Health Facts
Back pain is often caused by obesity
Most people know that obesity contributes to the development of various diseases. However, did you know that obesity is a contributing factor to back pain? It is true. Being overweight or obese can significantly contribute to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Overview
One of the greatest trends in the history of surgery is the advent of minimally invasive techniques for the full spectrum of surgery types performed on the human body. Minimally Invasive Surgery, also referred to as Laparoscopic Surgery, means performing surgery in many cases without open incisions. For patients, this can translate into a lower risk of infection, faster recovery and less scarring.What is minimally invasive surgery? - Minimally invasive surgery or microsurgery/laparoscopic techniques utilize a microscope and specially designed microscopic tools to perform the surgery through small incisions made on either side of the spinal column. When compared with conventional or "open" surgery for a herniated disc, the most common back operation, the technique affords smaller incisions, faster recovery, less damage to surrounding tissue and less blood loss and scarring.
Choose a Procedure for Information:
- Microendoscopic Discectomy (is performed by making a small incision in the patient's back and inserting a small endoscopic probe between the vertebrae)
- Kyphoplasty (procedure uses a balloon to straighten the fractured area of the vertebral body)
- Electrothermal (uses a heated catheter in attempts to stabilize a painful disc and disable the associated nerve)
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The Spine Institute is often in the news pioneering new treatments to help the reported 34 million Americans 18 years and older who suffer lower back pain, and another 9 million who suffer neck pain. Watch the news coverage here.