As one of the most common types of musculoskeletal pain, back pain affects millions of people across the globe. A poor spine affects your overall health, mobility, flexibility, comfort, and mental health.
Over time, back pain can develop into chronic pain. If left untreated, the condition can become exacerbated and affect your body and mental health even more.
At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our team of experienced Spine Center Houston understands how debilitating back pain can be. In this blog, we’ll offer a closer look at the top five orthopedic treatments performed at our specialty hospital.
1. Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a spine treatment that involves the injection of a special cement into a broken or cracked vertebra (spinal bone). This type of surgery is commonly used to treat a compression fracture caused by osteoporosis.
Vertebroplasty helps relieve spinal pain and restore mobility. Once the cement has been injected into the vertebra, another application may be needed.
2. Spinal Laminectomy
A spinal laminectomy is an orthopedic treatment that involves the removal of part or all of the lamina (vertebral bone). This alleviates pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Since this is a serious and complex surgery, it should be reserved for patients who have not responded well to other medical treatments.
3. Discectomy
A discectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a part of or the entire spinal disc. The damaged area is removed because of the herniation that can potentially apply pressure on the surrounding nerves.
If part of the disc is removed, the procedure is significantly less complex. However, complete disc removal means the empty space must be filled with a piece of bone. This is retrieved from a deceased donor or the patient’s own pelvis. In some cases, a synthetic bone substitute may be used.
4. Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion surgery is performed to connect two or more vertebrae in the spine. Think of it as a welding process. The vertebrae heal into a single bone and alleviate motion. The spine is also stabilized. Spinal fusion is commonly recommended for conditions like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, herniated disc, fractured vertebrae, and tumors.
5. Physical Therapy
In some cases, surgical orthopedic treatments aren’t required. If your condition hasn’t progressed beyond a certain stage, nonsurgical treatment plans like lifestyle changes, medication, steroids, and physical therapy can be utilized. The latter is the safest and most effective approach. Physical therapy refers to a set of physical activities that help improve spine function, stability, strength, and flexibility.
At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our team of dedicated and compassionate orthopedic Spine Specialist Webster TX can help you find relief from back pain. Visit our website to find a doctor who’s right for you.
As one of the most trusted specialty hospitals in Texas, we also provide upper back pain treatment, noninvasive treatment for essential tremors, and a range of other treatments. Contact our hospital today.