Spine conditions

How Scoliosis Affects Life for Elderly People

Scoliosis is prevalent among children and teenagers. However, it can also have a large, far-reaching impact on the elderly population. 

While scoliosis can develop with no apparent cause, it can also form as a result of age-related spinal degeneration. Although wear and tear on the spine is inevitable with age, it can diminish elderly individuals’ quality of life. 

Here, we’ll discuss scoliosis, its impact on the elderly, and how scoliosis treatment with the innovative TOPS spinal implant can provide symptom relief. 

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis refers to an atypical sideways curvature of the spine. Usually, scoliosis appears in childhood or during adolescence.  

The normal curvature of the spine is an S-shape when it’s seen from the side. With this curve, the neck (cervical spine) has a small forward curve, the upper/middle part of the back (thoracic spine) has an outward curve, and the lower back (lumbar spine) has an inward curve. 

From the back, a spine with a normal curvature is straight. The vertebra, which are the bones of the spine, are stacked on top of each other. With scoliosis, some of the vertebrae curve sideways.  

How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Most often, scoliosis is diagnosed in patients when they are aged between 10 and 15. Early diagnosis of this condition is ideal, as it allows physicians to implement scoliosis treatments while the body is still developing. In fact, with early intervention, it’s often possible to limit the progression of the abnormal spinal curve.  

With that said, not all cases of scoliosis are diagnosed at a young age. Cases that are seen in adulthood can vary in cause. 

What Causes Scoliosis in The Elderly?

Idiopathic Scoliosis

When scoliosis is idiopathic, it means that there’s no apparent cause for the abnormal spinal curve. This is the same type of scoliosis that’s often found in teenagers. Idiopathic scoliosis can begin during adolescence, but not cause symptoms until the patient is an adult. 

In cases of idiopathic scoliosis, if the spinal curve is significant, it can become more severe over time. This can lead to adverse symptoms in adulthood.

However, cases of idiopathic scoliosis that don’t worsen can still lead to pain and other symptoms in adulthood. This is because the spinal asymmetry can gradually damage the patient’s spinal discs, muscles, and joints. 

Degenerative Scoliosis

Degenerative scoliosis, which is also called adult-onset scoliosis, occurs as a result of spinal degeneration. With this type of scoliosis, the spinal wear and tear that naturally occurs with aging causes the spine to curve sideways.

Many cases of adult scoliosis are at least in part impacted by spinal degeneration. It triggers symmetry in the spine that gradually becomes worse as the patient ages. As degenerative scoliosis progresses, the facet joints and intervertebral discs that support the spine continually break down. 

Degenerative scoliosis can be asymptomatic, especially in its early stages. However, if it does cause symptoms, patients may experience:

• A dull ache in the back
• Sciatica, which is pain that radiates from the lower back down one (or both) legs
• Back pain that’s exacerbating by standing for prolonged periods and gets better with rest

Traumatic Scoliosis

Traumatic scoliosis is a type of scoliosis that occurs after the spine is subject to a trauma, such as a car accident. The sudden trauma can create fractures in the spine, which may compromise spinal strength and alignment. This can result in scoliosis. 

Scoliosis in The Elderly

While scoliosis is commonly thought to primarily affect teenagers, it has a large impact on the elderly. 

In a study that measured the prevalence of scoliosis in adults between the ages of 60 and 90, 68% were found to have scoliosis. 

Symptoms of adult scoliosis can be disabling, especially for elderly individuals. Examples of symptoms of severe scoliosis in the elderly include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty standing straight
• Having the sensation of being full very soon while eating
• Bone spurs

Ultimately, scoliosis in the elderly can lead to reduced mobility, difficulty completing daily tasks, and chronic pain. Older adults with scoliosis may no longer be able to participate in activities that they used to enjoy. 

A variety of treatment options can be implemented to help reduce the impact of scoliosis on an elderly patient’s day-to-day life. Physicians generally begin with non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.

Exercises For Scoliosis in The Elderly

Targeted exercise for scoliosis in the elderly can help improve spinal flexibility and alignment. Examples of exercises that you can try include:

• Pelvic tilts

Lie on your back and bend your knees so that the soles of your feet lie flat on the ground. Contract your abdomen so that your pelvis tilts up to the ceiling, with your lower back flat against the ground. Hold it for 20 seconds, release, and repeat. 

• Latissimus dorsi stretch

This stretch can support the lat muscles, which often become tense in patients with scoliosis. Stand up straight and place your hands above your head. Begin to bend at one side of your body, leaning gently until you feel a stretch along your side. Hold for 10 seconds, return to the original position, and repeat to the other side. 

• Child’s pose

This yoga posture can help release tension in the back. Kneel on the floor, placing a blanket beneath your knees and shins if needed. Move your hips towards your heels, reach your arms forward, and place your hands flat on the floor. Breathe and relax in the stretch. 

If non-surgical scoliosis treatment methods fail after several months, consider spinal surgery to improve scoliosis symptoms. 

Spinal Surgery For Severe Scoliosis in The Elderly

For cases of degenerative scoliosis in the elderly, spinal decompression surgery is a viable treatment option.

Decompression surgery involves removing a portion of a spinal bone (vertebra) along with other spinal tissues, if needed. This relieves pain and sciatica symptoms caused by nerve compression. 

By creating more space in the spinal canal, decompression surgery is often a successful treatment for degenerative scoliosis. It encourages the healing of damaged tissues while relieving pressure on nearby nerves. 

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However, after decompression surgery, there’s a risk of spinal instability. So, this scoliosis treatment is generally paired with spinal fusion to restore spinal stability. The TOPS System is a spinal fusion alternative that can stabilize the spine without many of the downsides associated with fusion. 

Spinal Fusion in Scoliosis Surgery

Spinal fusion is commonly completed at the same time as spinal decompression. It involves placing bone graft material in between two vertebrae in the treatment area. After the procedure, the bone graft will gradually cause the vertebrae to fuse into one bone. 

By fusing the vertebrae, spinal fusion prevents spinal instability. However, it also prevents motion in the fused portion of the spine. Especially in elderly individuals, spinal fusion can diminish mobility and hold you back from participating in various activities. 

Additionally, the healing process for spinal fusion requires the bone to heal. This makes for a lengthy, often painful recovery. 

Spinal Implants

TOPS is a spinal arthroplasty system that replaces the spinal tissues that are removed during decompression surgery. Unlike spinal fusion, this mechanical implant device preserves the motion of the spine while preventing spinal instability. 

After spinal decompression is performed, a surgeon can place the TOPS spinal implant into the targeted area. This system is designed for use between the segments L2 and L5 of the lumbar spine. Once implanted, the TOPS device controls the motion of the spine without inhibiting its flexibility. 

Patients who undergo spinal decompression with the TOPS System for degenerative scoliosis can bend and twist the spine soon after the procedure. Additionally, the recovery process for decompression surgery with TOPS is much shorter than that of spinal fusion. 

To learn more about the TOPS System in spinal decompression surgery for scoliosis treatment, contract Premia Spine today. 

What is Spondylolisthesis?

If you’re struggling with persistent back pain along with numbness, tingling, or weakness, you may have a spinal condition. Spondylolisthesis is one possible condition that can trigger these symptoms and ultimately compromise your quality of life. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the topic of spondylolisthesis and explain what patients can expect from a spondylolisthesis diagnosis. While the prospect of managing this condition may seem intimidating, rest assured that there are numerous effective treatment options for spondylolisthesis. 

What is Spondylolisthesis?

With spondylolisthesis, one of the vertebrae in the spine becomes displaced due to instability. As a result, it moves downward in relation to its proper position, settling on the vertebra beneath it.

This malpositioning can put pressure on the spinal cord, as well as the nerves that emanate from the spinal column. This pressure can lead to pain in the lower back and leg.  

Spondylolisthesis of the lumbar region (meaning that it occurs in the lower back) is the most common. Specifically, the L5-S1 level of the spine is most frequently affected by spondylolisthesis, followed by the L4-5 level. 

Is Spondylolisthesis The Same As a Slipped Disc?

You’ve probably heard the common medical term, “a slipped disc”. While this may seem to indicate the slippage involved in spondylolisthesis, it’s an entirely different condition. 

Spondylolisthesis affects the spinal bones, which are known as vertebrae. A slipped disc is an injury involving an intervertebral disc, which is a cushion of shock-absorbing tissue. There’s an intervertebral disc located in between each of the vertebrae in the spine. 

Given that spondylolisthesis and a slipped disc affect different parts of the spine and develop differently, it’s crucial to distinguish them. A spinal specialist can give you an accurate diagnosis of back pain. 

Spondylolisthesis vs. Spondylolysis

As another spinal condition that’s commonly confused with spondylolisthesis, you may have heard of spondylolysis. This condition, unlike a slipped disc, is related to spondylolisthesis. However, they’re still different conditions. 

Spondylolysis is a stress fracture that runs through the pars interarticularis, a small segment of bone that connects two vertebrae. When the pars interarticularis is fractured, patients may experience back pain that worsens with physical activity. However, not all spondylolysis patients have symptoms. 

Approximately one out of 20 people have spondylolysis, making it a relatively common condition. Additionally, spondylolysis can lead to spondylolisthesis. This is because the pars interarticularis fracture can diminish the stability of the spine and potentially lead to slippage. 

What Are The Most Common Causes of Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis has several possible causes, the most common of which include:

• Spinal degeneration

The most common cause of spondylolisthesis is degenerative changes in the vertebral joints and cartilage due to aging. When spondylolisthesis is caused by age-related spinal changes, it’s known as degenerative spondylolisthesis.

• Birth defects

Younger individuals may experience spondylolisthesis caused by a birth defect in the facet of the vertebra. The defect, which is present at birth, can cause the vertebra to slip out of position. This is referred to as dysplastic spondylolisthesis. 

• Spinal trauma

Spondylolisthesis can also result from sudden trauma, such as a sports injury or car accident. This is known as traumatic spondylolisthesis and can occur in people of all ages. 

• Sports injury

In athletes that repetitively strain and overstretch the spine, spondylolisthesis is a relatively common injury. This is especially true in younger athletes, given that their spines haven’t fully developed.  

Key Spondylolisthesis Symptoms 

Lower Back Pain

The most frequent symptom of lumbar spondylolisthesis is lower back pain. The pain typically worsens after exercise and abates when you sit or bend forward.

Reduced Mobility

Decreased range of motion and tightness of the hamstring muscles are common spondylolisthesis symptoms.

Neurological Symptoms

The nerve compression may also result in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, and in cases of severe compression, loss of bowel or bladder control.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis isn’t exactly a symptom of spondylolisthesis. However, degenerative spondylolisthesis is a prevalent cause of spinal stenosis, which is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal. 

How Is Spondylolisthesis Diagnosed?

A physician specializing in spinal disorders can diagnose spondylolisthesis using radiographs and x-ray imaging, as well as a comprehensive physical exam. You’ll likely stand sideways as the x-rays are taken so your physician can see the vertebra’s slippage clearly.

After your physician has examined the imaging test results, the severity of your spondylolisthesis case will be graded. The grading scale is based on the degree of slippage from the vertebra’s normal position.

Upon making a diagnosis, a physician can recommend appropriate treatments for spondylolisthesis.

What Are Spondylolisthesis Grades?

As aforementioned, spinal specialists use a grading system to determine the severity of spondylolisthesis cases. Spondylolisthesis grades include:

• Grade I: 1% to 25% slippage
• Grade II: 26% to 50% slippage
• Grade III: 51% to 75% slippage
• Grade IV: 76% to 100% slippage
• Grade V or Spondyloptosis: Over 100% Slippage

What Makes Spondylolisthesis Worse?

Several factors can worsen spondylolisthesis, including:

• High-intensity physical activities
• Heavy lifting
• Poor posture
• Being involved in an auto accident

If you’ve been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, your physician likely recommended lifestyle adjustments to help you avoid the factors listed above. 

Spondylolisthesis Exercises To Avoid

Any exercises that involve heavy lifting and excessive twisting or bending should be avoided with spondylolisthesis. If you enjoy a specific sport, you should talk to your physician about whether it’s safe to participate in that sport while you’re struggling with spondylolisthesis symptoms.  

Sports that tend to exacerbate spondylolisthesis symptoms include:

• Weightlifting and powerlifting
• Running
• Football
• Soccer
• Diving
• Competitive swimming
• Gymnastics
• Certain types of dance, including ballet

Spondylolisthesis Treatment

Treatments for spondylolisthesis include physical therapy, exercises for relieving pressure on the affected spinal nerves, medication, and epidural steroid injections. In many patients, these treatments are sufficient to alleviate the symptoms of spondylolisthesis.

What Does Physical Therapy For Spondylolisthesis Involve?

Physical therapists can help patients manage spondylolisthesis in several ways.

For one, your PT can offer valuable insights and education about how your lifestyle is affecting your symptoms. From your exercise regimen to your footwear to your posture, your physical therapist can identify areas for improvement. In making the recommended adjustments, you can likely reduce the pressure on your spine, leading to an improvement in spondylolisthesis symptoms. 

Additionally, your PT can implement various non-invasive methods of pain management. Targeted heat and cold therapy can help alleviate inflammation and pain. Electrical stimulation is another popular method among physical therapists to gently reduce the transmission of pain signals to the brain. 

Physical therapists can also recommend stretching and strengthening exercises for spondylolisthesis. By stretching to reduce muscle tension, you can gain greater back flexibility. By strengthening various muscle groups, you can gain greater stability in the lumbar spine, hips, and pelvis. 

Does Chiropractic Care Help With Spondylolisthesis?

Many spondylolisthesis patients find that chiropractic care is a helpful tool for alleviating their symptoms. Chiropractors specialize in spinal manipulation to treat issues involving the musculoskeletal system.

Key goals of chiropractic care for spondylolisthesis include improving spinal mechanics, restoring spinal function, and improving posture. In achieving these goals, your chiropractor may alleviate compression on the spinal nerves, which often leads to reduced symptoms. 

One of the main benefits of chiropractic care for spondylolisthesis is that it’s non-invasive. Chiropractors focus on methods including manual and instrument-assisted manipulation to adjust the spine, making it a safe back pain treatment option. 

Which Medications Are Used To Treat Spondylolisthesis?

Physicians often recommend over-the-counter medications to help spondylolisthesis patients manage pain and inflammation. In more advanced cases that don’t improve with over-the-counter options, physicians may instead suggest prescription medications. 

There are a few different types of drugs that may help with spondylolisthesis. The main types include:

• Analgesics

In simpler terms, analgesics are painkillers. These over-the-counter medications’ primary function is to relieve pain. The most common analgesic is acetaminophen, or Tylenol. 

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

NSAIDs alleviate inflammation along with pain. There are numerous over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as aspirin, Aleve, and Advil (ibuprofen), as well as prescription NSAIDs. 

• Neuropathic agents

This type of prescription medication can be helpful for patients suffering from spondylolisthesis nerve pain. Neuropathic agents target nerve pain directly and can help with spondylolisthesis symptoms including tingling, numbness, and weakness.

Gabapentin and pregabalin (Lyrica) are two of the most commonly prescribed neuropathic agents for spondylolisthesis. 

• Muscle relaxants

Some spondylolisthesis patients experience chronic back pain caused by muscle spasms in the back. In these cases, physicians may prescribe a muscle relaxant to stop the spasms. Soma, Flexeril, Baclofen, Tizanidine, and Robaxin are among the most widely prescribed muscle relaxants. 

Will I Need Spondylolisthesis Surgery?

For patients with moderate to severe spondylolisthesis who don’t respond to conservative therapies, physicians may recommend spinal decompression surgery. The idea of undergoing surgery can be daunting, but note that most patients’ symptoms improve with non-surgical treatment.

If you and your physician determine that surgery is the right route of treatment, you’ll likely discuss the spinal decompression procedure. 

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression involves removing portions of the vertebrae that impinge on the spinal cord and nerve roots. There are several different approaches to spinal decompression, including laminectomy, foraminotomy, discectomy, and corpectomy. For spondylolisthesis, surgeons often opt for laminectomy. 

Laminectomy involves removing some or all of the lamina. This is the small section of bone that covers the back of the spinal canal. By removing it, your surgeon can create more space for the spinal nerves and alleviate nerve impingement. 

Spinal decompression can have a dramatic effect, relieving pain and other spondylolisthesis symptoms. However, removing portions of the lamina reduces the stability of the spinal column. So, after decompression surgery, spinal stability remains a key concern for spondylolisthesis patients.

This is why surgeons traditionally perform spinal fusion after spinal decompression. 

What is Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion involves placing bone graft material in between the affected vertebrae. Then, screws and rods are implanted to secure the graft in place and provide additional stability.

In the period following spinal fusion surgery, the bone graft material will spur the permanent joining of the affected vertebrae. This prevents all movement between the fused vertebrae, which can prevent instability in spondylolisthesis patients. 

Unfortunately, in stabilizing the vertebrae, spinal fusion eliminates the natural independent motion that gives the spine flexibility. This diminishes patients’ ability to carry out certain movements, namely those that require the bending or twisting of the spine. Fusion has also been shown to promote the deterioration of adjacent vertebrae.

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The TOPS™ System For Spondylolisthesis

In a seven-year study for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and lumbar spinal stenosis, the TOPS™ System maintained clinical improvement and stability. Additionally, in a five-year study of the TOPS™ System for 10 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and lumbar spinal stenosis, the clinical outcome scores “improved significantly across all scoring systems”. In this study, there were no failures at five years and no patients required revision surgery.   

The TOPS™ device is approved for use in Europe and many other countries. In the United States, the FDA granted Premia Spine approval to begin an IDE investigation of the TOPS™ System. 

TOPS™ Testimonials

Patient and surgeon testimonials are highly encouraging for the TOPS™ System as a spondylolisthesis treatment. Many patients note that they’re able to return to their favorite activities after the TOPS™ procedure, as it preserves spinal mobility. 

We encourage anyone with persistent back problems to consult a physician who specializes in spinal disorders and learn about the latest available treatment options.

What is Spondylolysis?

Although it’s not as common as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc, spondylolysis is near the top of the list of conditions that can cause lower back pain. This spinal condition is relatively common, affecting approximately one out of 20 people. You may also hear it referred to as a stress fracture or pars defect.  

Learning about spondylolysis can help you better understand the factors that could be behind your back pain. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed overview of spondylolysis, including modern treatment options for this condition.  

What is Spondylolysis?

Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in a vertebra, which is a bone in the spinal column. The fracture occurs at the point where the vertebra connects to the vertebra above it, known as the pars interarticularis.

The pars interarticularis is a thin piece of bone that links the upper and lower segments of the facet joints. It connects the vertebrae and facilitates the movement of the spine. 

The fracture in the pars interarticularis can allow a vertebra to move out of its usual position and press against, or compress, the spinal cord. This condition is called spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis can cause several symptoms, with lower back pain being the most common.

Spondylolysis isn’t rare, affecting an estimated 3% to 7% of Americans. Many of the patients who are diagnosed with spondylolysis are younger than traditional spinal patients. In fact, in one orthopedic series, spondylolysis accounted for 47% of cases of acute lower back pain in teen athletes.

What Causes Spondylolysis?

Spondylolysis is rooted in a weakness in the pars interarticularis. The exact cause of a weakness in the pars interarticularis isn’t known. 

With that said, factors that can influence the weakness in the vertebrae that characterizes spondylolysis include:

• A genetic defect

Genetics are believed to play a role in some cases of spondylolysis. Some children are born with this spinal condition. 

• Overuse

Repetitive spinal trauma may also lead to spinal trauma. This commonly occurs in young athletes who frequently stress the spine. In two prospective studies, the incidence of lower back pain in athletes with spondylolysis was 72.5 % in high school rugby players, 80.5% in college football players, and 79.8% in high school football players.  

Symptoms of Spondylolysis

The good news is that many people with spondylolysis remain asymptomatic. Asymptomatic patients have no symptoms and are usually unaware they even have spondylolysis.

When the spondylolysis does cause lower back pain, it usually spreads across the lower back. Spondylolysis pain often feels like a muscle strain and is generally exacerbated by exercise or vigorous activities.

In adolescent patients, spondylolysis symptoms often appear during growth spurts. This makes the most common age of diagnosis for teenage patients with spondylolysis 15 to 16. 

Comparing Spondylolysis to Related Conditions

Spondylosis vs Spondylolysis

Spondylosis and spondylolysis are often confused, and it’s easy to see why. The names of these spinal conditions are very similar. But, each is a distinct ailment with different causes and symptoms. 

The spondylosis diagnosis is used for degenerative osteoarthritis of the spine. With this condition, the cartilage that protects the ends of the vertebrae breaks down. As a result, the space between the vertebrae shrinks. 

Spondylosis may also involve age-related degeneration of the spinal discs and bone spurs. This condition differs from spondylolysis, which specifically involves a stress fracture in the pars interarticularis. 

Spondylolisthesis vs Spondylolysis

We’ve already mentioned spondylolisthesis and how it can result from spinal instability caused by spondylolysis. Similar to spondylosis, spondylolisthesis is commonly confused with spondylolysis. Additionally, spondylolysis can often cause spondylolisthesis, which further adds to the confusion. 

Ultimately, spondylolisthesis involves vertebral misalignment due to spinal instability, while spondylolysis is a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis. 

How is Spondylolysis Treated?

Most cases of lumbar spondylolysis are resolved with non-surgical treatment methods. Non-surgical spondylolysis treatment often involves lifestyle modifications, medications, and physical therapy. 

Spondylolysis is a common injury in young athletes, namely those who are involved in sports that involve spinal hyperextension. So, physicians generally recommend that spondylolysis patients take a break from sports to give the spine time to heal.  

Simple over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can often relieve mild spondylolysis symptoms.

Spondylolysis Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatment options for spondylolysis. Your physical therapist can help you regain a high quality of life and safely go back to your usual activities. 

The goals of physical therapy for spondylolysis are to:

• Help you manage lower back pain with methods including heat/ice therapy, electrical stimulation, and physical manipulation. 
• Help you adopt lifestyle changes that will benefit your recovery process. These changes may include losing excess weight, starting a new exercise routine, and improving your posture. 
• Improve and correct your body mechanics to prevent pain with day-to-day activities. 
• Teach you stretching and strengthening exercises. These exercises can bolster the muscles that support the spine and alleviate muscle tension. 

Spondylolysis Exercises to Avoid

In general, patients with spondylolysis should try to avoid all high-impact activities, such as running, as well as activities that put added stress on the lower spine. Heavy lifting, football, diving, and competitive swimming can all strain the lower spine.

With spondylolysis exercises to avoid in mind, it’s important to stay active with spondylolysis. Physical activity improves blood flow to the damaged and irritated spinal tissues, which facilitates the healing process. Additionally, gentle exercise will help you maintain muscle strength and mobility throughout your recovery. 

Is It Possible To Prevent Spondylolysis?

Many patients, especially young athletes, are eager to avoid spending time on the bench due to spondylolysis. While genetic factors that may make you more susceptible to spondylolysis can’t be altered, certain tactics may help you prevent this spinal condition.

First off, consider a sports injury prevention program, which may be available from your local physical therapist. This type of program focuses on safely building muscle strength and increasing flexibility. Together, strength and flexibility can help prevent excess strain on the spine.

Additionally, avoiding repetitive motions that strain the back can help prevent lumbar spondylolysis. Unfortunately, this may not be possible in specific sports, such as gymnastics and weightlifting. Athletes who are predisposed to spondylolysis should consider talking to their coaches about their unique needs.

As a general rule of thumb, practicing proper posture can help avert spondylolysis and a host of other spinal conditions. Try to be mindful of your posture while you sit, stand, and lift heavy objects. Keeping your spine straight with your shoulders back and head levels allows for proper spinal alignment. 

Treatment For Severe Spondylolysis

In moderate to severe spondylolysis cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments, spondylolysis surgery may be required. There are a few different surgical approaches that your physician may recommend.

Surgical Repair

Surgery may be implemented to repair the spinal stress fracture. During this type of procedure, the surgeon will likely use a titanium screw to secure either side of the fracture together. For additional support, your surgeon may also place bone graft material in the affected area. 

Spinal Decompression

Patients with spondylolysis and nerve compression from spondylolisthesis may benefit from spinal decompression surgery. Spinal decompression involves removing a portion of the defective vertebra that’s compressing the spinal nerve.

Typically, spinal fusion surgery is performed following the decompression procedure to stabilize the spine. Spinal fusion involves placing bone graft material in between the affected vertebrae. This process, over several months, permanently fuses the targeted vertebrae. 

Unfortunately, while spinal fusion can successfully prevent spinal instability after decompression surgery, it also eradicates the independent motion of the vertebrae. This leaves patients’ mobility seriously compromised and increases the risk of degeneration in the neighboring vertebrae. 

With these downsides (among others) in mind, many modern spondylolysis patients look for spinal fusion alternatives. Recently, an advanced alternative to spinal fusion, the TOPS™ posterior arthroplasty procedure, has gained prevalent in the United States. Having been approved and successfully used for years in Europe and other countries, the TOPS™ System provides better clinical outcomes than fusion while preserving the patient’s full range of back motion.

Back pain is one of the world’s most common and debilitating medical conditions. As pioneers of advanced surgical treatments for spinal disorders, we at Premia Spine encourage anyone suffering from back pain, including spondylolysis pain, to learn about all the treatment options available today.

What is Laminoplasty?

Spinal stenosis is a prevalent spinal condition that can cause neck or back pain and neurological symptoms. In some patients, spinal stenosis is debilitating and limits their day-to-day activities. 

If spinal stenosis symptoms don’t improve despite several months of non-invasive treatment, your physician may recommend surgery. There are many possible surgical methods for spinal stenosis, one of which is laminoplasty. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the surgical process for laminoplasty and what patients can expect from this spinal treatment. 

What is Laminoplasty Surgery?

Laminoplasty is a surgical procedure for treating spinal stenosis. The goal of the procedure is to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves and the spinal cord by creating more room in the spinal canal.

The Incisions of Laminoplasty

The laminoplasty procedure is done through a small incision. Once the surgeon has accessed the spine, they will cut into the lamina of the vertebra that’s affected by spinal stenosis. The lamina can be thought of as the outer sheath of the vertebra. It protects and supports the posterior side of the spinal cord.

Creating a “Door” With The Lamina

Specifically, the surgeon will create two cuts that are positioned nearly opposite one another. One cut will extend through the entire lamina, while the second cut will simply act as a groove to create a hinge. This cut allows the lamina to swing open, similar to a door. In fact, this procedure is often referred to as an “open door laminoplasty.“ 

The tips of the spinous processes may be removed in laminoplasty to create room for the bone to pull open. The lamina is then closed, using small pieces of bones as wedges to ensure the spinal cord is no longer compressed at that level.

This surgical spinal stenosis procedure immediately relieves pressure on the spinal cord. Although it’s an invasive procedure and, therefore, involves certain risks, it can dramatically improve back pain and neurological symptoms for spinal stenosis patients. 

When is Laminoplasty Performed?

Spinal stenosis is the main condition for which laminoplasty is performed. Commonly referred to as an unnatural narrowing of the spinal canal, this spinal disorder is a common cause of mild to severe lower back pain and restricted mobility.

The most prevalent cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis. This refers to the joint degeneration that occurs gradually with age. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the facet joints of the spine wears out, potentially leading to bone spurs that may press on spinal nerves. 

Spinal stenosis can also result from:

• A herniated disc

A herniated disc is a spinal condition that affects the intervertebral discs. With this condition, the interior of the disc protrudes from a crack in the disc exterior. The damaged disc takes up space in the spinal canal and, as a result, may cause spinal stenosis. 

• Spinal fractures

Spinal fractures, most commonly caused by osteoporosis, may encroach on the spinal nerves and lead to spinal stenosis symptoms. 

• Thickened spinal ligaments

The ligaments that support the spine can thicken as a result of age and arthritis. As the ligaments thicken, they take up more space in the spinal canal and may press on spinal nerves.

• Genetics

Some patients are born with a spinal canal that’s smaller than usual. This is known as congenital spinal stenosis. Additionally, patients who are born with scoliosis may experience spinal stenosis, as the abnormal curve of the spine can limit the space in the spinal canal. 

Non-Surgical Treatment Methods For Spinal Stenosis

A variety of conservative therapy methods for spinal stenosis are available, including spinal stenosis exercises, medications, and injections.

• Spinal stenosis exercises and physical therapy can help release tension in the back, improve spinal posture, and strengthen the spine’s supportive muscles. Many cases of spinal stenosis can be resolved with physical therapy. 
• Certain medications can be used to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by spinal stenosis. However, medications are rarely recommended as a long-term solution for chronic spinal stenosis-related back pain. 
• Epidural steroid injections can help with spinal stenosis pain by reducing swelling and pressure on the irritated spinal nerves. However, doctors recommend that patients receive no more than three to four steroid injections per year. At a higher frequency, steroid injections can cause tissue damage. 

These non-invasive therapies are often successful in relieving the symptoms of spinal stenosis. But, if they prove ineffective after several months, spinal surgery may be recommended to help the patient make a full recovery.

Numerous surgical procedures are available for spinal stenosis. Tools and therapies have undergone great advances in recent years, providing better outcomes and fewer complications for patients. The open door laminoplasty technique is one example of these advances in treatments for spinal stenosis.

Where is Laminoplasty Performed?

Laminoplasty is most commonly performed in the cervical spine (cervical laminoplasty) or the lumbar spine (lumbar laminoplasty). The cervical spine refers to the neck region, while the cervical spine is located in the lower back. 

What Is The Difference Between Laminoplasty and Laminectomy?

Laminoplasty and laminectomy are both spinal surgical procedures involving the lamina. Additionally, both of these procedures fall under the category of spinal decompression surgery. However, there are key differences between these surgical methods. 

Laminoplasty vs. Laminectomy

• Laminotomy involves removing a small portion of the lamina in the injured section of the spine. 

• Laminoplasty involves severing one side of the lamina and opening it to create more space in the spinal canal. Unlike laminotomy, laminoplasty doesn’t fully remove the affected lamina.

What Can I Expect After Laminoplasty Surgery?

Laminoplasty surgery recovery is similar to that of other spinal procedures. Immediately after the surgery, patients may need to remain in the hospital for a few days.

After returning home from the hospital, patients will likely experience a mild discomfort and need to limit their activities for a few weeks. After two to four weeks, most laminoplasty patients can return to work.

Although patients need to rest after laminoplasty, gentle movement is encouraged to stimulate healing and prevent stiffness in the spine. Your doctor may prescribe a physical therapy program to help you recover from the procedure. 

The laminoplasty recovery process can continue for up to a year after the procedure, especially if the patient undergoes spinal fusion. 

Laminoplasty With Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion back surgery may be performed in conjunction with laminoplasty to stabilize the vertebra. As a method for preventing spinal instability after surgery, spinal fusion has been performed since the early 1900s. Unfortunately, fusion also comes with numerous downsides. 

Arguably the most significant downside is that spinal fusion eliminates the natural flexion and rotation of the individual vertebra. This means that many patients lose the ability to partake in their favorite activities. In some cases, spinal fusion patients lose the ability to pick up items from the floor. 

Additionally, spinal fusion poses the risk of adjacent segment disease. This spinal fusion complication occurs when the vertebrae surrounding the fused segment undergo increased stress as a result of the fusion. This leads to an increased rate of degeneration in the adjacent segments. 

It’s also worth noting that spinal fusion can largely increase the laminoplasty recovery time. This may require patients to take more time off of work and physical activity after the procedure. 

Alternatives to Spinal Fusion For Laminoplasty Patients

Today, there’s a new option for preventing spinal instability in laminoplasty surgery: the TOPS™ System.

TOPS™ is a non-fusion spinal implant that stabilizes the vertebrae while permitting the natural flexion and rotation of the individual vertebra. It’s proven to provide superior clinical outcomes to spinal fusion surgery for spinal stenosis patients. 

Spinal problems and back pain are among the most common and debilitating medical ailments. If you suffer from the symptoms of spinal problems, you have a variety of treatment options. Talk to your doctor to ensure that you’re familiar with all of the medical procedures available to you.

What is Interspinous Process Fusion?

As we noted in our last blog, X-Stop, an implant deployed in the surgical treatment of mild spinal stenosis, was approved by the FDA in 2005 as a safe and effective treatment for symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. This procedure illustrates the advances that make spinal medicine such an exciting field. Today, there are devices similar to the X-Stop in design but that do allow motion at the operative segment. These devices are used to create a spinal fusion between the adjacent vertebral segments. This procedure is more commonly referred to as an interspinous process fusion. As with the X-Stop, a device is inserted in a small incision made between adjacent spinous processes, which are the bony protrusions of the vertebrae that can be seen and felt along the back of the spine. Interspinous process fusion is another form of spinal fusion back surgery that eliminates the natural flexion and rotational ability of the individual vertebrae.

Interspinous process fusion is typically performed in about one hour, either under general anesthesia or using intravenous sedation with local anesthesia, and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. The procedure is relevant for patients who have mild spinal stenosis and require only a minimal removal of bone and soft tissue to achieve pain relief. This represents an advance in spinal care, but any spinal surgery has the risk of complications, and not every technique is right for every patient. Before considering surgical intervention including interspinous process fusion, patients should try more conservative treatments such as exercises, physical therapy, epidural injections, and pain medications. When surgery is recommended, interspinous process fusion is most appropriate for people over 50 years of age with mild spinal stenosis confined to one or two levels of the spine, and who experience relief from symptoms when bending forward at the waist or when sitting. With more advanced spinal stenosis disease, patients should consider the option of avoiding fusion surgery and opting for a solution, such as TOPS Posterior Arthroplasty, that preserves motion of the spine at the operative level while stabilizing the segment after decompression surgery. Here at Premia Spine, developers of advanced surgical treatments for spinal stenosis and related spinal problems, we think it’s important for anyone suffering from ongoing back pain or restricted mobility to know all their treatment options.

What Causes Back Pain?

Ancient medical experts believed that back pain was brought on by a fluid imbalance. Therefore, many patients with back pain were treated with bloodletting.

Today, we know that back pain can have a variety of causes. Muscle and ligament sprains cause many episodes of back pain. Problems in the internal organs or tumors can also lead to back pain by affecting nerves that emanate from the spinal column. Stress can even trigger back pain by tightening the back muscles.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the key types and causes of back pain to help you more effectively find professional pain care. 

What Are the Types of Back Pain?

The main types of back pain are:

• Acute back pain
• Subacute back pain
• Chronic back pain

Acute back pain occurs suddenly and typically resolves after a few days or weeks. It’s most often caused by abrupt injuries to the muscles or ligaments that support the spine, such as muscle strains, tears, or spasms. 

Subacute back pain may occur suddenly or gradually and typically resolves after one to three months. This type of back pain can be caused by either abrupt injuries, like muscle strains, or overuse/degenerative injuries, like a herniated disc. 

Chronic back pain is often considered the most severe. It’s defined as pain that develops quickly or gradually, persists longer than three months, and occurs every day. Some of the most common causes of chronic back pain include spinal arthritis, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease.

What Organs Can Cause Lower Back Pain?

The organs that can cause lower back pain include the kidneys, colon, appendix, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, uterus, and reproductive organs. 

Let’s explore how these organs can lead to lower back pain in more detail:

• Kidneys

Kidney stones and kidney infections can both cause lower back pain. Kidney stones can trigger pain on one or both sides of the back, typically in between the ribs and hips.

Kidney infection is a severe form of urinary tract infection also referred to as acute pyelonephritis. It may cause pain on the side of the back with the infected kidney (if the left kidney is infected, the left side of the lower back will hurt). This pain may be intense or dull and can be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain during urination. 

• Colon

Ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to lower right back pain. It’s caused by chronic colon inflammation and, in addition to back pain, can trigger weight loss, fatigue, rectal pain, and diarrhea. 

• Appendix

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix is infected or inflamed. Patients with appendicitis may have sudden pain in the lower right side of the back, possibly with fever, vomiting, and/or nausea.

• Gallbladder

Pain in the right side of the back and upper right portion of the abdomen with serious indigestion can indicate gallbladder inflammation or dysfunction. This condition more commonly affects women than men. 

• Liver

Back pain can stem from liver issues like liver scarring, inflammation, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver abscess, liver failure, or an enlarged liver. These conditions can also cause pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen, fatigue, reduced appetite, jaundice, and nausea. 

• Pancreas

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can trigger pain that spreads from the upper abdomen to the lower left area of the back. It may be described as a dull pain that worsens with fatty food consumption. 

• Uterus and female reproductive organs

Lower right back pain can stem from one of many female reproductive organs. Endometriosis, for example, develops when cells akin to the uterine lining are located outside of the uterus, often on the fallopian or ovarian tubes. This may lead to pelvic pain that can spread to the lower right back. 

What Can Cause Lower Back Pain?

Muscle or tendon injuries, degenerative spinal conditions, arthritis, and disc problems can cause lower back pain. 

• Muscle and tendon injuries can lead to lower back pain. These injuries most commonly include strains, which occur when a muscle or tendon in the back is stretched. With a lower back strain, you may experience stiffness, muscle spasms, and lower back pain that resolves within 10 to 14 days. 
• Degenerative spinal conditions like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis can trigger chronic lower back pain. These conditions most often affect the lower spine because it bears significant impact and is more flexible than the upper or mid-spine. 
• Osteoarthritis of the spinal joints can cause chronic pain and inflammation in the lower back. Known as “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs as a result of repeated impact on the joints.
• Disc problems, like a herniated disc, can lead to spinal nerve impingement. This can cause pain that radiates from the lower back down to the leg and foot. 

What Causes Hip and Lower Back Pain?

Sprains, strains, arthritis, and nerve impingement can cause hip and lower back pain. 

When a muscle, tendon, or nerve that extends over both the hip and lower back is injured, the patient may experience hip and lower back pain at the same time. Most commonly, this is a sign of a sprain or strain, which can resolve with at-home care. However, if hip and lower back pain doesn’t go away within a few weeks, becomes worse, or starts to inhibit your day-to-day activities, seek out professional medical care. 

What Can Cause Severe Lower Back Pain?

Severe lower back pain can be caused by disc problems, structural spinal issues, arthritis, spinal tumors, and spondylolisthesis. These conditions can all worsen with age and overuse, leading to severe pain and even disability. 

• Disc problems like a herniated disc can irritate the surrounding spinal nerves, inducing radiating pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling. Without prompt treatment, this common condition can cause severe lower back pain. 
• Structural spinal issues like spinal stenosis and scoliosis can trigger chronic pain and, eventually, lost mobility. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal gradually narrows, while scoliosis refers to an abnormal spinal curvature. 
• Osteoarthritis, as aforementioned, can affect the facet joints of the spine. As the cartilage that protects these joints wears down, patients may experience worsening pain and stiffness. 
• Spinal tumors can impinge on the spinal nerves, leading to various neurological symptoms and severe lower back pain. 
• Spondylolisthesis is a condition that develops when a vertebra slips out of its proper position, falling onto the vertebra below. This misalignment in the spine can cause nerve impingement and worsening back pain.  

How Can You Tell if Back Pain Is Muscular or Something Else?

You can tell if your back pain is muscular if it worsens when you move, feels like a dull ache, and is accompanied by stiffness and/or soreness. Additionally, muscular back pain typically starts to go away after resting for a few days. 

Your back pain may not be muscular and indicate something else if you’re experiencing pain that radiates into the extremities. This, along with numbness, weakness, and tingling, indicates spinal nerve inflammation, which occurs with conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. This is also known as neuropathic pain. 

Additionally, if back pain isn’t muscular, the problem could be bone-related. This is less likely than neuropathic pain but can occur if the patient has developed bone spurs, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, or a bone infection. 

Muscular, neuropathic, and bone pain all require different back pain treatments. If your pain doesn’t go away with rest and at-home methods, your doctor can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. 

When Does Back Pain Require Surgery?

Many people suffer from back pain as a result of traumatic and degenerative spinal disorders. These spinal disorders, such as spinal stenosis and herniated disc, put pressure on nerves within or emanating from the spinal column. This pressure on the nerves – commonly referred to as a pinched nerve – causes pain and other problems associated with these conditions.

When pinched nerves do not resolve with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, spinal decompression surgery is an option to consider. This procedure can relieve pressure on spinal nerves and dramatically reduce the patient’s back pain.

In the past, spinal fusion back surgery was routinely performed in conjunction with spinal decompression surgery to stabilize the spine. It involves fusing adjacent vertebrae at the surgical site.

Alternatives to Spinal Fusion for Back Pain

Spinal fusion back surgery eliminates the independent motion of the fused vertebrae, potentially leading to reduced mobility. Thankfully, patients today no longer need to surrender spinal motion to benefit from decompression spinal surgery.

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The TOPS™ System from Premia Spine enables spinal decompression patients to maintain their full range of spinal motion. Instead of fusing adjacent vertebrae during surgery, the surgeon implants the TOPS™ System and preserves pain-free flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation at each vertebra.

From simple conservative treatments to advanced surgical procedures, whatever the cause of your back pain, it’s comforting to know that effective treatments are available from qualified spine specialists.

Is There a Cure for Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain is one of the most common medical problems affecting the human population. One reason this problem is so common is because back pain can have many different causes. So if you’re wondering if there’s a cure for your lower back pain, the answer depends on what is causing it. Muscle and ligament strains can cause intense back pain. Many times these strains can be cured with simple rest. Where rest alone won’t relieve the back pain, non-invasive treatments such as medications, steroidal injections, and physical therapy will often ameliorate the symptoms, if not provide an outright cure. For spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis and related disorders of the spine – common causes of lower back pain, with onset typically after the age of 35 – non-invasive treatments may also provide relief. In some cases decompression spinal surgery may be performed to relieve pressure on affected spinal nerves. During this surgery, a surgeon trims away portions of a vertebra that impinge on a nerve. (This impingement is commonly referred to as a pinched nerve.) Spinal decompression surgery can have a dramatic and immediate impact on reducing back pain, providing patients with some level of a “cure.” Traditionally spinal fusion back surgery has been performed in conjunction with spinal decompression, to stabilize the vertebrae where the operation was performed. But spinal fusion eliminates the natural flexion between the fused vertebrae, and can contribute to deterioration of adjacent vertebrae. Today spinal decompression patients have a superior alternative to spinal fusion. The TOPS System from Premia Spine preserves the natural motion of the spine, and has been proven to provide superior results to spinal fusion in clinical trials conducted worldwide.

If you experience lower back pain, the first priority is to identify its cause. Whatever the root of the problem, you will likely have a number of options for effective treatment that will relieve the pain, and in many cases cure the condition.

Can You Get Blood Clots From Spinal Surgery?

Spinal surgery has made significant advances in both its safety and efficiency in correcting many back problems, from traumatic spinal cord injury to degenerative diseases like spinal stenosis, spondylosis, and slipped disc. Many of these advances in spinal surgery have come in recent years due to minimally invasive microsurgical tools and techniques. Nonetheless, back surgery is a severe operation, and surgical candidates need to be aware of all facets of the procedure they’re considering – not only the benefits of the surgery but also the potential risks. One of the risks of spinal surgery is that of developing blood clots.

Any injury to the body increases the risk of a blood clot, as the injury itself stimulates the clotting process. Surgery constitutes an injury or trauma, and the body responds accordingly. Spinal surgery – which the body interprets as an injury to the spinal cord – can lead to the formation of blood clots within the veins. If such a thrombus becomes dislodged, it can block a blood vessel as it narrows, causing a stroke or heart attack, possibly resulting in paralysis or death. Proper postoperative care, medications, and the patient’s active role in the recovery process can minimize the risks of blood clots.

Table of Contents

• What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
• Risks for thrombosis
• Treatment and prevention of DVT
• Why choose the TOPS™
• Conclusion

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

That’s a postoperative disease associated with thrombus forming in the deep veins of the lower extremities. Often, it is induced by muscle atony or, simply put, lack of movement. 

DVT symptoms include:

• swelling of the feet;
• sudden shortness of breath;
• acute chest pain;
• coughing up blood;
• increased pulse rate;
• fainting;
• dizziness.

To understand why you get blood clots after surgery, it’s worth analyzing the typology of thrombus. So, the hemostasis of the human body is maintained by forming blood clots (e.g., during wound healing). But sometimes, such a phenomenon has a negative impact on the body’s functioning. The thrombus is formed as a result of activation of the blood coagulation system in response to a vascular injury. The occurrence of thrombosis is also associated with a violation of the venous wall. That’s life-threatening because pulmonary embolisms from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may happen later. A blood clot breaks off and goes through the bloodstream to the lungs, settling in the pulmonary arteries.

It may also cause some ischemic strokes or blood clots near the spine while blocking the artery that supplies the spinal cord. Its signs usually appear suddenly and can feel like a tight bandage wrapped around a torso. That’s precisely the point where the blood supply is disrupted. The thickening or narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the spinal cord often triggers cerebrospinal strokes. 

Risks for thrombosis

Treating conditions such as slipped discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylosis is much less likely to cause complications than a hip or knee replacement. The cumulative incidence of deep vein thrombosis or DVT, also known as blood clot after surgery, steadily increases during the first two weeks and depends on the professional hospital care and factors of the patient’s preoperative condition, for example:

• general well-being;
• age (for older patients, it is often difficult to rehabilitate since muscle tone is weakened);
• previous surgical procedures;
• comorbidity (diabetes and other chronic diseases);
• smoking, alcohol, drug status (e.g., contraceptives);
• osteoporosis (patients are at increased risk of complications if the bone mineral density is low);
• excess weight (pressure on the spine will be increased – this will entail negative consequences and be crowned with severe pain syndrome, especially in the first weeks of recovery);
• pregnancy (operating on pregnant women is rare; however, they are safe for the mother and fetus if modifications of anesthetic and surgical methods are applied); 
• genetic bleeding disorders.

One of the misconceptions is regarding the existence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a risk factor. The reality is that postoperative complications don’t occur; for the most part, they may be comorbid.

The most important concern after an operation is to prevent any negative consequences. In this case, we’re talking about two serious diseases: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. 

Treatment and prevention of DVT

Since the thrombus has a high density, thinning drugs, namely anticoagulants, will prevent blood clotting (e.g., warfarin/ coumadin, heparin).

Note! Use the article for informational purposes only. Follow the therapeutic instructions of your doctor.

Clot busters are injected intravenously and break down clots. Filters settled in large veins can sometimes be used during therapy. Their function is to prevent pulmonary embolism. Compression stockings may also prevent puffiness (one of the signs we’ve noted above). 

Prevention of the illness in the postoperative period consists of maintaining normal body weight and good physical shape. Thus, you need to play sports, walk and avoid prolonged inactivity constantly. So, for example, it’s essential to take short walks. Discuss with your doctor how vulnerable you’re at risk of blood clotting, tell your medical history. If you suffer from comorbid diseases, such as diabetes or heart failure, ensure to report it. During the preoperative period, your goal should be to achieve a stable state of health. 

Blood clots in the back can be triggered by an invasive operation, trauma, disease. In 40% of cases, people who have suffered a cerebrospinal stroke can walk independently, 30% move with a cane, 20% are confined to a wheelchair. The scary data only makes you want to stay out of that 20% and 30%, right? Therefore, the preparatory period is significant: systematic; targeted treatment will help eliminate possible negative consequences. Anticoagulants, drugs that lower blood pressure, occupational therapy to preserve muscle function – these are all standard manipulations for preventing and treating cerebrospinal stroke. By the way, don’t forget to stick to a healthy diet – foods rich in fiber will help avoid the risks of intestinal inflammation. So take care of yourself now, not when you reap the rewards of a poor lifestyle.

Why choose the TOPS™

Anyone considering back surgery should also be aware that some procedures for treating a spinal problem may present lower risks or provide better outcomes than others. For example, the TOPS™ (Total Posterior Solution) procedure, which may be performed after spinal decompression surgery to stabilize the spine, provides better clinical outcomes than spinal fusion surgery, which was the traditional choice for spine stabilization before the introduction of the TOPS system. 

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The TOPS provides for minimally invasive spine surgery and thereby significantly reduces the risks associated with DVT. Previously, when knowledge in spine treatment wasn’t as developed as today, the fusion procedure was the only available and most innovative option. The vertebrae were “glued” into a relatively rigid structure, which significantly limited movement. Even though flexion and extension weren’t possible, and the risks were very impressive, the fusion continues to be performed today. However, TOPS™ surgery has become a more acceptable alternative to treating degenerative spondylolisthesis of lumbar spinal stenosis for many younger physicians. Its advantage is movement in all axial directions, as well as stability.

The structure is implanted using a traditional posterior surgical approach, but the TOPS system exerts less force on the screws than other configurations. 

Conclusion

After the operation, the blood clotting mechanism in the body is very active because it’s aimed at stopping bleeding. Damage to the blood vessels around the surgical site is often the cause of DVT. Thrombus can form in the veins of the lower extremities but travel to the pulmonary veins with the blood flow, generating pulmonary embolisms, which are life-threatening. This process can last for weeks, and some symptoms can be identical to other diseases. The same shortness of breath or coughing are often warning symptoms, and if the convalescent neglects visits to the hospital or rehabilitation center, then often valuable time can be wasted. 

The TOPS solution has the added benefit of preserving the spine’s full range of motion and also has significantly lower risks of thrombosis, unlike spinal fusion, which permanently fuses adjacent vertebrae. If you’re a candidate for back surgery, make sure you understand not only the upsides and downsides but also all the alternative surgical solutions that can help you minimize the already low risks associated with advanced spinal procedures.

How much physical therapy do I need after spinal surgery?

Whether a patient is having open back surgery for a spinal cord injury or a minimally invasive procedure for a condition such as a slipped disc or spinal stenosis, the operation itself is only the first part of a successful outcome. The post-surgical recovery period is critically important for long-term success, and the proper physical therapy program plays a large role in this process.

Patients for both open and minimally invasive back surgery will require physical therapy. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles in the back and helps heal the tissues in the area where the surgery was performed. In fact, back problems are often caused in part by muscle weakness. Even in otherwise well conditioned individuals, the back muscles around areas exhibiting spinal problems have been shown to be weaker than surrounding muscles, and weak muscles also contribute to poor spine and spinal joint functioning. Thus, one of the goals of post-operative therapy is to strengthen muscles that support the spine. Some of these muscles are in the back, but specific abdominal muscle groups also provide back support. Biofeedback devices can help patients learn how to activate, control and exercise these abdominal muscles, thereby strengthening them.

The amount of physical therapy required will vary based on the procedure performed, and this is one area where surgical options are important to consider. For example, patients undergoing spinal decompression surgery typically have a secondary procedure performed in conjunction in order to stabilize the vertebral segments where the spinal decompression was performed. This secondary operation following the spinal decompression procedure may be spinal fusion or the TOPS™ (Total Posterior Solution) implant. The TOPS Solution preserves the full range of motion of individual vertebra whereas spinal fusion surgery eliminates this independent movement. More important from a recovery perspective, The TOPS solution places no restrictions on patients.  You can do whatever you feel like pursuing.

The amount of physical therapy required after spinal surgery will vary from patient to patient, and from procedure to procedure. Make sure you’re aware of the physical therapy associated with the procedure you’re considering.

Are some spinal surgeries more successful than others?

Are some spinal surgeries more successful than others? The short answer is yes, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. Any spinal surgeon will tell you that every patient’s case is unique, and that post-operative recoveries and long-term outcomes also vary from patient to patient.  In addition, every operation is different, whether dealing with a traumatic spinal cord injury of a degenerative condition like spinal stenosis. For that reason alone some spinal surgeries are more successful than others. Some patients may work harder at their recovery, while others may benefit from an extremely skilled surgeon. Patients don’t always define success in the same terms, and thus rate clinically identical outcomes differently. But beyond these differences in individual cases is the undeniable fact that some surgeries carry more risk or have a lower rate of clinical success than other procedures, and that some are proven to provide superior outcomes than others for treating the same condition. Spinal decompression surgery, a relatively common procedure, is an excellent example of differences in the success rates of spinal surgeries.

Spinal decompression is performed to relieve pressure on a nerve within or emanating from the spinal column, the cause of common back problems such as sciatica. The spinal decompression procedure, which involves cutting away portions of a vertebra impinging on a nerve, can dramatically reduce pain and restore mobility in many cases. However, the procedure leaves the vertebral segment weakened and in need of stabilization. Traditionally, spinal fusion surgery was performed in conjunction with spinal decompression therapy to stabilize the spine at the segment where the decompression was performed. Today the TOPS™ (Total Posterior Solution) System is available as an alternative to spinal fusion back surgery. In clinical studies around the world, the TOPS Solution has been found to deliver superior clinical outcomes than spinal fusion surgery. And that’s a definition of success in just about every patient’s and doctor’s book.