The Great Communicator – The Human Spine

3 May 2023 Spine News , , , ,

The spine is a complex structure that is responsible for several functions, including providing support to the body, protecting the spinal cord, and facilitating movement.

The spine communicates with the body in several ways, including:

  1. Nerves: The spine contains nerves that run along its length and branch out to various parts of the body. These nerves are responsible for sending and receiving signals between the brain and the body, allowing for movement, sensation, and other bodily functions.
  2. Blood vessels: The spine is also connected to a network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
  3. Muscles: The muscles that attach to the spine also play a role in communication with the body. These muscles help to support the spine and facilitate movement, and they also provide feedback to the brain about the position and movement of the body.

Overall, the spine is an integral part of the body’s nervous, vascular, and musculoskeletal systems, and it communicates with the body in various ways to ensure proper function and movement.

Kyphoplasty Minimally Invasive Procedure for Compression Fractures

16 Nov 2018 Back Pain, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Spine News , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kyphoplasty has transformed the way we are able to take care of patients with compression fractures. In this segment, Dr. Samuel Joseph, Jr., will review what you can expect and the benefits of this minimally invasive spine procedure. 

Kyphoplasty may be recommended for damaged vertebrae or certain spinal fractures. In most cases, a weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) has caused the vertebrae to compress or collapse, causing pain or a hunched posture.

The procedure may be performed as an outpatient in 30 minutes or less. The relief from pain may be immediate and patients may resume normal activities immediately.

Kyphoplasty uses a small balloon that gently lifts bone fragments into their correct position.  The balloon is inflated to create a space that the surgeon later fills with a special bone cement. The bone cement creates an internal cast that holds the vertebra in place. This extra feature allows kyphoplasty to help restore vertebral height, and thus, help reduce spinal deformity.  It also allows a thicker cement to be used which has less risk of leaking out and causing complications.

It is important to accurately diagnose vertebral compression fractures, as there are a number of potential adverse effects if a diagnosis is missed and there is no treatment. In general, vertebral fractures are associated with both increased morbidity which includes continued pain, decreased physical function, deformity, and potentially social isolation, all of which negatively impact the individual’s overall quality of and enjoyment of life. Mortality is also associated with vertebral fractures, as women diagnosed with a compression fracture of the spine have a 15% higher mortality rate than those who do not experience fractures.

3 Simple Exercises to Relieve Lower Back Pain

10 May 2017 Back Pain, Pain Management, Sciatica, Spine News , , ,

When experiencing low back pain, the natural response may be to take it easy and sit on the couch. This could possibly be the worst thing you can do to help relieve back pain. A regular routine of lower back exercises may help patients avoid stiffness and weakness, minimize the recurrence of lower back pain, and lessen the severity and extent of possible future episodes of low back pain.

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