Learn more about Spine Surgery

• About your spine

  Spine Anatomy Basics

  Understanding the basic structure and function of your spine is important. It will help you understand options for your care and help you understand how to move safely after surgery to help prevent further spine problems.

  There are five major sections of the spine:

  • Cervical-the neck region
  • Thoracic- the upper trunk or rib cage region
  • Lumbar- the lower back region
  • Sacrum- a large triangular bone at the bottom of the spine
  • Coccyx- the lowest bone in the spine, known as the “tailbone”

  Your spine consists of bony segments called vertebrae. Between each two vertebrae is a structure called a spinal disc, which functions like a shock absorber as you move throughout the day.

  Annulus – tough, fibrous outer covering that protects the inner jelly-like substance called the nucleus between each vertebra.

  Nucleus – soft, jelly-like substance that provides cushioning between each vertebrae.

  Nerve roots– bundles of nerve fibers leaving the spinal cord to provide movement and sensation to the extremities. Nerve roots exit through a space between each two vertebrae.

   

   

  Common Spine Problems

  There are many different conditions or problems that can occur in the spine. Most of these problems involve the disc and nerves. Regardless of the type of condition, most patients experience pain and difficulty performing basic activities such as walking, sitting, driving, sleeping, bending or lifting. Some of the more common spine problems are illustrated below:

  Degenerated disc – has small ruptures or tears in the outer covering (annulus). This may or may not cause any symptoms of pain or discomfort.

  Bulging disc – tears in the inner lining of the annulus that allows jelly-like nucleus to bulge outwards. This may cause pain, numbness or tingling in the leg if it presses against a nerve.

  Herniated disc – complete tear of the outer covering of the annulus that allows the jelly-like nucleus to ooze out and press against the nerve. In most cases this will cause pain, numbness or tingling.

  Thinning disc – the wearing down of the annulus layer causing one vertebra to close in on the vertebra below it.

  Osteophytes– boney growth from the vertebra that look like bone spurs. Depending upon their location on the vertebra, osteophytes may press on nerves.

• Common conditions we treat
  • Neck and Back Pain
  • Pain Related to Herniated or Bulging Disks
  • Disc Degeneration
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spinal Arthritis
  • Cervical Radiculitis/Radiculopathy
  • Lumbar Radiculitis/Radiculopathy
  • Facial and Head Pain
  • Post Herpetic Neuralgia
  • Shingles
  • Failed Back Syndrome
  • Facet Joint Syndrome
  • Post Laminectomy Pain Syndrome
  • Spasticity related pain and disability
  • Intercostal Neuralgia
  • Painful Joints
  • Arthritis
  • Post-Surgical Pain
  • Chronic Abdominal and Pelvic Pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Whiplash injuries
  • Headaches
  • Herniated Discs
  • Phantom limb pain
  • Ischemic Leg Pain
  • Diabetic Nerve Pain 
  • Cancer Pain
  • Sacroiliac Joint Pain
  • Tailbone Pain
  • Vertebral Compression Fractures
• Types of spine surgery

  Common Types of Spine Surgery

  There are many different types of surgical techniques used to correct or repair the problems that you may have with your spine. It is important that you are well informed about the surgical procedure planned. Each surgery is different, and your surgeon will determine the best surgical procedure based on your symptoms. The length of time required for spine surgeries varies, so it is best to ask your surgeon what to expect.

  Lumbar (Low Back) Laminectomy- A laminectomy involves removing bone from the vertebrae to allow more space for the nerves. By relieving pressure on the nerves, it can decrease symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain and weakness. Afterward, patients are typically in the hospital approximately 1 – 3 days.

  Lumbar (Low Back) Discectomy- A discectomy is the removal of a piece of disc or the entire disc that is bulging or is herniated and putting pressure on nearby nerves. This pressure on the nerves can cause leg numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. Eliminating the pressure can eliminate the symptoms. Afterward, patients typically go home the same day or the day after surgery.

  Lumbar (Low Back) Fusion- A fusion stabilizes the vertebrae of the spine, which in turn stabilizes and protects the disc between. Bone is used to graft or link the vertebrae, and then rods and/or screws may be placed into the graft. Bone for the graft may come from the iliac crest (hip) or from a tissue bank. Afterward, peatients are typically in the hospital approximately 1 – 3 days.

  Variations of Interbody Fusions- These are varied approaches to a traditional spinal fusion named for the direction from which the surgeon accesses the intervertebral disc space: using a surgical approach from the side, front or back. For example:

  • Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)
  • Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
  • Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

  The disc is removed and replaced with an implant containing a bone graft to promote the two vertebrae fusing together through the disc space. These procedures cannot be used for all types of lumbar conditions for which spinal fusion is a treatment option.

  Learn more about these surgeries by attending one of our free informational seminars.

• Our program

  The Spine Center at CMC has a comprehensive team in place to help you before, during and after spine surgery. They will be right by your side supporting your success through the pre-operative planning, admission, surgery, discharge, rehabilitation, and recovery. 

  We have steps in place to get you back to your normal activities. Our program offers:

  • Free informational seminars presented by our physicians
  • Priority physician appointments for seminar attendee
  • Same day pre-admission testing/pre-surgery education program.
  • Dedicated spine team
  • Spacious rooms with family zones in our new state-of-the-art patient tower
  • Post-surgical pain management options
  • Inpatient rehabilitation facilities on unit
• Healthy recovery

  The first and most important thing to know about recovery from spinal surgery is to carefully follow all the instructions of your orthopedic surgeon or spine orthopedic specialist. He or she has tailored this information to fit your individual situation.

  Keep an Eye on Your Wound

  Don’t remove your bandages until your orthopedic surgeon says it’s okay. Keep a careful watch on your wound and let your doctor know immediately if your wound:

  • Swells and starts to drain fluid
  • Is very warm to the touch
  • Opens up
  • Becomes redder

  Be sure to keep your wound dry for at least the first five to seven days. If you’re going to shower, cover the incision with plastic wrap. The first time you take a shower, you should have someone help you. Do not let water spray into the incision.

  Make Sure Your Home Is Safe

  This means eliminating all tripping hazards, such as area rugs, before you come home from the hospital. Bathtubs and showers should have non-skid mats. Consider raising the toilet seat and installing safety bars if you haven’t already.

  Don’t Smoke

  We know you’ve heard it before, and we know you’re aware that smoking increases your risk of getting lung cancer. However, did you know that tobacco products actually slow your healing process? Avoiding tobacco is a must after spinal surgery, according to the National Institute of Health.

  Modify Your Movements

  Recovery means you’ll have to find another way to do your everyday activities until your doctor gives the green light to go ahead and resume your normal routine. Often, this means wearing a back brace or corset for support.

  Perhaps one of the most important items to consider is that you should not bend at your waist. If you need to pick something off the floor, get it by using your knees and squatting.

  You should not carry anything heavier than a gallon of milk, and lifting anything above your head is off-limits.

  Depending upon the type of procedure and the instructions from your orthopedic spine specialist, you may only be allowed to take short walks, gradually increasing your distance. You’ll also be limited in the number of stairs you climb for the first weeks after surgery.

  Most likely, you’ll be involved in physical therapy to help you recover.

  Activities to Avoid

  You should avoid all strenuous motions until your orthopedic surgeon clears you to return to these activities. This means no golfing, running, vigorous exercise or even vacuuming and intense house cleaning. You should not drive for the first two weeks after surgery. Afterward, your orthopedic surgeon may approve taking short trips. Even as a passenger, you should avoid long trips. If a long trip is unavoidable, you should stop every 30 minutes to stretch.