Virtual Spine Center
Treatments, Imaging, Tests
Jun 18, 2020, 9:42 PM
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.
Jun 18, 2020, 9:46 PM
PLIF, ALIF and TLIF Procedures - Not an alphabet soup, but descriptive of different kinds of spine implant surgery
Jun 18, 2020, 9:48 PM
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.
Jun 18, 2020, 9:53 PM
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.
Jun 28, 2020, 1:51 PM
X-rays, CT Scans and MRI's provide excellent images of various spinal disorders. However, they cannot show pain. Spinal injections, typically used to control pain, are also used diagnostically to locate the pain source. Diagnostic spinal injections include discography (discogram), selective nerve root block (SNRB), sacroiliac joint injection and facet joint injection.
Jun 28, 2020, 1:49 PM
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.
Jun 28, 2020, 1:57 PM
X-rays were discovered in 1895 and have become the most common type of imaging study used by spine specialists to confirm a diagnosis. Through the years the technology has significantly improved. Today, the dose of x-ray needed to produce quality film images is just a fraction of what was required in the past.
Jul 7, 2020, 9:47 PM
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.
Jun 28, 2020, 2:03 PM
Computerized tomography (CT or CAT scans) combines x-ray science with computer technology to produce more focused and informative images than traditional x-rays. CT scans produce clear pictures of bone, soft tissue, organs, intervertebral discs and the spinal cord. The images can be reproduced in black/gray/white tones or color. To enhance the image, a contrast medium (dye) can be injected into the patient during the test.
Jun 28, 2020, 2:10 PM
When a CT scan and myelography are combined, images are produced that clearly show both the bony structures of the spine and the nerve structures. These images are invaluable to physicians as they diagnose a patient's spine problem.
Jun 28, 2020, 2:13 PM
One of the diagnostic tools that we use is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which can help us to identify various spinal pathologies including infection, nerve impingement, disc herniation, spinal cord compression, low back and neck pain, and tumor.
Aug 11, 2020, 5:39 PM
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.
Sep 13, 2020, 1:37 PM
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.
Aug 17, 2020, 5:06 PM
Too much sitting can sap your energy, make your joints stiff, adversely affect your overall health, and contribute to chronic neck and back pain.
Aug 17, 2020, 4:48 PM
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.