Cervical disc disease –What it is?

Cervical disc disease refers to a chronic condition of the spine which affects many people.  In this condition, one of the spinal discs located in neck deteriorates over the period of time. There are different causes of cervical disc disease and varies from person to person. It is only after examining a patient that the spine or orthopedic surgeon recommends disc disease treatment for cervical region. 

Cervical disc disease is a very serious problem as these discs absorb shock. Thus, if they start losing their weight, they are no longer as effective in their job as they were supposed to be. The human brain will start perceiving that there is some kind of problem surfacing in the disc where it is occurring. It will soon start adding extra calcium deposits to the edges of the bone below and above the involved or affected disc.

If timely treatment is not started, then the condition will keep deteriorating each passing day.Bones will start developing bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, which are bony extensions which start coming off the edge of the affected bones. These bone spurs, over the period of time, will come together and unite the bones below and above the degenerating disc so as to provide some kind of stability.

Although soon you will start experiencing and noticing pain and discomfort, you do not pay much attention to this condition. As soon as you reach the point when your bones starts to fuse, your spine will start deteriorating at a much fast pace as the other joints of the spine below and above this fusion will start working extra hard for making up for the lack of motion in the damaged area.

Treatment options are many and vary from patient to patient. Atlanta’s leading and highly experienced spine surgeon, Dr. Erik Bendiks, starts treatment with medication and lifestyle changes. It is only when the patient does not respond to any of these treatments that he recommends cervical fusion. 

Cervical fusion surgery – Different methods of surgery

Cervical problems have become common in recent times. The reasons for it vary, however, often a poor lifestyle and aging are considered as the main culprit for the discomfort and pangs of pain that you experience in your spinal cords or nerves. Disc disease can also trigger pain in back. Important is to undergo disc disease treatment before conditions deteriorates further. After recommending lifestyle changes, physical therapy and other exercises, when a patient fails to respond to treatment, surgery is considered as the last resort.

Here you will get to know more about cervical fusion surgery

Cervical fusion surgery, medically known as arthrodesis, refers to a surgical procedure that unites or joints selected few bones in the cervical spine or neck. On the basis of the patient’s need, the surgeon recommends from different methods the one which best suits him or her.

•         Metal implants are used for holding the vertebrae together until new bones start growing between them.

•          The surgeon can remove spinal disc during the procedure and fuse adjacent vertebrae.            
•          Bones can be obtained from either bone bank or from any other part of your body. The obtained bone is used for making a bridge between vertebrae that are adjacent or next to each other. This new bone graft, in turn, stimulates growth of new bone. Surgeons can also make use of artificial material.            
•          As a matter of fact, an entire vertebra can be removed during the surgery, and spine then joined.               
•          Surgeon can screw metal plates into the bone, fusing adjacent vertebrae.

This type of surgery can be performed by making an incision on the back (posterior) or front (anterior) of the neck. Spine surgeon makes sure that the patient gets the most effective treatment after performing complete examination.  Dr. Erik Bendiks has experience and expertise in treating different types of back and neck problem. Owing to his qualifications and experience, he is counted among one of the most reliable and renowned spine surgeon in Atlanta.  

Disc disease treatment – What leads to spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis refers to a disorder which occurs because of narrowing of the spinal cord. Spinal narrowing occurs because of degeneration of both the intervertebral discs and facet joints. Some spurs also grow into the spinal cord in this condition. Also face joints enlarges because they become arthritic. This, in turn, contributes to a decrease in space which is available for the nerve roots.  It is important to get timely treatment for any kind of disc disease. Disc disease treatment can help patients fulfil day to day activities without being dependent on others.

The spinal column ligaments, particularly the ligamentum flavum over the period of time become less flexible, stiff and thickens with age. This further contributes to the problem of spinal stenosis. These procedures together narrow spinal canal and might start to impinge and thus put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots leading to the symptoms of spinal stenosis.

Stenosis of the spine might occur in the central spine where the coda equine or spinal cord are located; in the lateral foramen where individual nerve roots exist out of the human body, or in the tract where the nerve roots exit the lateral recess stenosis that is the central canal.

Some people who suffer from disc disease have no symptoms while others often complain of inability to walk or mild discomfort which happens in the lower back. Patients who suffer from severe spinal stenosis might start experiencing pain in thighs, legs or buttocks, which further intensifies with walking or standing. The condition improves with rest. In some cases, the patient also complains of weakness and leg pain. Weakness in the lower extremities, tingling, and numbness are more severe symptoms of this condition. 

Spinal stenosis relief is possible by following the treatment as prescribed the orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Erik Bendiks make sure that patients get treatment as per the current condition of spinal stenosis. He is one of the renowned and popular surgeons who have been treating spine problems for more than a decade.

Disc Disease Treatment In Atlanta

Degeneration of the disc occurs with age, but can affect one’s life dramatically.  An increasing number of people across the globe suffer from this problem. It is very important to ensure timely disc disease treatment else delay in treatment can worsen the condition of a person.  There is simply no doubt about the fact that spinal stenosis is one of the common diseases which occurs because of disc denervation. In some cases, the condition of the patient deteriorates to an extent that accomplishing daily tasks become difficult. It is because of this reason that doctors suggest timely treatment of disc degeneration so that you can continue with your daily routine without any hurdle. 

Symptoms of spinal stenosis vary from person to person. However, some of the most common symptoms of this condition are numbness, tingling and pain in arms, hands and neck. Often patients feel pinch of nerves causing pain in neck and headache. Symptoms triggering because of stenosis of spine appear only when the condition of a patient deteriorates. Initially, there are no or few symptoms which people ignore. Instead of ignoring even a smallest sign of back or neck problem, one should consider visiting an orthopedic surgeon who can start the treatment without further delay.

Given that spinal stenosis condition can cause several problems in life including restrictions in movement, undergoing treatment is extremely crucial. There are different treatment options for this condition.  Orthopedic or spine surgeon will recommend the one as per your existing condition. When it comes to spinal stenosis relief, initial treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, hot and cold water therapy followed by steroids in cases when the patient fails to respond to initial treatment.  And, surgery is the last resort when all other options fail to show signs of improvement in a patient.

Choosing the right surgeon for disc disease treatment is very important. Orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Erik Bendiks ensures that patients suffering from back and neck problem get the best available treatment.