Dr. Erik T. Bendiks Atlanta | Orthopedic Surgeon | Spine Treatment Atlanta

Tuesday 27 December 2016

Spine Treatment In Atlanta –Timely Diagnosis for Timely and Effective Spine Treatment

Living with back pain is not easy. It comes with challenges which can make life difficult. It tags along several other complications which can affect your daily routine. Timely treatment is important to ensure smooth functioning of day to day activities. Back pain and discomfort that lasts for more than a month can be the reason for trouble. Instead of depending on over the counter medication and sprays and ointment for pain relieving, choose from Spine Surgeons in Atlanta the one you think can help you best get rid of the present condition. While pain killers might alleviate pain immediately, it will not help you get rid of the condition. Given the fact that most back pain ailments are related to the spine, visiting a spine surgeon for diagnosis and treatment can be the right move.

As soon as you realize that the condition you are going through needs spinal treatment then the first step in the direction is to find the spine surgeon who has years of experience and expertise in the field. While there is no dearth of spine surgeons in Atlanta, finding the right one can be difficult a task. Look for a surgeon who is board certified and has been treating such patients for last many years. Also, pay attention to the facilities and amenities available at the surgeon’s clinic for Spine Treatment In Atlanta. Make sure that you take into consideration every minute detail that can help you make the right decision.

It is important for you to understand that spine conditions and back pain come in several levels of severity. The type of treatment a patient would require depends on the severity of the spine condition that has been diagnosed. Timely diagnose can prevent the need to undergo surgery. However, when a patient shows no signs of improvement in the condition then Spine Surgery In Atlanta is the only option left to consider. Your surgeon would recommend the most effective method for spine condition you are suffering from.

Monday 19 December 2016

Cervical Fusion – Last Resort to Get Rid of Neck Pain

A cervical fusion surgery is performed to link together damaged or injured segments of the vertebral column in the neck. There is a spinal disc between each vertebrae which works like a cushion, however lets some easy movement between each vertebrae.  In most cases, Cervical Fusion is done because spinal disc triggers problems by pushing a nerve, known as Disc Herniation. This nerve pressure, in turn, can cause irritation leading to symptoms of numbness, tingling and pain in the arms and neck.

It is important for you to know that most neck problems occur because of degenerative changes that take place in the discs of the cervical spine and joints located between each vertebra. Other problems are consequential to the parts of the spine or complications related to earlier surgeries. In case, Conservative treatments fail to control the pain because of neck problem then your orthopedic surgeon might recommend a Cervical Fusion Atlanta. In this surgical procedure, the discs located between one or more vertebrae are removed and bone growth is stimulated for linking together adjacent vertebrae. It is often that a metal device is used for stabilizing the fusion until the bone growth turns solid.

A Cervical Fusion is performed

1.    For stopping the excess movement between the vertebrae and alleviate pain
2.    To stop further motion between two or more vertebrae
3.    To realign or straighten the cervical spine
4.    For stabilizing unstable fractures of the cervical spine

By surgically stabilizing the damaged area in the neck, the spinal cord is protected as and when the neck heals. A Cervical Fusion Surgery Atlanta might also be performed for controlling the deformity of the cervical spine or straightening the spine. In this condition, the natural inward curve of the neck reverses. Surgery for spinal or cervical fusion has helped many people resume normal activities.

Thursday 15 December 2016

Spinal Osteoarthritis Treatment Atlanta – How It Is Treated?

Spinal osteoarthritis is one condition which has affected millions of people across the globe. It is a breakdown of the cartilage of the discs and joints in the lower back and the neck. In some cases, osteoarthritis of the spine produces spurs that can put pressure on the nerves which leave the spinal column. This, in turn, might trigger pain and weakness in the legs or arms. Spinal Osteoarthritis Treatment Atlanta can help you regain normal activities, provided it is done timely.

How is Spinal Osteoarthritis Treated?

Usually, the spinal surgeon designs treatment plans which gears toward alleviating the symptoms of pain and discomfort and increasing the ability of a person to function. The main goal is to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Initial treatment might also include shedding those extra pounds. No doubt that maintaining ideal body weight is important for all and sundry. You might also be recommended to exercise. Along with helping with weight management, exercise also helps in the following:

A.    Makes it much easier to perform daily tasks
B.    Improves mood and attitude
C.    Increases flexibility
D.    Improve flow of blood
E.    Strengthen the heart

York orthopedic surgeon would recommend strengthening exercises, range-of-motion exercises and aerobic exercises. Each of these exercises has its own purpose. Also, doctor will recommend rest periods in the treatment plan. However, it is important to know that traction, bed rest, bracing or splints for relatively longer duration is not recommended.

There are non-drug treatments also available for treating osteoarthritis of the spine. Some of these treatment options might comprise of the following:

1.    Nutritional supplements
2.    Massage
3.    Cold or heat compresses, which means placing heated or ice compresses onto the affected joint.
4.    Acupuncture
5.    Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) making use of a small device that emits electrical pulses onto the damaged or affected area

Initially, orthopedic surgeon recommends non-drug treatment and lifestyle changes to improve the condition. Pain relievers might be recommended to alleviate discomfort and pain. However, when it comes to Spinal Osteoarthritis Treatment, steroids and injections are prescribed when none of these above-mentioned treatments improves the condition. Surgery is the last resort to treat spinal osteoarthritis.