Question 1

could disc pain be solved without lumber spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Strengthening the muscles around the spine to support it is the first step.  Time also often allows the pain to decrease.  Sometimes an epidural injection may be indicated as well to help nerve associated pain.  Also the majority of disc herniations get better over time. A physiatrist is the best person to guide the non-surgical treatments.

Question 2

are there ever good outcomes for people having spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: As long as the procedure is done for the right reasons and all other modalities have been unsuccessful (meds, injections, physical therapy) spine has helped many people.

Question 3

do insurance companies discriminate you if you have a spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Spine surgery: No - they just do not to approve or pay for the surgery.  If its a new insurance they are not allowed to exclude due to pre-existing issues.

Question 4

what isminimally invasive spine surgeryand how is it different from traditional spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Speak to your doctor: I suggest you speak to the surgeon doing the procedure to ask all the details regarding the differences in those surgeries as it refers to your condition. Hope you feel better.

Question 5

is laser spine surgery effective and safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes and yes: When indicated and on the hands of an experienced surgeon.

Question 6

weakness due to spine surgery in 2004 what to do?

Accepted Answer

Talk to Surgeon: If this weakness was present at the ned of your operation, and has continued unchanged since 2004 there may be little to do. If this is new in onset i would consult your surgeon to discuss treatment options.

Question 7

what medications should be avoided before laser spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: This is an important question to discuss with your doctor prior to surgery.  For most cases, the following medications should be avoided:
1. Blood thinners (to decrease risk of bleeding)
2. Aspirin/plavix/anti-platelet meds (to decrease risk of bleeding)
3. Avoid recent spinal steroid injections (to decrease risk of infection).

Question 8

what are the negative and positive aspects of laser spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Uncertain: Most spine surgeries have risks and benefits, most often based upon peer reviewed literature. Most facilities that offer these "laser" procedures should discuss such risks. As a reconstructive spinal surgeon, I have seen patients treated in these facilities who report acceptable pain relief.  I have also performed major revision surgery for bad outcomes from laser surgery.

Question 9

why do i need toquit smokingbefore having spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Better recovery: Smoking slows wound healing and bone healing in fusion patients.  Because the majority of spine surgery is elective, it is advisable to do everything reasonably possible in order to maximize the chance of a successful outcome prior to proceeding.

Question 10

i need spine surgery but ekg is not good what am i going to do?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal ekg: The cardiologist and surgeon will figure out a plan that works for you. Usually they will work together to make sure to find a way to find a solution to this problem.

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Spine surgery leading to esophageal dysmotility

A member asked:

Could disc pain be solved without lumber spine surgery?

A member asked:

Are there ever good outcomes for people having spine surgery?

A member asked:

Do insurance companies discriminate you if you have a spine surgery?

A member asked:

What isminimally invasive spine surgeryand how is it different from traditional spine surgery?

A member asked:

Is laser spine surgery effective and safe?

A member asked:

Weakness due to spine surgery in 2004 what to do?

A member asked:

What medications should be avoided before laser spine surgery?

A member asked:

What are the negative and positive aspects of laser spine surgery?

A member asked:

Why do i need toquit smokingbefore having spine surgery?

A member asked:

I need spine surgery but ekg is not good what am i going to do?

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