and restore routine functions and a general sense of well being. The doctors at Frisco Spine may be able to treat nerve disorders and pain conservatively, but there are times in which spine surgery is necessary. Spine surgery addresses certain nerve disorders to provide our Frisco, TX patients with effective relief from back pain, numbness, and weakening.

Symptoms of Nerve Disorders

At each level of the spinal cord, there are stems of nerves that branch off. Depending on their position along the spine, these nerves may connect to various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, wrists, hands, and bladder. If these nerves become impacted or a patient is suffering from a nerve disorder, it is likely to result in a number of side effects. Below are some of the most common symptoms of nerve disorders:

• Pain at the area around the nerves
• Radiating pain that may extend to the arms, legs, chest, or torso
• Numbness
• A tingling or burning feeling
• A feeling of weakness, or difficulty performing certain functions

While these are general symptoms, there may be more specific symptoms depending on what type of disorder is present, or which nerves have been affected.

Treating Nerve Disorders through Spine Surgery

There are many conditions that are classified as nerve disorders, and not all of them can be treated through spine surgery. In fact, it is always best to explore more conservative treatment options before even considering spine surgery. However, in severe cases, or when conservative treatment has proven ineffective, spine surgery may offer relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of some nerve disorders. This is particularly true when the nerves have been pinched or damaged as a result of a slipped, ruptured, or herniated disc, or as the result of a compressed spinal column. In these cases, our spinal surgeons can perform surgery to alleviate pressure from the spinal cord and nerves, whether that involves removing a portion of a herniated disc or shaving off a portion of the lamina to create a wider opening in the spinal column. Each case will be treated individually and will be entirely based on the unique needs of the patient.

Schedule an Appointment

Back pain can impact every aspect of a person’s day. If you are suffering from back pain and are looking for a solution, you will find what you are looking for at Frisco Spine. We offer conservative treatment options and minimally-invasive surgical treatment to relieve you of back pain and restore your quality of living. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced doctors at your earliest convenience to learn more.

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Vertigo is often caused by problems with the inner ear or with the brain; however, it can also be caused by problems with the spine. At Frisco Spine, we can diagnose and treat vertigo related to spinal conditions. As experts in spine pain and vertigo, our Frisco physicians offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical and surgical treatments designed to reduce pain and alleviate the dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms associated with vertigo. We begin by taking the most conservative approach to treatment that is likely to produce optimal results. If optimal results are not achieved, we cast our net progressively wider until the issue is resolved to our patient’s satisfaction.

If you are suffering from spine pain and vertigo, we urge you to make an appointment at Frisco Spine today.

The Connection between Spine Pain and Vertigo

The critical stage in determining the connection between spine pain and vertigo is the diagnostic stage. While this may seem self-evident, diagnosing the cause of spine pain when accompanied by vertigo can be a complex task. This is because vertigo may be a symptom of a spinal condition, or the spine pain and vertigo may be symptoms of another condition altogether, such as a stroke or brain hemorrhage.

Common spinal conditions that can result in vertigo include sciatica, whiplash, osteoarthritis, and back injuries in which the pain is so acute that it results in dizziness.

Cervical Vertigo

Cervical vertigo is a type of vertigo that results from an injury to the neck. The onset of symptoms generally occurs when the victim moves his or her neck, and the condition is notable for a complete absence of injury to the ear or hearing loss.

The most commonly accepted cause of cervical vertigo is compression of the arteries in the neck by the vertebrae. This can occur due to trauma or a sports injury, but also due to arthritis or failed surgery.

Of all types of vertigo associated with back pain, cervical vertigo is the rarest. It is also the most difficult to diagnose and treat. However, at Frisco Spine, our advanced diagnostic technology allows us to identify cases of cervical vertigo and provide the most effective treatment for this unusual condition, decompressing the vertebrae of the neck and restoring proper circulation to the brain.

Learn More about Spine Pain and Vertigo

If you would like to learn more about spine pain and vertigo, or you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physicians, please contact Frisco Spine today.

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We’d like to consider the thoracic spine since a number of patients are unfamiliar with the term and what sorts of problems may affect the thoracic spine.

Defining the Thoracic Spine

The thoracic spine refers to the portion of the spine that is located above the lumbar region (lower back) and the cervical spine (the neck area). It is essentially the middle portion of the spine that makes up the middle and upper back.

There are a number of conditions that may affect the thoracic spine, and they may occur as a result of physical trauma and other sorts of injuries. When it comes to back problems, one of the most common injuries is a herniated disc.

What Are Herniated Discs?

A herniated disc refers to an issue with the spongy discs that are located between each of the vertebrae. These cushions may become compressed as a result of injury, resulting in serious pain and issues with mobility. In some cases the discs may be so severely damaged that replacement is needed.

How Common Is a Thoracic Herniated Disc?

Herniated discs in the thoracic spine are not as common as herniated discs in the lumbar region simply given how the lower back functions and the limited flexibility and thinner discs of the thoracic spine. That said, serious trauma can cause a herniated disc to occur at various locations along the spine.

Other Issues That May Warrant Thoracic Spine Surgery

Beyond herniated discs, there are other issues that may warrant surgery on the thoracic spine, such as:

• Joint dysfunction
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis
• Fractured vertebrae
• Compression fractures
• Scoliosis
• Kyphosis

When Is Surgical Treatment Necessary?

Surgery on the spine is recommended when non-surgical treatments are ineffective at alleviating pain or addressing the issues with mobility and quality of life. As always, we work conservatively when warranted in order to avoid the need for surgery, but we also understand that surgical treatment is sometimes the answer given particularly difficult issues that affect the health of the spine and the patient’s overall quality of life.

Approaches to Thoracic Spine Surgery

In general, thoracic spine surgery are performed in one of two ways:

• Anterior Trans-Thoracic Approach – The spine is approached through the chest cavity instead of the back.

• Posterolateral Approach – The spine is approached through the side and part of the back. A rib may need to be removed for this approach to occur.

The reason the back is not operated on directly in most cases is to avoid damaging the muscles tissue of the back itself, which can make healing uncomfortable and difficult.

The ideal method of approach can be discussed in greater detail during your consultation. During this time, the nature of the surgery and its various risks and benefits can also be discussed so you are aware of your treatment options, the recovery process, and what this all entails.

Contact the Specialists of Frisco Spine

To learn more about spine surgery and what we can do to help alleviate significant back pain, be sure to contact our team of spinal health specialists today. The team at Frisco Spine will work with you to restore mobility, health, and wellness.

Schedule a Consultation

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Symptoms of Nerve Disorders

At each level of the spinal cord, there are stems of nerves that branch off. Depending on their position along the spine, these nerves may connect to various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, wrists, hands, and bladder. If these nerves become impacted or a patient is suffering from a nerve disorder, it is likely to result in a number of side effects. Below are some of the most common symptoms of nerve disorders:

• Pain at the area around the nerves
• Radiating pain that may extend to the arms, legs, chest, or torso
• Numbness
• A tingling or burning feeling
• A feeling of weakness, or difficulty performing certain functions

While these are general symptoms, there may be more specific symptoms depending on what type of disorder is present, or which nerves have been affected.

Treating Nerve Disorders through Spine Surgery

There are many conditions that are classified as nerve disorders, and not all of them can be treated through spine surgery. In fact, it is always best to explore more conservative treatment options before even considering spine surgery. However, in severe cases, or when conservative treatment has proven ineffective, spine surgery may offer relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of some nerve disorders. This is particularly true when the nerves have been pinched or damaged as a result of a slipped, ruptured, or herniated disc, or as the result of a compressed spinal column. In these cases, our spinal surgeons can perform surgery to alleviate pressure from the spinal cord and nerves, whether that involves removing a portion of a herniated disc or shaving off a portion of the lamina to create a wider opening in the spinal column. Each case will be treated individually and will be entirely based on the unique needs of the patient.

Schedule an Appointment

Back pain can impact every aspect of a person’s day. If you are suffering from back pain and are looking for a solution, you will find what you are looking for at Frisco Spine. We offer conservative treatment options and minimally-invasive surgical treatment to relieve you of back pain and restore your quality of living. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced doctors at your earliest convenience to learn more.

The post Spine Surgery to Treat Nerve Disorders appeared first on Frisco Spine.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a muscular pain syndrome that does not have a known cause, although it is suspected to be related to underlying biochemical issues. While the condition primarily affects middle-age women, it is a syndrome that can affect anyone, including men and children. Aside from generalized back and muscle pain, fibromyalgia can also result in the following symptoms:

• Tender spots around the body that become particularly sensitive to pressure
• Muscle fatigue
• Headaches
• Tingling or numbness, particularly around the hands and feet
• Joint stiffness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Depression

Fibromyalgia seems to affect each patient differently. Patients may experience any number of the above symptoms, and they may vary in severity as well.

Treating Fibromyalgia Back Pain

As is likely to be true with any case of back pain, there is no universal treatment plan for the pain caused by fibromyalgia. Instead, our doctors will work with patients to learn more about their specific symptoms of fibromyalgia so that appropriate treatment options can be tested. We always begin with the most conservative forms of treatment in an attempt to manage back pain for patients without putting them through unnecessary invasive procedures. Below are some forms of back pain treatment that may prove successful for patients suffering from fibromyalgia:

• Massage
• Low-impact aerobic conditioning
• Lidocaine injections to relieve pain in tender spots
• Non-narcotic prescription pain medication

Most patients that are diagnosed with fibromyalgia are already being treated by a family physician, general internist, or rheumatologist, but these are all treatments that can be used to complement any treatment that is already being provided by other healthcare professionals. While additional treatments, such as anti-depressants, may be effective in treating some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia (such as difficulty sleeping and depression), the treatments offered by our team of doctors at Frisco Spine will be specific to pain along the spine, or that of the muscles in the back. By targeting these areas, we can help to relieve general pain and fatigue of the back, as well as any tender spots that are present in this area.

Schedule a Consultation

If you suffer from fibromyalgia and are experiencing pain of the spine and back, find out how our team of doctors can help. At Frisco Spine, we offer a wide range of non-invasive and surgical treatments that can help patients minimize back pain and maximize comfort. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to learn more about our back pain treatment options. We look forward to hearing from you!

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How MS Causes Back Pain

The exposed nerves in patients with MS result in a number of side effects, many of which may contribute to spine pain. Below are some of the ways in which MS can cause spine pain:

• Muscle stiffness: Patients with MS often experience muscle stiffness. The less the muscles are used, the more uncomfortable they will be, thus creating pain in areas such as the back.
• Immobility: As MS progresses, many patients are limited in their movement. This immobility can increase muscle stiffness and is a large contributor of back pain.
• Improper use of mobility aids: It is normal for MS patients to require mobility aids such as canes or walkers to get around. If these devices are not used properly, they can tweak back muscles and lead to pain or soreness.
• Poor posture: Even MS patients who have not progressed to the point that a mobility aid is needed likely have poor posture or bad balance. This throws off the patient’s walk and can cause back injury or general muscle pain.

These are causes of back pain that are a direct result of MS symptoms. However, MS can also cause back pain in those patients who already suffer from a back injury or spine pain. Because the nerves are damaged, MS patients may be less likely to compensate for and tolerate back pain as well as a healthy individual.

Treating Spine Pain

At Frisco Spine, we offer many treatment options for patients suffering from spine pain as a result of MS. The specific treatment plan for each patient will be determined after a thorough examination of the patient’s condition, as well as a discussion of overall health and current symptoms. We prefer to approach spine pain treatment conservatively and focus on non-surgical treatment options first. Patients may find some relief from pain through treatments such as physical therapy, pain medication, or injections. All of these options can be discussed in further detail at a consultation with one of our doctors.

Schedule a Consultation

If you suffer from multiple sclerosis and are experiencing back pain as a result, our doctors can discuss treatment options to restore a level of comfort to your life. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced back doctors at your earliest convenience to learn more about our multidisciplinary treatment approach. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Treating Spine Pain Caused by Multiple Sclerosis appeared first on Frisco Spine.

Dizziness is one symptom that’s common with a number medical conditions. Let’s take a moment to see how it’s linked to neck and back pain.

Why does back pain lead to dizziness?

Your spinal cord is quite complicated, and its collection of nerves sending signals to the brain can be affected in a number of different ways. Given the many different potential causes of back pain, the signals sent to the brain can be affected in a number of different fashions. When this occurs, dizziness is not uncommon.

What’s interesting is that the back pain leading to dizziness may occur in any spot of the spine. Dizziness is not exclusive to lower back pain, upper back pain, or even an issue with the cervical spine.

Types of Dizziness That May Be Experienced

Not all dizziness that’s experienced is the same. Sometimes the dizziness may be a kind of lightheadedness, or it may take the form of a spinning sensation. Arguably the worst kind of dizziness is a full sensation of vertigo, which may leave you totally off-balance and lead to nausea.

Causes of Back Pain Often Linked to Dizziness

As noted above, dizziness caused by back pain is not strictly associated with a specific part of the spine. Similarly, there is no single cause of a spinal health issue that causes dizziness. Some potential causes of back pain that may result in sensations of dizziness include the following:

• Osteoarthritis
• Sciatica
• Acute spinal cord injuries
• Major trauma to the back or neck
• Fibromyalgia
• Whiplash
• Pregnancy

What You Can Do When Dealing with a Dizzy Spell

If you experience a serious dizzy spell of some kind, be sure to seek out medical attention as soon as possible. Meet with a doctor in your area who is able to treat vertigo and other kinds of problems related to lost balance, lightheadedness, and nausea. If the dizzy spell is particularly serious, be sure to have a loved one help you to the doctor so you are not involved in an auto accident or other serious accident en route to a medical professional.

Get Treatment for Your Back or Neck Problem

If your dizziness is linked to an issue with neck pain or back pain, it’s important that you get the neck/back pain treated as soon as possible. Undergoing medical care for a serious spinal condition or injury will often alleviate the side effects that are associated with the condition. We will work with you to address the root problem affecting your back, restoring total wellness in the process.

Schedule a Consultation with a Specialist at Frisco Spine

To learn more about your options for alleviating back pain, be sure to contact our neck and back pain specialists today. The entire team here at Frisco Spine will work closely with you to ensure that any issues you face are properly and promptly addressed in order to restore total wellness.

The post Back Pain and Dizziness: How Are These Linked? appeared first on Frisco Spine.

We’d like to take a moment to consider how we can help patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis that affects the spine.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Whereas osteoarthritis involves wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis affects the joint lining. The condition can be very painful and result in the deformation of the joints and erosion of the bones in the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in the joints of the hands and feet, though it can attack the spine as well. When rheumatoid arthritis affects the spine, it can lead to major issues with pain in the back and neck, and this pain can also radiate outwards to the limbs.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Some symptoms and warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis to keep in mind include:

• Warm or swollen joints
• Stiffness of the joints that lasts for hours
• Bumps under the skin around the joints
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of weight

Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men, and it’s also more common in people who are older than 40. In addition, genetic factors and family history of rheumatoid arthritis can make the condition more likely.

Medications Used to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Many times doctors prescribe drugs to help treat rheumatoid arthritis and manage the pain associated with it. The most common medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Doctors will typically prescribe drugs with the fewest and most manageable side effects first, prescribing other kinds of medications if more conservative approaches with medication proved ineffective.

Physical Therapy and Exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis

In addition to medications, physical therapy and different kinds of exercises tend to be helpful in restoring mobility to the back and perhaps even relieving some of the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. There are also slight behavior modifications that can reduce the amount of pain and stress placed on the back.

These exercises, behavior changes, and other matters will be discussed in detail with a physical therapist.

Assistive Devices to Aid Those with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Since joint pain can be extremely severe and result in major problems doing everyday activities, many people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are given assistive devices. These include various items around the home that are modified to accommodate the pain and limitations of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. For instance, buttonhooks can help people who have problems with their hands get dressed with relative ease.

Your doctor can go over the assistive devices you need for your issues in more detail during a visit. To the practice.

Surgical Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

When less invasive therapies are ineffective at treating the pain and other problems related to rheumatoid arthritis, surgical treatments are most ideal. This may mean replacing the affected joint, fusing joints together, or even treating the tissues adjacent to the joint.

When rheumatoid arthritis affects your spine, careful surgical treatments will be considered that will protect the patient’s wellness and address the issues at hand.

Schedule a Consultation

For more information about your treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis and how it can be properly treated, it’s important that you contact our neck and back pain specialists today. The team at Frisco Spine will work closely with you to address your needs and help improve your overall wellness.

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