Are you afraid of spine surgery?
Good news: Modern day spine surgery carries less than 1% chance of developing weakness
in the legs, Equivalent to anybody having a major road accident
All patients with back and neck problems doesn’t need medical/ surgical intervention. Only 5 out of 100 may require any form of intervention remaining all of them need lifestyle modification with physical activities.
Basics of spine!
Knowing our spine and how it works can help us better understand some of the problems that occur from aging or injury. Normal demands placed on our spine are to hold our head, shoulders and upper body erect. It gives us support to stand up straight, and our flexibility to bend twist. Its main function is to protect the spinal cord (connection from brain to all body parts).
These are in between the vertebrae. They are flat and round, and about a half inch thick. They are made up of 2 components:
a. Nucleus pulposus is jelly-like and makes up the centre. It’s made of water and gives the flexibility and strength.
b. Annulus fibrosus is the flexible outer ring. It is made up of multiple layers, similar to elastic bands.
When we are standing or walking, weight is put on the nucleus and the nucleus expands. The annulus holds the nucleus in place. This allows movement to take place, yet maintains the strength of the spine. In effect, discs act as shock absorbers for the spine.
Facet Joints are in between the back of the vertebrae, they are small joints that also help in spine movements. These facet joints have a cartilage surface, like hip or knee joints. These joints are important for allowing rotation of the spine but may develop arthritis and are the source for low back or neck pain.
We believe that the best way to address your problem is to first get a diagnosis and then formulate a comprehensive treatment plan. Understanding your condition and making you understand all the treatment options available is vital in getting you one step closer to the correct plan of management; which has to your lifestyle and improves your quality of life.
Please go through the below information to understand your condition, seek answers to any questions you may have regarding your spine, and start your journey to recovery with our support.
1 out of 5 adults suffer from back pain world wide.