All You Need to Know about Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

An orthopedic surgeon is a medical professional dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders of muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. The professional should also have completed a five-year residency with main focus on the surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. An orthopaedic spine surgeon may complete additional training with specialization in spine surgery and a Spine Fellowship.  

 
Some orthopaedists are generalists. On the other hand, many of these professionals also specialize in specific areas of the body, such as the following listed below:
                                                                                              
- Foot and ankle
- Spine
- Hip and knee
- Shoulder and elbow
- Hand

The Role of an Orthopaedic Surgeon

Orthopaedic surgeons are known to explore nonsurgical treatment options first. These may include rehabilitation and pain medication. These medical professionals are known to have expertise to perform surgery aiming at repairing an injury or treating a condition, if necessary.

Why Visit an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon?

The major reason most people visit an orthopaedic surgeon is musculoskeletal pain. These professionals also treat broken bones and also replace painful joints. Most people are not aware that they treat the following conditions listed below:

- Injuries resulting from sports
- Back pain
- Spinal stenosis
- Ruptured disks
- Bone tumors
- Carpal tunnel
- Hand arthritis
- Hand injuries
- Arthritis
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Club foot
- Osteoporosis
- Hip dysplasia
- Bow legs
- Orthopaedic trauma
- Limb lengthening
- Bunions and foot, ankle injuries

A Visit to Orthopaedic Surgeon

Carry Visit Notes
It is important to carry a copy of visit notes especially if you have seen a doctor or a different orthopedic surgeon. Mention if you have already visited other medical professionals such as doctor, emergency room physician, or a primary care provider. The surgeon will study the copy of medical records to understand the treatments you had taken. These records are also helpful if you have visited the surgeon for a second opinion.

5 Things You Need to Know about Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is one of the most common conditions resulting in neck and low back pain in men and women. Here’s what you need to know about this condition:

1. What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal and/or neuroforamen leading to compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The compression results in inflammation and pain.

2. Causes of Spinal Stenosis

Generally, spinal stenosis results from an injury to spine or a disease. Osteoarthritis (spondylosis) is the most common cause of the condition in which the cartilage that cushions joints begins to degenerate. Stenosis may also occur in individuals genetically prone to the disease. Some of the other causes include spinal injury, herniated discs, and bulging discs.

3. Non-Surgical Treatments for Spinal Stenosis

There are several non-surgical treatment options doctors recommend for spinal stenosis. These include:

- Acupuncture to relieve pain
- Massage to relieve pain
- Low impact exercise to strengthen core muscles to impart spinal support. This relieves pain
- Swimming
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs to minimize inflammation and pain
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injection for several spinal stenosis

4. Surgery for Spinal Stenosis

Most patients respond well to non-surgical treatments. However, under some situations your spine doctor may suggest a surgical procedure. These conditions include:

When medication and/or a combination of other non-surgical treatments fails to reduce pain and symptoms

- Severe pain that is becoming worse
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Partial/total loss of sensation
- Pain, numbness, tingling in the arms or legs
- Reduced or loss of function/strength in your arms or legs

5. Types of Surgeries Performed for Spinal Stenosis

The most common surgical procedures performed for treating spine stenosis include:

- Fusion
- Decompression
- Stabilization