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.

MISS Fusion and Decompression Procedure

MISS or Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is a nominally intrusive procedure of surgery. It aims to cure conditions, respectively, within the spine of a human being. MISS uses small incisions instead of cutting 5 to 6 inches incision, which is how traditional spine surgery takes place. The technique of MISS focuses on the use of modern technology, progressive imaging methods, and distinct medical apparatus so that the tissue trauma, bleeding, radiation exposure are reduced. The hospital visits and revival of a being’s health are faster by abating the incision’s size.

Why MISS?

MISS or Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery can be made use of by treatment of various conditions such as Degenerative Disc Disease, Disc Herniation, Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis, Fractures, Tumors, Infections, Instability and Deformity of the spine. This advanced procedure also paved the way for the treatment of the ailing members that were deemed to be high-risk for the traditional form of spine surgery due to their prior medical history or the circumstance’s complexity.

What are the goals with Spine Surgery?

It doesn’t matter if the spine surgery is achieved openly or Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery; there are two purposes for this procedure.

Decompression

Decompression of spine comprises of eradicating tissue which are constricting nerve structures. These structures include the Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerve Root. Bone fragments and spurs arise from a herniated disc are the specimens of tissue that give birth to neural compression.

Stabilization

Stabilization is the abnormal movement of one or more levels or sections of the spine that can give birth to back pain or neck pain. Surgical techniques like Spinal Instrumentation and Spinal Fusion soothe and stops the movement of the spine.

What is Traditional Spine Surgery?

Conventionally, spine surgery was accomplished by applying the “open surgery” method. This particular method necessitated the surgeons to create 5 to 6 inches of open-cut, i.e., incision along that specific portion of the spine. The surgeons would then pull back the tissue and muscles by making the use of surgical tools such as retractors to uncover the bone. This method of open surgery can affect more of the human anatomy and henceforth lead to lengthy periods for the recovery of the patient that was just operated upon.

How is MISS different than Open Surgery?

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery or MISS overcomes the challenges posed by the traditional form of spine surgery- open surgery like trauma regarding the tissues and muscles, bleeding, and the peril of contaminations by reducing the incision’s size on the operated area. This also speeds up the therapy process of the human body.

What are the techniques of MISS?

• Discectomy or Microdiscectomy
• Foraminotomy or Micro foraminotomy
• Micro laminectomy and Micro laminotomy

How is MISS done?

An orthopedic surgeon performs Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery or MISS accompanied by a proficient medical team. Characteristically, they will begin the procedure by anesthetizing the specific part of a body along with sedation. They might also perform uncomplicated general anesthesia that will avert pain and permits the human being to snooze off throughout the surgery.

The next step is the surgeon will begin capturing fluoroscopic images on the affected section of the spine. This will allow them to perceive what they are operating on, in real-time, all the way through the surgery without producing a larger incision.

After this stage, the surgeon will commence the operation percutaneously by making an incision of 15 mm above the spine’s distressed portion. Then the surgeon has adequate space to permit the placing of a tubular retractor, which is a small, unyielding tube. This will allow the clinician to put small operating instruments into the spine along with endoscopic cameras and light.

After performing this procedure, the surgeon will make the essential fixes to the spine. The physician will extract concerned disc material through the tubular retractor and insert apparatuses like screws past the tubular retractor. Once the mends have been accomplished, the apparatuses and tubular retractors are removed from the person’s back.

In the end, the surgeon closes the incision using sutures, adhesive, or staples.

What are the benefits of MISS?

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery or MISS offers abundant advantages. These advantages are-

• Quicker recuperation from the surgery.
• The average hospital stay for MISS is 48 hours, and hence less time is spent on hospital stays.
• It can be operated on an outpatient surgery center.
• A lesser amount of anesthesia is performed.
• A reduced amount of pain is felt during post-operation.
• Minor incisions.
• Less wounding.
• Less soft muscle and muscle impairment.
• Lesser blood loss during surgery.
• Diminished peril of infection.

What are the risks associated with MISS?

• Allergic reactions.
• Blood clotting.
• Problems with incisions.
• The requirement for supplementary surgeries.
• Pain and distress.
• Reaction to anesthesia.

What are the problems regarding surgery?

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery or MISS needs to be performed by a surgeon that is quite experienced in this field. Unlike traditional open surgery, the surgeons performing MISS must possess precision and wisdom about the usage of the different operating devices and MISS procedures to perform this operation precisely.

Another hazard that the patients face when the MISS or Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is being performed upon them is the probability of damaged nerves. Due to the occurrence of the MISS incisions being small, the doctors can face a problem regarding noticing what area they are operating on. This, in turn, might cause the impairment of spinal nerves during the MISS procedure.

Radiation exposure is another peril that has been referred to during the procedure of the MISS taking place on the operating table. The application of fluoroscopic imagery during the method of MISS or Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery to see real-time images makes the usage of x-rays that permeate the skin of the patients. To add to this, the operating staff and doctors are exposed to the radiation.

What is the anatomy physiology of the neck?

Neck pain, also known as cervical pain, can result from a variety of patho-anatomical factors. It’s important to note that neck pain is a complex condition that can arise from multiple sources, and individual cases may vary. Some common patho-anatomical factors that contribute to neck pain include:

Muscular Strain: Muscular strain is one of the most common causes of neck pain. Poor posture, overuse, sudden movements, or holding the neck in an awkward position for prolonged periods can lead to muscle tension and pain. This is often referred to as “mechanical” or “non-specific” neck pain.

Cervical Disc Degeneration: Intervertebral discs in the cervical spine can degenerate over time due to wear and tear. This can result in conditions like cervical disc herniation, where the inner gel-like material of the disc bulges or leaks, potentially compressing nearby nerves and causing pain.

Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical spondylosis is a term used to describe age-related changes in the spine, including the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) and degenerative changes in the vertebral joints. These changes can contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the neck.

Cervical Radiculopathy: This occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated, often due to herniated discs or bone spurs. The pain can radiate down the arm and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

Cervical Stenosis: Cervical spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck and extremities.

Whiplash Injury: Whiplash is a common injury caused by sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck, often occurring in car accidents. This can lead to soft tissue injuries, muscle sprains, and ligament strains, resulting in neck pain.

Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation in the cervical spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Structural Abnormalities: Congenital abnormalities, such as abnormalities in the vertebrae or the way the spine is formed, can contribute to neck pain and discomfort.

Tension Headaches: Tension headaches can sometimes lead to referred pain in the neck and shoulders, contributing to overall neck discomfort.

Tumors and Infections: Although less common, tumors and infections in the cervical spine can cause localized pain and discomfort.

It’s important to approach the evaluation and treatment of neck pain holistically. A healthcare provider will typically consider the patient’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may use imaging studies (such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans) to identify the underlying cause of the pain. Treatment options may include pain management, physical therapy, medications, exercises, postural adjustments, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.

Since neck pain can be caused by various factors, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or severe neck pain, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like radiating pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms or hands.

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.

Prevent Spinal Surgeries by Consuming Spinal Pain Medication

Both men and women experience spinal pain in many forms, including back pain and neck pain. Some people experience spinal pain temporarily due to muscles sprained or ligaments sprained due to specific physical activities. For instance, some people experience temporary spinal pain after long sitting hours or removing furniture. At the same time, many people experience recurring and chronic spinal pain due to damage caused to the spine.

Hence, the symptoms and causes of spinal pain vary from one person to another. Experienced orthopedic spine surgeons always treat spinal pain initially through non-medical procedures. They always treat this health problem by prescribing oral spinal pain medication. But they prescribe the oral medication only after identifying the cause of spinal pain by conducting a series of examinations. That is why; you must consider a slew of factors before consuming spinal pain medication.

What Should You Know before Consuming Spinal Pain Medication?
Symptoms
Often spinal pain makes arms and legs weaker. The common symptoms of spinal pain are numbness, stiffness, and weakness. But you must remember that symptoms of spinal pain vary from one person to another. You must consult an orthopedic spine surgeon when you notice symptoms like numbness, tingling sensation, sweating, fever, bowel problems, bladder problems, unusual weight change, and sexual dysfunction.

Causes
The orthopedic spine surgeons treat spinal pain through medical or non-medical procedures only by identifying the cause accurately. Some people experience spinal pain due to age, genetics, diseases, or previous injuries. At the same time, many people also experience spinal pain due to sudden weight gain, poor physical fitness, specific health problems, or bad habits like smoking.

Diagnosis
The orthopedic spine surgeons identify the cause of spinal pain accurately by combining multiple diagnosis techniques – physical examination, imaging examination, and laboratory tests. They examine the spine physically to assess tenderness, weakness, sensation, and sensitivity. They further gather additional information by suggesting imaging examinations like x-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans. The spine surgeon recommends lab tests only when spinal pain is caused due to any disease or health problem.

Oral Spinal Pain Medication
Experienced orthopedic spine surgeons alleviate and treat spinal pain through moth surgical and non-surgical procedures. But they always try to alleviate and manage spinal pain through oral spinal pain medication. In addition to alleviating pain, the oral spinal pain medication relaxes muscles and reduces inflammation. You need to take the oral spinal pain medication regularly according to the dosage prescribed by the spine surgeon.

Complimentary Therapies
Often orthopedic spine surgeons make the spinal pain medication more effective by recommending physical therapies. They will advise you to manage and reduce pain by changing the way you perform certain activities. Also, they will recommend you to perform specific stretching exercises and physical therapies while consuming the medication. You can even avail of the services of a qualified physical therapist to make the medication effective in minimizing spinal pain.

Experienced orthopedic spine surgeons always treat spinal pain through non-medical procedures. In addition to prescribing oral spinal pain medication, they make the medication more effective by suggesting physical therapy. They treat spinal pain through various surgical procedures only when the pain does not alleviate after regular consumption of medication.

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.