Minimally invasive spine surgery allows the surgeon to make smaller incisions in the skin and avoid large muscle retraction. The surgeon uses a thin telescope-like instrument, called an endoscope, which is inserted through a small incision.

PLIF, ALIF and TLIF Procedures - Not an alphabet soup, but descriptive of different kinds of spine implant surgery

Artificial discs are designed to fit into the damaged disc space in order to restore disc height, improve mobility and flexibility, and eliminate pain. There are several types of artificial discs. The discs are made of surgical grade metal (such as stainless steel or titanium). Some also include a soft, pliable inner material made from polyethylene.

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses orthopedic cement or new bone substitute materials to “rebuild” the vertebral space lost as a result of the compression fracture and return it to its original height.

Modern spine care has a broad range of tests and diagnostic procedures which may be utilized to understand your condition and establish a treatment plan. Here are a few of the more common tests that may be performed.

Most spinal implants are made of metals such as titanium, titanium-alloy or stainless steel; some are made of non-metallic compounds. They come in many different shapes and sizes to accommodate different patients of all ages.

Discs are prone to deterioration as we get older, and will lose its fluid content making it prone to tearing and injury. Intervertebral discs can also become injured from twisting and bending, excessive axial loads, or repetitive microtrauma.

The article will help educate practitioners and patients on the most recent evidence regarding the use of physical therapy for treatment of the cervical and lumbar spine. Be certain that the physical therapist you are using is trained as an orthopedic manual therapist.

Weight loss is a very difficult feat and often individuals feel they are doing everything right, yet still can’t get the scale to budge in their favor. Statistically, 95% of diets fail which is a daunting number if you’re one of the two-thirds of Americans struggling with their weight.

Too much sitting can sap your energy, make your joints stiff, adversely affect your overall health, and contribute to chronic neck and back pain.

Whiplash is a neck and spine injury most typically caused by a rear end collision in a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA). It can be caused by other things as well such as a blow to the head, a sports injury, or a slip and fall.