Spinal Fractures: Common Cause of Teen Back Pain

This generation is characterized by its extremely active lifestyle and breakneck pace. The forerunners in this race are teenagers. Armed with their gargantuan passion, zeal, and motivation, teenagers don’t want to stop at all. They want it all, and they want it fast. This leads to adopting an unhealthy lifestyle. One that boosts productivity but takes a toll on the body and its well-being. People between the ages group of 18-25 are most susceptible to this. Their extremely busy schedule leaves them with almost no time to rest. Their machine-like functioning body thus starts giving signals that it needs oiling and maintenance. These signals are in the form of various physical ailments. The most common grievance being back pain.

Teenagers and young adults are often found complaining about having the back of a 90-year old. They believe it is just them, but research shows otherwise. The chances of experiencing LBP (low back pain) are almost as high as 80% by the time one gets to the age of 20.

Causes of Back Pain in Teenagers: –

Back pain in teenagers can be of different types and have different sources of origin. The nature of back pain depends on the lifestyle and also sometimes on genetics. Here are some of the major causes and forms of back pain.

1. Muscle-Related Pain

This an external affliction of the muscles surrounding the spinal cord region. It does not involve the spinal cord itself. It is primarily focused near the thoracic and lumbar regions. This pain is characterized by continuous resonating pain. It usually disappears after proper resting and when the strained muscles are relaxed. Improper posture, carrying a heavy load, faulty sports equipment, psychosocial distress, anxiety and in some cases, even a past injury can cause such pain.

1. Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis is caused when a gap formation or separation takes place between vertebral bones. It is a common occurrence in young athletes and teenagers who tend to hyperextend their backs.

1. Spondylolisthesis

This is an acute condition in which one vertebra slips on top of the other. It can lead to chronic pain, and if not treated, immediately made lead to permanent deformity. It might need spinal infusion and surgery at a later point.

1. Disc Injuries and vertebral fractures

A fracture in the vertebra can be a result of some sudden shock or impact. This could occur while engaging in some extreme sports, gymnastics, or being involved in an accident. Damage to the vertebra or the intervertebral discs needs to attended immediately. Surgical procedures to prevent further damage to the area of fracture becomes a necessity.

1. Other Causes

Some other causes of chronic back pain could the presence of a spinal tumor, an infection, or inflammatory arthritis.

Spinal Fractures

In this article, we shall take a closer look at the bone-related injuries in the spinal cord. To be more specific fractures, cracks, and deformities in the spine. The spine is one of the most essential parts of our body. It protects the spinal cord, which relays the information from the brain to the different parts of our body. Damage to the spine can even lead to partial and complete paralysis. Thus, it is imperative to ensure that the spine stays protected from serious injuries. Immediate medical attention must be provided to prevent grievous harm to our bodies.

Symptoms

A fracture in the spine is detected using an X-ray. However, certain early signs and symptoms can help identify a fracture. These symptoms include back pain, muscle cramps, severe neck pain, weakness, partial or complete paralysis.

Causes

A fracture in the spine most commonly occurs when the person is involved in some accident. In fact, car accidents make up 45% of spinal cord related injuries. Extreme sports, falling, and improper posture are some other causes of a spinal fracture.

Diagnosis

Once the symptoms are experienced, the patient needs to visit a hospital or a nursing home. There the spinal fracture can be detected with the help of an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan. These are medical imaging techniques that help the doctors to take a look at the bone structure.

Types of Spinal Fracture

1. Compression Fracture – This kind of fracture is prevalent among people suffering from osteoporosis. Owing to weak bone structure, a sudden shock or impact results in a fracture in the vertebra. A special case in which the front part bends under pressure is called wedge fracture, due to the wedge-shaped deformity.
2. Burst Fracture – Burst fracture is a result of a severe accident like a car crash. The spine gets completely crushed, and a lot of vertebrae are fractured. The bone breaks into pieces in several regions. These fragments pose a threat of causing damage to the spinal cord.
3. Fracture Dislocation – A fracture in the spine can lead to certain vertebrae from getting dislocated. When the body is involved in an accident, the vertebra can shift from its original position and lead to a fracture-dislocation.

Treatments Available

Treatments can be broadly categorized into surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Surgical Procedures

1. ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY AND FUSION (ACDF)

This form of treatment is offered to the patients suffering from a cervical slip disc. The procedure requires an incision to reach the affected area and remove the disk to decompress the spine and relief the tension from the nerves. An artificial replacement is provided in place of the removed cervical disc to offer stability to the structure of the spine.

1. CERVICAL LAMINOPLASTY

This procedure is an ideal treatment for those who suffer from myelopathy or compression of the spinal cord. The spinal cord of the patient undergoes an ‘extension’ or ‘stretch’ from one side of the spine to another, as well as from top to bottom, to release the pressure from the spinal cord. It also gradually reduces strain from the nerves and prevents any complication.

1. CERVICAL POSTERIOR FORAMINOTOMY

When your back suffers through pain for a prolonged period, especially after a pinched nerve, Cervical Posterior Foraminotomy is applicable. Usually, the reason is due to the compression of nerves, or a herniated disk. Hence, it becomes important to perform incision and make space for the nerves to move freely and release the tension. Thus, relieving the pain.

1. LAMINECTOMY

Sometimes the spinal cord builds intense pressure. The pressure can result in intense pain, and there are several reasons for it; a herniated disk is usually the common culprit. However, the surgical procedure receives its name as it is a process of removal of lamia from the spinal canal. It releases pressure and offers relief.

1. CORPECTOMY

This method is only employed when all others fail. It is performed when a person suffers through a spinal fracture, infection, or other medical condition. When all else fails, this method will remove the damaged parts like disk or vertebra, from the spine to offer relief and prevent nerves from getting compressed.

1. LUMBAR DISC MICROSURGERY

The main purpose of this procedure is to relieve the patient off the excruciating leg pain, also known as Sciatica. It is a minimalistic surgical procedure in which the ‘herniated’ disk gets removed, and nerves under pressure are released.

1. VERTEBROPLASTY

It is a process in which medical experts take non-surgical measures and offer opportunities to strengthen the vertebra of the spine.

1. SCOLIOSIS CORRECTION SURGERY

Scoliosis is the bending of the spine to the sideways, almost like a curve, a physical deformity. To fix the issue, the surgeon utilizes tools like screws in the defective bones and uses rods to assist in correcting the posture over time.

1. KYPHOSIS CORRECTION SURGERY

Kyphosis is similar to Scoliosis. However, it is the forward bending of the spine instead of the sideways. It requires similar treatment measurements for proper recovery.

1. MIS SPINAL FUSION

It is a new medical surgery where specialists use microscopic equipment to carry out the procedure. The method is least painful of all, as there are minute incisions and cuts, barely felt, after the surgery. It is a perfect option for patients that are obese or overweight in general.

Non-Surgical Procedures

1. FACET JOINT INJECTIONS

It delivers small amounts of anesthetic and steroid medication to relieve pain in the neck and back. It also helps in diagnosing and locating the source of pain to provide immediate relief.

1. LUMBAR EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION

It is a pain management procedures prevalent in the spinal surgeries and medical conditions. From severe leg pain due to spine compression and herniated disk to other deformity-based pain, it is a very efficient method. A pain management specialist will introduce anti-inflammatory and anesthetic agents to the root of the cause and offer relief.

1. LUMBAR TRANSFORAMINAL EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION

This is a pain-monitoring treatment, or known as ‘pain-treatment.’ It is usually employed when a patient is suffering through excruciating pain due to some form of spinal injury. Usually, it is due to the lumbar spine problems and requires attention to numb the pain in the legs and possibly lower back. The doctor who is in charge of the treatment will use a combination of anti-inflammatory and anesthetic injection and insert it into the main affected region (The spine) to offer relief to the patient.

What is the most common form of pain management?

Spinal pain management refers to the various approaches and techniques used to alleviate or manage pain related to the spine. Spinal pain can arise from various causes, including muscle strains, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and other spinal conditions.

Here are some common methods and treatments used in spinal pain management:

1. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are often used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms. In some cases, stronger pain medications or opioids may be prescribed for short-term pain relief.
2. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help develop a customized exercise and stretching program to improve strength, flexibility, and posture. Physical therapy can also include techniques such as heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy to alleviate pain and promote healing.
3. Epidural steroid injections: This procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerve roots. Steroids help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the affected area. Epidural steroid injections are commonly used for conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
4. Facet joint injections: Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae in the spine. These joints can become a source of pain due to arthritis or other degenerative changes. Facet joint injections involve injecting a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid into the affected joint to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
5. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): RFA is a procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to disrupt the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. It is often used for longer-lasting pain relief in conditions such as facet joint arthritis or chronic low back pain.
6. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS): SCS involves the implantation of a device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These electrical signals help interfere with and block pain signals, providing relief for chronic back and leg pain.
7. Surgery: In cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief or when there are underlying structural issues causing the pain, surgery may be considered. Surgical procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques, such as microdiscectomy, to more extensive procedures like spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement.

It’s important to note that the specific treatment approach will depend on the underlying cause of the spinal pain, severity of symptoms, and individual patient factors. Consulting with a Spine Surgeon  , such as a pain management specialist or spine specialist, is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual.

Tips to Prevent Scoliosis correction

While it’s important to note that scoliosis is a complex condition that often requires medical intervention, there are some general tips that can help promote good spine health and potentially reduce the risk of scoliosis progression. However, please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and appropriate treatment options. Here are some tips:

1. Maintain good posture: Practice proper posture when sitting, standing, and walking. Avoid slouching or hunching over, as this can put stress on the spine.
2. Exercise regularly: Engage in exercises that promote core strength and muscle balance, such as swimming, yoga, Pilates, and low-impact aerobic activities. Strengthening the muscles that support the spine can help maintain its alignment.
3. Avoid excessive spinal strain: Take precautions when lifting heavy objects. Bend at the knees and lift with your legs rather than your back to minimize strain on the spine.
4. Use ergonomic furniture: Ensure that your workspace and home environment are ergonomically designed to provide adequate support for your back. Use chairs with proper lumbar support and position computer screens at eye level.
5. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional strain on the spine. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
6. Regular screenings: Children and adolescents should undergo regular screenings for scoliosis, as early detection can lead to timely intervention and management.
7. Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity: Sitting or standing for long periods without breaks can strain the spine. Take regular breaks, stretch, and move around to prevent stiffness and promote blood circulation.
8. Avoid smoking: Smoking can interfere with the blood supply to the spinal discs, potentially leading to degenerative changes. Quitting smoking can help improve overall spine health.

Remember, these tips are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect scoliosis or have concerns about your spine health, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a specialist in orthopedics spine care.

Kyphosis Correction Surgery and Post Surgery Care with Advance Spine Surgery

Kyphosis correction surgery is a surgical procedure performed to address abnormal curvature of the spine known as kyphosis. Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward curvature of the upper back, causing a hunched or rounded appearance of the spine.

The decision to undergo kyphosis correction surgery is typically based on the severity of the curvature, the presence of symptoms, and the failure of non-surgical treatments to provide relief. Conservative treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, and pain management techniques are usually attempted first, but if these methods do not effectively alleviate symptoms or if the curvature continues to progress, surgery may be considered.

There are different surgical approaches and techniques available for kyphosis correction, and the specific procedure chosen depends on the individual’s condition and the underlying cause of the kyphosis. Some common surgical techniques include:

1. Posterior spinal fusion: This procedure involves making an incision along the back and using rods, screws, or wires to stabilize and straighten the spine. Bone grafts may also be used to promote fusion of the affected vertebrae.
2. Anterior spinal fusion: In this approach, an incision is made at the front of the body, typically in the chest or abdomen, and the curved portion of the spine is accessed. The surgeon then removes the discs between the affected vertebrae and replaces them with bone grafts or implants to correct the curvature.
3. Osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting and reshaping the affected vertebrae to correct the curvature. It may be performed from the front (anterior osteotomy) or the back (posterior osteotomy) of the spine, depending on the specific needs of the patient.

After surgery, patients usually require a period of recovery, which includes pain management, physical therapy, and close monitoring by the medical team. The recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s overall health. It is important to follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend any follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and rehabilitation.

As with any surgical procedure, kyphosis correction surgery carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia. It is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the surgery with a qualified healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on the individual’s specific situation.

Kyphosis correction surgery is a procedure that aims to correct abnormal curvature of the spine known as kyphosis. While I cannot provide specific information about the services offered by Advance Spine Surgery or any other specific clinic or website, I can give you a general overview of kyphosis correction surgery.

Transformative Benefits of Fusion Less Dynamic Spine Surgical Techniques

As a new-age alternative to fused spine surgeries, fusion less spine surgeries focus on treating scoliosis and spinal deformity through a non-invasive procedure. Spine surgeons can use various fusion less dynamic spine surgical techniques to normalize the spine using specially designed devices. They install the proprietary devices through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Also, they control the adjustable and customizable devices through external remote controls. Many patients already leverage fusion less dynamic spine surgical techniques to straighten their spines without complication and longer recovery period.

Understanding Key Benefits of Fusion Less Dynamic Spine Surgical Techniques

Reduce Blood Loss

While treating scoliosis and spinal deformity surgically, spine surgeons often use the open back infusion technique. As the surgery is performed as an open procedure, the surgeons find it challenging to reduce blood loss. But fusion less dynamic spine surgical techniques enable surgeons to reduce blood loss significantly by creating a 4-inches to 6-inches scar under the armpit.

Accelerate Post-Surgery Recovery

In addition to increasing blood loss, conventional spine surgeries often affect the bones, muscles, tissues, and tendons aversely. Hence, the patient needs several weeks to recover fully and repair the damaged organs. But fusion less dynamic spine surgical techniques do not damage or affect other organs during the surgical procedure. Hence, a patient can recover in a few days after undergoing fusion less spine surgery.

Avoid and Prevent Complications

Blood transfusion is one of the integral parts of conventional spine surgeries. A blood transfusion often increases the risk of infections and complications after the surgery. But fusion less dynamic spine surgical techniques eliminate blood transfusion by causing minimal blood loss. Also, they minimize post-surgery complications by causing no harm to the spinal joints and other organs.

No Adverse Impact on Spinal Biomechanics

The fused spinal surgical techniques often affect spinal biomechanics adversely. The patient has to undergo additional treatment to restore spinal biomechanics. But fusion less dynamic spine surgical techniques do not affect spinal biomechanics adversely. They further keep the spinal biomechanics intact using techniques like vertebral body tethering (VBT).

Minimize Surgical Hardware Requirements

Conventional and open surgical procedures often increase surgical hardware requirements. Spine surgeons cannot perform the surgery successfully without using specific and expensive hardware, parts, and pieces. But fusion less dynamic spine surgical techniques reduce surgical hardware requirements drastically. The decrease in hardware requirements reduces breakages and complications in the future.

Suitable for Young Patients

Experienced spine surgeons treat scoliosis and spinal deformity when the patient is an adult. Children are not considered ideal candidates for fuses spine surgeries. But surgeons can apply fusion less dynamic spine surgical techniques safely and successfully on younger patients. They can use these new-age techniques to normalize the child’s spine by applying pressure on the spine through muscles and other organs.

In a short span of time, India has emerged as a hub for fusion less dynamic spine surgeries. At present, citizens from various countries visit Indian cities to leverage the benefits of fusion less dynamic spine surgical techniques without escalating cost. In Eastern India, renowned spine surgeons like Dr. Sumit Naskar have been performing fusion less dynamic spine surgeries successfully without increasing risk and escalating costs.

Ways To Deal With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic disease that can lead to progressive spinal stiffness and back pain. It is a rare form of arthritis that severely affects the ligaments, tendons, and joints of your spine. Studies show that most people with ankylosing spondylitis have inflammatory bowel disease. Some of the side effects of this disease include chronic fatigue, rib cage pain, morning stiffness, and pain in the middle of the night. But you can do a few things to prevent disease progression and deal with the symptoms associated with this disease. So let’s take a look at the lifestyle changes you can make to treat and manage this disease.

Load up on Vitamin D and Calcium

Do you know that ankylosing spondylitis can increase the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis? Although no specific food can slow the progression of Ankylosing Spondylitis, you need to take Vitamin D and calcium in good amounts to maintain your bone health. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, while calcium helps build your bones and maintain your bone health. Dairy products like curd, milk, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, and fatty fish and sunlight are good sources of Vitamin D. As per the National Osteoporosis Foundation, men up to the age of 70 and women up to the age of 50 should consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily.

Practice Good Posture

Ankylosing spondylitis can lead to a stooped posture over time by causing your vertebrae to fuse together. This can even lead to a vicious pain-posture cycle. To deal with the pain associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, you should practice good posture. Check your posture frequently at work and home. Stretch your body for a few minutes several times a day. You can maintain flexibility by stretching your shoulder, back, and neck. Gentle range-of-motion exercises can also help you in avoiding long periods of immobility. When you sleep, use a thin, flat pillow to prevent any type of flexion in your neck.

Keep Moving

Whether you’re at home or the office, it’s important to stay active to maintain your flexibility. Exercise, particularly stretching, can prevent the stiffness associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Take small breaks throughout the day, and don’t sit in the same position for long periods. During your lunch break, go outside and take a walk. Try to do some kind of physical activity every day for a few minutes for long-lasting benefits. You can also consult with a physical therapist to determine the kind of exercise that will suit you.

Avoid Smoking

Do you know that smoking can increase the risks associated with ankylosing spondylitis? According to a study, if people with ankylosing spondylitis smoke regularly, they can experience mood swings and might have to lead a poor quality of life. Smoking increases the chance of bone loss and bone demineralization, worsening osteoporosis. It also impedes the response to therapy and might cause inflammation. A Danish study showed that former and current smokers had poorer responses to anti-TNF treatment than people who had never smoked. So if you have ankylosing spondylitis, try to quit smoking. You can talk with your doctor to find an appropriate smoking cessation strategy that can help you quit smoking.

Get Enough Sleep

People with ankylosing spondylitis often have to deal with fatigue due to restless nights. Lack of sleep can lead to inflammation in your body. You’re advised to sleep on a firm mattress for sound sleep. Avoid caffeine and drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water daily to enjoy better sleep. You should also maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule.

All That You Need To Know About Herniated Disc and Bulging Disc

A bulging disc is a common health problem that occurs when the column of bones that cushion your spine protrude or become swollen. It appears as a swelling in the disc without a burst or tear in the outer wall. Many people don’t even know they have a bulging disc because the disc’s inner part stays included in this condition. A bulging disc is mainly caused due to wear and tear on the discs due to regular heavy lifting, recurring pressure, and age-related wear and tear. A herniated disc is also called a ruptured disk or a slipped disk, and it occurs when the nucleus pushes out in the annulus through a tear. This can happen due to various reasons, such as injury, mishap, overexertion, wear, and tear, or aging. The symptoms of bulging and herniated discs include pain, weakness, and numbness. There are different treatment options for bulging and herniated discs, both nonsurgical and surgical. Let’s take a look at the non-surgical treatment options for bulging and herniated discs.

Treatment options for a Herniated Disc

1. Active and passive exercise

Almost seven million people in the United States have herniated discs annually. But you’ll be glad to know that surgery is not the only way to treat a herniated disc. There are a few nonsurgical methods that you can pursue before surgery. Many doctors recommend staying active as one of the best ways to deal with herniated discs. You can consult a physical therapist to understand how much daily activity is required to help you deal with this condition. Some of the best passive exercises that you can do to deal with a herniated disc include traction therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and deep tissue massage. You can also try out active exercises like aerobics, stretching, and strengthening to relax and contract your muscles directly. But don’t try any exercise as a form of treatment without consulting your doctor. You should also remember that the stretches and exercises should be patient and condition-specific to be effective.

2. Hot and cold therapy

Hot and cold therapy can also provide you with relief from a herniated disc. Hot therapy promotes healing and increases circulation, and cold therapy relieves pain and reduces inflammation. You can start with cold therapy, and once you feel relieved from pain, you can try hot therapy to accelerate healing.

Treatment options for a bulging disc

1. Conservative treatments

If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, the doctors might suggest a course of conservative treatments. Initially, the treatment is given to relieve your pain. Most treatment plans also address factors like nutritional habits, excessive weight, and smoking, as they can also lead to disc degeneration. Some of the common conservative treatments for a bulging disc include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory injections, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and reducing weight, and epidural steroid injections.

2. Medication

Many patients dealing with bulging discs encounter severe pain. For such patients, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or a muscle relaxant that can effectively address related muscle spasms. Steroid injections can also be effective in long-term pain management and reduction of inflammation.

3. Chiropractic care

You can also opt for chiropractic care to deal with a bulging disc. Your chiropractor might recommend trying various forms of spinal manipulation to reduce pain. The chiropractor will also work towards repositioning certain misaligned vertebrae due to the change in the shape of your disc. Spinal decompression therapy has also proved to be effective in reducing symptoms of a bulging disc. If you don’t get relief from these treatment options, your doctor might recommend surgery.