. </li>\n<li>Protect joints during sports activities. Wear elbow and knee pads or knee braces, for example, depending on the sport and remember knee arthritis exercises to avoid.</li>\n<li>Reduce risk of falls and other joint injury by strengthening back and abdominal muscles.</li>\n<li>Participate in low-impact activities like swimming or walking.</li>\n<li>Practice good nutrition. Eat foods that promote healthy bones and incorporate foods that help arthritis in your diet.</li>\n<li>There are some foods not to eat with arthritis, which your dietician can help you determine.</li>\n<li>Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>If you would like more information on regenerative medicine, visit our <a href=\"/treatments/stem-cell-therapy/\">Repair Cell information</a> page.</p>","frontmatter":{"title":"Pain Specialist Dr. Jason Arora with Atlantic Spine Center Offers Tips to Prevent Peripheral Joint (Arthritis) Problems","date":"January 31st, 2019","description":"Over 54 million adults in the US are diagnosed annually with joint arthritis. Dr. Arora offers arthritis and other peripheral joint disorders prevention tips.","tags":["Repair Cells","Peripheral Joint Problems"],"cover":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwAE/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABfQDsGiKB/wD/xAAYEAEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIQEf/aAAgBAQABBQKJdYo6/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMR/9oACAEDAQE/AZtf/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMR/9oACAECAQE/AaMf/8QAFBABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIP/aAAgBAQAGPwJf/8QAGxAAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERMRAhUWH/2gAIAQEAAT8heDzQqw0VEun/2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEPPf/8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAh/9oACAEDAQE/EJCf/8QAFxEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIf/aAAgBAgEBPxDUrv/EABkQAQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESFxQf/aAAgBAQABPxCuJXIqI9HyIRDm0ygUN24AZSf/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/7d509/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.jpg","srcSet":"/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/8d052/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.jpg 180w,\n/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/e2788/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.jpg 360w,\n/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/7d509/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.jpg 720w,\n/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/10d63/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.jpg 1080w,\n/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/7f945/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.jpg 1440w","srcWebp":"/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/2aa8d/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/1a890/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.webp 180w,\n/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/b6bb8/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.webp 360w,\n/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/2aa8d/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.webp 720w,\n/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/54d25/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.webp 1080w,\n/static/249916a4334c7c35d48fdb2a89f6a828/ba24a/no100-Pain-Specialist-Dr-Jason-Arora-with-Atlantic-Spine-Center-Offers-Tips-to-Prevent-Peripheral-Joint-Arthritis-Problemsjp.webp 1440w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}},"fields":{"slug":"pain-specialist-dr-jason-arora-with-atlantic-spine-center-offers-tips-to-prevent-peripheral-joint-pr","post":"/blog/v/pain-specialist-dr-jason-arora-with-atlantic-spine-center-offers-tips-to-prevent-peripheral-joint-pr/","readingTime":{"text":"4 min read"}}}},{"node":{"id":"2b02b346-d8ec-5dac-a844-41d7c5d88d86","excerpt":"Endoscopic Spine Surgeon Dr. Kaixuan Liu Offers Tips to Speed the Recovery Process after a Microdiscectomy. Recovering from surgery to correct a herniated spinal disc is no time to sit \"back\" and…","html":"<p>Endoscopic Spine Surgeon Dr. Kaixuan Liu Offers Tips to Speed the Recovery Process after a Microdiscectomy.</p>\n<p>Recovering from surgery to correct a herniated spinal disc is no time to sit \"back\" and relax. So, says Kaixuan Liu, MD, PhD, medical director of the Atlantic Spine Center and a world-renowned endoscopic spine surgeon, who performs a minimally invasive procedure called an endoscopic microdiscectomy and advises his patients to stay mobile, get out and walk, to expedite <a href=\"/blog/v/an-endoscopic-discectomy-can-provide-relief-from-chronic-lower-back-pain/\">microdiscectomy recovery</a> and minimize the formation of scar tissue.</p>\n<p>\"Endoscopic microdiscectomy is the modern approach to repair herniated discs,\" Dr. Liu states. \"Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it results in less tissue destruction and leaves fewer reasons to restrict a patient's activities following surgery and a quicker discectomy recovery.\"</p>\n<p>He refers to a study, published July 2017 in the journal, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, which indicated that patients who did not limit their activities during the healing process actually returned to work sooner than those who adhered to specific restrictions.</p>\n<p>Endoscopic microdiscectomy is usually performed in the lumbar (lower) region of the back after the failure of more conservative therapeutic measures, such as light exercise, medications, hot or cold compresses, physical therapy, spinal manipulation, and epidural injections, to relieve the nerve pain of a herniated disc, according to Dr. Liu.</p>\n<p>The procedure involves a surgeon making small cuts in the patient's back and then, while peering through a lighted endoscope, carefully removing herniated tissue or portions of the offending bone protecting a nerve root.</p>\n<p>Spinal discs are gel-filled capsules located between the spine's bony vertebrae. They prevent vertebrae from rubbing together and help maintain spine flexibility. Herniation can occur due to back injuries, undue spinal stress from heavy lifting or participation in sports, and even the normal aging process as the spinal discs dry out and become more brittle, forcing a disc's outer membrane to crack and its inner core material to ooze out.</p>\n<p>A herniated disc may cause pressure on a nerve, resulting in intense pain in the buttocks and hip area and radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg, a condition called sciatica.</p>\n<p>\"Research has shown that microdiscectomy has a success rate as high as 90 percent in alleviating nerve pressure and eliminating pain,\" Dr. Liu says. \"Patients leave the hospital the same day or the day following the procedure and can begin <a href=\"/blog/v/an-endoscopic-discectomy-can-provide-relief-from-chronic-lower-back-pain/\">microdiscectomy recovery</a> immediately.\"</p>\n<h2>Recovery after Microdiscectomy herniated disc surgery</h2>\n<p>\"Clinical studies indicate that patients who engage as soon as possible in stretching, conditioning exercises that help strengthen back muscles and who participate in low-impact, aerobic exercises like walking, biking or swimming actually return to their normal, daily activities more quickly,\" Dr. Liu says.</p>\n<p>Generally, herniated disc surgery recovery is relatively quick, with a high success rate. Usually, the first signs of healing appear within the first 2-4 weeks after the procedure, and after 12 weeks, the patient should be able to return to everyday life. The pain and other symptoms are typically relieved in a couple of months. Unfortunately, this microdiscectomy recovery time depends on many factors, including the patient’s general health, the speed of tissue recovery, the success of the procedure, etc., so the actual <a href=\"/blog/v/is-minimally-invasive-surgery-right-for-your-aging-and-aching-back/\">herniated disc surgery recovery</a> time can be longer. </p>\n<h3>Three days after surgery</h3>\n<p>Rest is crucial during the first days after the surgery. Your body naturally wants to rest during this period, as pain and fatigue are at their highest. Sleeping properly is highly recommended as it is key to rest and tissue recovery. If you have trouble falling asleep, your doctor can prescribe sleep-improving medications. But you can also learn some hygiene tips like avoiding using electronic devices with blue light before sleep, drinking caffeinated drinks after noon, etc.</p>\n<p>Dr. Liu also suggests that patients continue the <a href=\"/blog/v/studies-on-spinal-fusion-success-rates/\">herniated disc surgery recovery</a> process by walking short distances during the first couple weeks after surgery and gradually building endurance until they can walk two to three miles a day. </p>\n<h3>The first week after lumbar discectomy</h3>\n<p>Maintaining spinal mobility is key to the healing process. Still, Dr. Liu cautions that, during the first couple weeks following surgery, patients should avoid repeatedly bending or twisting, lifting anything heavier than five or six pounds, driving, or performing tasks like lawn mowing, sweeping, shoveling snow or dirt, doing the laundry, running, jogging or other activities that can overly tax back muscles.</p>\n<p>However, \"it's important that patients get \"back in the game\" during <a href=\"/blog/v/choosing-endoscopic-facet-rhizotomy-surgery/\">lumbar discectomy recovery</a> as quickly as possible,\" Dr. Liu says.</p>\n<h3>Month after microdiscectomy</h3>\n<p>Dr. Liu offers the following <a href=\"/blog/v/video-games-help-surgeons-with-dexterity-and-more/\">lumbar discectomy recovery</a> tips:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Don't be a \"couch potato.\" Move around.</li>\n<li>Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.</li>\n<li>Talk to a physical therapist about \"gentle exercises\" to perform during the early postoperative period. Exercise about a half-dozen times daily for six weeks or more after surgery.</li>\n<li>Start taking short walks around the house or the yard; climb stairs if you can do so without pain.</li>\n<li>Extend your walking distance gradually; engage in aerobic exercises like riding a stationary bicycle if you have access to one at home or a local fitness center and can do so without pain.</li>\n<li>Resume driving when you can turn your head and look over your shoulder without pain.</li>\n<li>Return to light work duties when you are able.</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Permanent restrictions after microdiscectomy</h2>\n<p>There are not many permanent restrictions after a microdiscectomy. \"The bottom line: use common sense—everything in moderation. The \"no pain, no gain\" adage does not apply,\" Dr. Liu says. \"Do what's comfortable. If you try to work through the pain, you could be causing yourself more harm than good and risking recurrence of herniation.\" Usually, the restrictions after lumbar discectomy involve avoiding twisting the spine, especially while lifting heavy things. </p>\n<p>Learn More and Watch Our Video on <a href=\"/treatments/endoscopic-discectomy/\">Microdiscectomy for Herniated Discs</a>.</p>","frontmatter":{"title":"After Microdiscectomy Herniated Disc Surgery — No Time to Sit \"Back\" and Relax","date":"January 12th, 2019","description":"Recovering from surgery to correct a herniated spinal disc is no time to sit \"back\" and relax.","tags":["Surgery","Endoscopic Spine Surgery","Herniated Discs"],"cover":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/7d509/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.jpg","srcSet":"/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/8d052/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.jpg 180w,\n/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/e2788/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.jpg 360w,\n/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/7d509/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.jpg 720w,\n/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/10d63/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.jpg 1080w,\n/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/7f945/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.jpg 1440w","srcWebp":"/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/2aa8d/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/1a890/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.webp 180w,\n/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/b6bb8/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.webp 360w,\n/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/2aa8d/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.webp 720w,\n/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/54d25/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.webp 1080w,\n/static/93590cb83f1006c2c161db638a3333d3/ba24a/no101-After-Microdiscectomy-Herniated-Disc-Surgery-No-Time-to-Sit-Back-and-Relaxjpg.webp 1440w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}},"fields":{"slug":"no-time-to-sit-back-and-relax-after-microdiscectomy-herniated-disc-surgery","post":"/blog/v/no-time-to-sit-back-and-relax-after-microdiscectomy-herniated-disc-surgery/","readingTime":{"text":"5 min read"}}}},{"node":{"id":"c03f1094-9568-5511-84c5-f02dacbc0d15","excerpt":"You've made the momentous decision to go ahead with spine surgery to fix your chronic back problems. But your efforts toward pain-free living only renew after the procedure ends. Indeed, as back…","html":"<p>You've made the momentous decision to go ahead with spine surgery to fix your chronic back problems. But your efforts toward pain-free living only renew after the procedure ends. Indeed, as back surgery patients, you can do much to maximize your recovery after spine surgery and return to your favorite activities after back surgery, according to Kaixuan Liu, MD, Ph.D., founder, and president of Atlantic Spine Center. Dr. Liu says that patients must understand what they should and shouldn't do after spine surgery to make their recoveries safer and even more pleasant.</p>\n<p>\"Patients who've decided to have spine surgery need to prepare for their post-surgical recovery, which will not only lessen pain just after the procedure but improve their overall recovery,\" explains Dr. Liu. \"The treating physician and nursing staff typically provide written discharge instructions and prescriptions for pain medicine and physical therapy. However, patients and their families should be aware of several things that can smooth the transition from hospital to home and then back to regular life.\"</p>\n<h2>Spine surgery recovery</h2>\n<p>You and the family member or friend assisting you during this time need to understand the post-op instructions given to the patient. During the next several days, be aware of the signs of infection. These signs can include fever, increased redness, swelling, or drainage at the incision. Keep your wound clean and dry. Take your medications as directed, follow your post-operative instructions carefully, and keep your follow-up appointment with your doctor. If prescribed pain medications, you should take them as directed and with food, as they may upset an empty stomach. During your recovery, call your doctor ASAP if you have any symptoms that indicate you are not recovering as expected and not getting chronic back pain relief.</p>\n<h2>Post-surgery care</h2>\n<p>Undergoing back surgery is a significant step towards finding relief from chronic pain or resolving spinal conditions. After the surgery, proper post-operative care is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery process and maximize the chances of a successful outcome. This guide aims to provide an overview of post-back surgery care, outlining important considerations and recommendations for a safe and effective recovery.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Physical therapy:</strong> If your doctor recommends it, it's crucial to prioritize this form of rehabilitation. \"You'll need to learn how to move and do activities in a way that prevents pain and keeps your back in a safe position,\" Dr. Liu says. \"Physical therapy also teaches patients how to get out of bed or up from a chair safely; how to dress and undress; and how to keep your back safe when doing other activities, which eventually will include lifting and carrying items.\"</li>\n<li><strong>Wearing a brace:</strong> \"If your doctor prescribes a back brace, wearing it will help stabilize your back while it heals,\" Dr. Liu notes. \"Wear it when sitting or walking, and only take it off during pre-approved periods.\"</li>\n<li><strong>Sleep: Sleeping in any position that doesn't cause back pain:</strong> \"Continuous, uninterrupted sleep is important for healing faster,\" he says. \"Some back surgery patients prefer to sleep on their side with a pillow between their knees or behind them to support their back.\" Moving regularly: Regular, gentle movement helps keep blood circulating, speeding healing, so you recover faster after spine surgery, Dr. Liu says.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Most importantly, Dr. Liu's \"dos\" include calling your physician whenever in doubt about your surgical recovery or if you begin to backslide.</p>\n<p>Remember, every individual's recovery process is unique, and it may take time to regain full functionality and return to normal activities. Be patient and listen to your body, gradually increasing your activity level as tolerated. If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.</p>\n<p>By following these guidelines and working closely with your surgeon and healthcare team, you can optimize your post-back surgery care and improve your chances of a successful recovery. Stay committed to your rehabilitation plan, maintain a positive mindset, and focus on restoring your back health and overall well-being.</p>\n<h2>Top 6 Tips for Recovery After Spine Surgery: The Do's and Don'ts</h2>\n<p>The \"don'ts after spine surgery can be just as important as the dos,\" according to Dr. Liu. In the days just after surgery, he advises patients to avoid the following to recover from back surgery safely:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Impatience:</strong> Recovering from spine surgery can take between a few weeks and a few months, depending on the exact procedure. \"Most of all, don't rush activities in the hopes of speeding up this process since that can backfire,\" Dr. Liu says. \"Give yourself the time your body needs to heal completely.\"</li>\n<li><strong>Climbing stairs:</strong> Going up or down stairs once or twice a day is fine for the first couple of weeks, but try not to overdo it. Bending at the waist: Instead, bend at the knees and squat to pick up objects.</li>\n<li><strong>Lifting heavy weights:</strong> \"Nothing over 10 pounds or more than a gallon of milk,\" he cautions. \"This means no laundry baskets, grocery bags, or small children. If you've had a spinal fusion, avoid lifting items above your head until your doctor approves.\"</li>\n<li><strong>Driving:</strong> Taking the wheel is off-limits for at least two weeks after surgery, Dr. Liu says, and try to limit time in the car as a passenger to short distances.</li>\n<li><strong>Smoking:</strong> He says that smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products hinders healing.</li>\n<li><strong>Exercising:</strong> \"Beyond simple walking, don't start swimming, golfing, running, or other strenuous activities without first getting your doctor's OK,\" Dr. Liu says.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Let your doctor know right away: \"If you run a fever, lose feeling in your arms or legs, have difficulty urinating or controlling bowel movements, or if your back pain begins to worsen and doesn't get better with rest and pain medications, don't hesitate to be in touch with your doctor,\" he says. \"We only want the fastest, most optimal recovery for our spine surgery patients and to make spine surgery recovery pleasant, so being in touch is crucial.\"</p>","frontmatter":{"title":"Top 6 Tips for Recovery After Spine Surgery: Do’s and Don'ts","date":"January 7th, 2019","description":"Dr. Liu shares the best post-surgery safety and spine surgery recovery tips so that you avoid mistakes during your back surgery rehabilitation.","tags":["Surgery","Do's and Don'ts"],"cover":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/7d509/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/8d052/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.jpg 180w,\n/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/e2788/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.jpg 360w,\n/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/7d509/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.jpg 720w,\n/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/10d63/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.jpg 1080w,\n/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/7f945/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.jpg 1440w","srcWebp":"/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/2aa8d/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/1a890/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.webp 180w,\n/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/b6bb8/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.webp 360w,\n/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/2aa8d/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.webp 720w,\n/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/54d25/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.webp 1080w,\n/static/5279a16025a3aa9dabd97ffa601f2bc3/ba24a/no102-Top-6-Tips-for-Recovery-After-Spine-Surgery-Dos-and-Don-tsjpg.webp 1440w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}},"fields":{"slug":"dos-and-don-ts-after-spine-surgery","post":"/blog/v/dos-and-don-ts-after-spine-surgery/","readingTime":{"text":"5 min read"}}}},{"node":{"id":"c99f22ee-de91-58d2-b692-ddb34a6f9f1f","excerpt":"Are you reading this on your phone, computer, or another mobile device? Are you looking down, shoulders hunched, while doing so? If so, your posture may be contributing to neck pain, headaches, and…","html":"<p>Are you reading this on your phone, computer, or another mobile device? Are you looking down, shoulders hunched, while doing so? If so, your posture may be contributing to neck pain, headaches, and other symptoms consistent with \"tech neck,\" according to Kaliq Chang, MD, of Atlantic Spine Center.</p>\n<p>This article covers the notion of tech neck, its symptoms, ways to prevent neck pain, and some helpful exercises to ease the pain and promote neck health.</p>\n<h2>What is tech neck?</h2>\n<p>Tech neck, also called \"text neck,\" is a growing phenomenon due to the ubiquitous presence of screens – such as cell phones and tablets – in our daily lives. In 2017, Americans spent nearly 6 hours each day using digital media, including more than 3 hours of non-voice activities on mobile devices, according to a survey done by eMarketer.</p>\n<p>But the curved posture most of us assume while emailing, texting, or reading on our devices simply isn't good for the cervical spine, better known as the neck, Dr. Chang says. Since our properly positioned neck muscles are designed to support the weight of our head – about 10 to 12 pounds – constantly dropping our heads forward to look at a device actually puts about 60 pounds of force on the neck, he explains.</p>\n<p>\"Tech neck is an overuse or repetitive stress injury,\" Dr. Chang adds. \"Rolling our heads and shoulders forward places great strain on the spine and can pull it out of alignment, even leading to pinched nerves and disc herniation. It's not necessarily a minor problem.\"</p>\n<p>So, usually, by saying tech neck, people mean neck pain caused by repetitive movements during computer work. Sometimes tech neck also causes shoulder pain, pain in the upper back, headaches, soreness, or stiffness in muscles, tingling or numbness, and the symptoms worsen after long work periods. Long-term tech neck can even lead to posture problems.</p>\n<p>This issue appears because of repetitive movements of your neck. While working on a computer or using your phone, the neck muscles contract to hold your head. This is the primary cause of tech neck. Considering that most people work many hours, the muscles get tired and sore, resulting in a tech neck. It’s important to say that simply sitting straight won’t help, as it makes your muscles contract even harder. In this article, we’ll cover the prevention of tech neck.</p>\n<h2>Symptoms</h2>\n<p>How do you know if you're dealing with tech neck? In addition to soreness in the neck and shoulder areas, Dr. Chang says symptoms also include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stiff neck</li>\n<li>Neck spasms</li>\n<li>Unexplained headaches</li>\n<li>Upper back pain, ranging from nagging discomfort to sharp spasms</li>\n<li>Shoulder tightness</li>\n<li>Headaches</li>\n<li>Radiating pain down the arms and into the hands</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Even more concerning is that children and young adults – among the heaviest users of mobile devices – are developing these symptoms as their spines continue developing, Dr. Chang notes.</p>\n<p>Reduced mobility in the neck or shoulders, jaw pain, and numbness or tingling in arms are rarer, but still, they also are signs of tech neck. Pain between the shoulder blades is a relatively common symptom, while trouble with looking up or down is a less frequent issue, as well as balance problems.</p>\n<p>As the issue progresses, it can cause deconditioning of the neck, chest, and upper body muscles, which affects posture. This new posture can be characterized as a forward head posture with rounded shoulders. Muscles must strain and tighten to hold the head, increasing pressure on spinal discs. It boosts the natural wear and tear of spinal discs and makes them degrade much faster. It can also result in a pinched nerve, that causes pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arm. So, cervical radiculopathy is among the complications of tech neck if the cervical nerve root is compressed or just irritated.</p>\n<p>\"Some research suggests that tech neck can lead to chronic spine problems and even early development of arthritis in the neck,\" he adds. \"Because the consequences can be lifelong, it's essential to avoid tech neck and to see a doctor if your symptoms won't go away.\"</p>\n<p>A typical treatment targets reducing symptoms, especially pain. Your doctor can recommend rest, physical therapy, and massage. They can prescribe special injections in cases of severe pain or muscle tightness. In case of a pinched nerve, you might need surgery. In any case, the best treatment is preventing neck issues.</p>\n<h2>How to prevent tech neck?</h2>\n<p>Prevention, of course, is always the best option when it comes to health problems, including tech neck. But since cell phones and other mobile devices can't be ignored in modern-day society, how can this be accomplished? Dr. Chang offers these tips:</p>\n<p>Hold your cell phone or tablet at eye level whenever possible. \"Even better is to keep your laptop or desktop computer screen at eye level as well,\" he says.</p>\n<p>Take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes. \"Look up from your screen for several minutes,\" Dr. Chang recommends. \"Even better, get up from your chair and walk around.\" It can be beneficial to gently move your head and shoulders during these breaks to increase blood flow and relax neck muscles.</p>\n<p>Limit device use to only necessary tasks. \"Reducing screen time is a healthy goal for many reasons, not just spinal health,\" he says.</p>\n<p>Using proper equipment and investing in a high-quality ergonomic chair, table and monitor is key to tech neck prevention. You can also try standing desks, which help you move more and avoid a stiff neck.</p>\n<p>Dr. Chang, an interventional pain management specialist, also suggests sitting in a slightly reclined position when using devices – not strictly upright.</p>\n<p>\"Sitting at a 25- to a 30-degree angle, with good lower back support, places much less force on the spinal discs in the back and neck than sitting up ramrod-straight,\" he says. \"This way, neck and shoulder muscles aren't taxed to hold your head up.\"</p>\n<h2>Exercises</h2>\n<p>To ease the pain and prevent damage, you can perform some exercises on a daily basis. It can be jogging, swimming, or walking for at least 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. Some gentle stretches and yoga are also quite beneficial.</p>\n<p>Exercise and regularly stretch muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. You can try chin tucks, which are easy to perform anywhere. This exercise involves drawing your head back, holding it in this position for a couple of seconds, and then releasing it. So, it’s like an exaggerated “yes” movement.</p>\n<p>Another exercise you can try is moving your head from left to right as if you are saying “no” and trying to touch your shoulder with your ear.</p>\n<p>Slightly more challenging exercises to perform at home involve yoga asanas. The cobra pose and downward facing dog are great for relaxing neck muscles and stretching them.</p>\n<p>\"The bottom line is to be mindful of your neck and shoulder position whenever you're using a mobile device,\" Dr. Chang adds. \"Vigilance is key to preventing tech neck.\"</p>","frontmatter":{"title":"What is Tech Neck? Dr. Kaliq Chang Explains How Technology Can Cause Neck Pain and Offers Prevention Advice","date":"December 6th, 2018","description":"Are you reading this on your mobile device or computer? Then you probably have experienced tech neck symptoms. Read the article to find out what tech neck is.","tags":["Spinal Conditions","Neck Pain","Prevention"],"cover":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/7d509/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/8d052/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.jpg 180w,\n/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/e2788/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.jpg 360w,\n/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/7d509/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.jpg 720w,\n/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/10d63/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.jpg 1080w,\n/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/7f945/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.jpg 1440w","srcWebp":"/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/2aa8d/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/1a890/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.webp 180w,\n/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/b6bb8/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.webp 360w,\n/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/2aa8d/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.webp 720w,\n/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/54d25/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.webp 1080w,\n/static/7042278a98d3593743b56ff6400e5cd6/ba24a/no103-What-is-Tech-Neck-Dr-Kaliq-Chang-Explains-How-Technology-Can-Cause-Neck-Pain-and-Offers-Prevention-Advicejpg.webp 1440w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}},"fields":{"slug":"dr-kaliq-chang-with-atlantic-spine-center-explains-how-technology-contributes-to-menacing-neck-pain-","post":"/blog/v/dr-kaliq-chang-with-atlantic-spine-center-explains-how-technology-contributes-to-menacing-neck-pain-/","readingTime":{"text":"6 min read"}}}},{"node":{"id":"34b5c831-303c-5f98-a113-f78768fa77ed","excerpt":"What is spine fusion surgery? Dr. Kadimcherla with Atlantic Spine Center explains what spine fusion surgery is and who may benefit from it. The idea of spinal fusion surgery sounds intimidating to…","html":"<h2>What is spine fusion surgery?</h2>\n<p>Dr. Kadimcherla with Atlantic Spine Center explains what spine fusion surgery is and who may benefit from it. The idea of spinal fusion surgery sounds intimidating to many chronic back pain sufferers until they learn how this extremely common operation can enable them to resume their favorite activities and restore their quality of life, says Praveen Kadimcherla, MD, with Atlantic Spine Center. Most Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, and most patients\" pain levels will improve with time and conservative treatments such as medication, exercise, steroid injections, physical therapy, and heat/ice application. But for those whose back pain lingers beyond 3-6 months with conservative treatment, spinal fusion surgery may be an option depending on the cause of their pain, Dr. Kadimcherla explains.</p>\n<p>What exactly is spinal fusion? The surgery corrects problems with spinal vertebrae by fusing, or joining together, vertebrae with surgical hardware so they can heal into a single, solid bone. By fusing vertebrae, the procedure helps vertebrae stop rubbing or grinding together, a problem that leads to bone spurs, arthritis and other painful back issues. \"Spinal fusion stops damaging motion between spinal vertebrae, which can lower pressure on surrounding nerves,\" Dr. Kadimcherla says. \"Despite the trepidation, many feel when they hear \"spinal fusion,\" the goal of the surgery is really quite simple.\"</p>\n<h2>What are the benefits of spinal fusion surgery?</h2>\n<p>Why undergo spinal fusion? The surgery may be advised for those suffering from lasting back pain due to a variety of conditions. According to Dr. Kadimcherla, these include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Recurrent lumbar disc herniation, which happens when a disc's jelly-like center bulges between vertebrae, pressing on nerves</li>\n<li>Spondylolisthesis, which occurs when one vertebra slides forward over the vertebrae beneath it, compressing nerves</li>\n<li>Foraminal stenosis requiring disc height restoration, when a narrowing of spine openings leads to nerve compression</li>\n<li>Lumbar degenerative disease, which triggers radiating pain from damaged discs in the spine</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Among older adults, spinal fusion has become an increasingly common operation. Medicare patients ages 65 and over underwent 67 percent more spinal fusion surgeries in 2011 than just a decade earlier, according to 2014 figures from the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. But the statistics aren't quite as clear when it comes to success rates for spinal fusion, according to Dr. Kadimcherla. \"There's no agreed-upon criterion for what constitutes success in this procedure,\" he says. \"Many physicians claim spinal fusion success rates as high as 90% or higher, but they don't necessarily explain if that means the bones have successfully fused together, the patient's symptoms have satisfactorily improved, or both.\"</p>\n<h2>Types of spinal fusion surgeries:</h2>\n<p>There's more than one way to perform spinal fusion surgery, and choosing the technique typically depends on several factors, Dr. Kadimcherla notes. These include a patient's age, overall health and pre-existing conditions, as well as the surgeon's experience level.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Traditional \"open\" spinal fusion surgery: A traditional spine fusion accesses spinal structures through one long incision. This technique typically requires at least an overnight hospital stay because of its more invasive nature.</li>\n<li>Minimally invasive spinal fusion: This newer, less invasive, surgery necessitates much smaller incisions, enabling surgeons to achieve similar results with less pain and a quicker recovery time. But minimally invasive surgery isn't possible for every patient, and Dr. Kadimcherla says you should speak with your doctor about what technique best fits your individual circumstances.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>\"If minimally invasive surgery is an option, it offers many benefits to open surgery, including a lower risk of postoperative complications,\" Dr. Kadimcherla explains. \"Minimally invasive surgery typically doesn't require a hospital stay. It also results in less damage to muscles and tissues surrounding the spine, which is less painful for patients, meaning they'll require less pain medication and helps them heal more rapidly. \"But regardless of surgical technique, spinal fusion surgery does help many patients achieve their end goal: less pain and more mobility,\" Dr. Kadimcherla adds. \"Talk to your doctor to determine if spinal fusion is right for you.\"</p>\n<p>Watch a video on the XLIF Fusion and many others on our website.  <a href=\"/treatments/xlif/\">XLIF Fusion Video</a>.</p>","frontmatter":{"title":"Is Spinal Fusion Right for Me? Risks and Benefits","date":"November 6th, 2018","description":null,"tags":["Treatments","Surgery","Spinal Fusion"],"cover":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/7d509/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.jpg","srcSet":"/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/8d052/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.jpg 180w,\n/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/e2788/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.jpg 360w,\n/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/7d509/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.jpg 720w,\n/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/10d63/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.jpg 1080w,\n/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/7f945/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.jpg 1440w","srcWebp":"/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/2aa8d/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/1a890/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.webp 180w,\n/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/b6bb8/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.webp 360w,\n/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/2aa8d/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.webp 720w,\n/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/54d25/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.webp 1080w,\n/static/20a78e88d1142bb6e0e1e8c0cc9c1263/ba24a/no104-Is-Spinal-Fusion-Right-for-Me-Risks-and-Benefitsjpg.webp 1440w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}},"fields":{"slug":"is-spinal-fusion-right-for-me","post":"/blog/v/is-spinal-fusion-right-for-me/","readingTime":{"text":"4 min read"}}}}]},"site":{"siteMetadata":{"siteUrl":"https://www.atlanticspinecenter.com"}}},"pageContext":{"limit":6,"skip":132,"numPages":27,"currentPage":23}},"staticQueryHashes":["2285185342","3793359599","63159454"]}