Back surgery is a major undertaking. Even if minimally-invasive techniques are used and the procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, back surgery requires a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy. Without proper rehabilitation, patients who undergo back surgery could be immobilized, experience significant pain, and are at greater risk of injury. Patients who…
Spine Surgery
Benefits of spinal fusion surgery
It is true that many cases of back pain can be resolved using conservative treatment methods, especially if the underlying cause of the pain is a sprain, strain, and other soft tissue injury. However, patients with chronic back pain who do not get relief from nonsurgical treatments may have a structural issue in the spine….
Tagged With: Bradley D. Ahlgren MD, Chronic Pain, Orthopedics, spinal fusion, Spinal Pain, Spine Specialist, spine surgery
Recovery from Back Surgery
If your chronic back pain is no longer being relieved by conservative treatment methods, such as physical therapy and medication, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend back surgery. Patients who undergo a back operation usually have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, vertebral fractures, degenerative disc disease, or another type of spine condition that…
Tagged With: Back Surgery, Bradley D. Ahlgren MD, Chronic Pain, Orthopedics, spine surgeon, spine surgery
Recovery From A Lumbar Fusion
you are suffering with a condition that affects the lower spine, which is preventing you from carrying out normal day to day activities, a lumbar fusion may be necessary to alleviate painful symptoms. It can also be useful if other treatments have failed to work successfully. Recovery from lumbar fusion surgery can take time, patience,…
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
One of the most common causes of back pain is degenerative disc disease. Contrary to its name, it’s not an actual disease but rather a set of symptoms that cause neck and back pain that may radiate to the upper and lower extremities and cause weakness, tingling, and shooting pain, depending on the location of…
Causes of a Herniated Disc
Approximately 80 percent of people will experience back pain at least once in their lives due to a variety of reasons, a very common reason of which is a herniated disc. A herniated disc is also referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc. With a herniated disc, the nucleus of the disc is pushed…
Tagged With: Bradley D. Ahlgren MD, Chronic Pain, Herniated Disc, Herniated Discs, Orthopedics, spine surgery
How to Prepare for Spinal Surgery
If you’re scheduled to have spinal surgery, there is a significant possibility that you’re a little worried about how it will turn out. One thing that can help you stay calm and relaxed is preparing for the surgery beforehand. With this in mind, here are some tips on how you can prepare for your spinal…
Filed Under: Spine Surgery
Questions to Ask Your Spine Surgeon
If you are seeking treatment for a spine condition that’s been causing you chronic back pain, you may benefit from talking to an experienced spine surgeon. The more questions you ask, the more confidence you will have in the doctor and in the procedure itself. The surgeon may even recommend minimally invasive treatments that don’t…
Tagged With: Bradley D. Ahlgren MD, Chronic Pain, Orthopedics, Spinal Pain, spine surgeon, spine surgery
What Is Cervical Disc Herniation?
How Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Different from Conventional Surgery?
Medical technological advances now enable more and more spine conditions to be treated with minimally invasive surgical techniques. These are generally much safer and require a shorter recovery time than conventional surgery. However, minimally invasive spine surgery isn’t always appropriate for all spinal conditions, and not everyone is a suitable candidate for it. Certain health…
