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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One of our major concerns after surgery is the prevention of serious blood clots. With that in mind, let’s consider two serious conditions related to post-operative recovery and wellness: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis refers to blood clots that form in the deep veins of the legs. While many kinds of medical conditions can cause of contribute to deep vein thrombosis, it’s a common complication following many surgeries. Deep vein thrombosis is commonly caused by a prolonged lack of movement, which is common after surgery or as a result of a prolonged stay in a hospital.

Pulmonary Embolisms from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

One of the major dangers of deep vein thrombosis is a pulmonary embolism. This occurs when a blood clot in the deep veins breaks loose, traveling in the bloodstream to the lungs and lodging there, blocking blood flow if the pulmonary arteries in the process. This can be potentially life-threatening if not addresses as soon as possible.

Since deep vein thrombosis is often linked to pulmonary embolism, many doctors refer to the conditions as one with the term “thromboembolism.”

Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism

Common signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling of a leg and acute feelings of pain. In rare cases, both legs may be affected. Patients should also note that symptoms of DVT may not occur even though a clot has formed in the deep veins.

The urgent warning signs of a pulmonary embolism include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Fainting spells
• Dizziness
• Rapid pulse

Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Some risk factors for deep vein thrombosis include:

• Advanced age
• Genetic blood-clotting disorders
• Pregnancy
• Use of birth control pills
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Being obese
• Smoking
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Treating Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

There are a few options for treating deep vein thrombosis:

• Blood Thinners – The use of blood thinning medication helps reduce your body’s ability to form blood clots.

• Clotbusters – These kinds of medications are administered by IV and break up blood clots.

• Filters – A filter may be surgically placed into a large vein to prevent a clot from getting lodged in the lungs.

• Compression Stockings – Wearing a leg stocking after surgery helps prevent swelling and may help address the formation of clots in the process.

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

The best way to prevent deep vein thrombosis after your spinal surgery is to avoid sitting still for too long. Patients are advised to try walking and moving as soon as they are able. This improves circulation and prevents the formation of harmful clots in the process.

Follow Your Pre-Op and Post-Op Instructions Closely

Your pre-op and post-op instructions before spinal surgery help prepare your body for the healing process. Be sure to follow these instructions very closely. Not only will they help you avoid DVT, but they can also prevent many other complications and reduce the severity of the side effects you experience after surgery.

Learn More About Advanced Surgery at Frisco Spine

To learn more about the side effects of spinal surgery and what you can do to ensure proper recovery, be sure to contact our team of experienced brain and spine surgeons today. The team at Frisco Spine will work with you to ensure restored health and mobility with as few complications as possible.

Schedule a Consultation

The post Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: Spinal Surgery Complications appeared first on Frisco Spine.

We are also extremely careful to evaluate patients prior to surgery to ensure their candidacy for a given procedure. In most cases, we recommend non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery; however, this is particularly true when patients have conditions that put them at higher risk of complications if they undergo a surgical procedure. For example, diabetics are inherently more likely to suffer post-surgical complications by nature of their disease, and even more so if their blood glucose levels are not well controlled. We explain the connection between spine surgery and diabetes during consultations at our Frisco, TX spine center so that diabetic patients understand the risks of surgery.

If you have diabetes and want to discuss your spine surgery options, please schedule your initial consultation at Frisco Spine today.

What Risks Do Diabetic Patients Face When Undergoing Spine Surgery?

In general, diabetic patients tend to have greater difficulty healing than non-diabetic patients, which can make the recovery period more difficult. However, they also face a number of specific risks, which can vary from patient to patient and are generally higher among patients with poorly controlled blood glucose levels:

• Cardiac complications, including heart attack and cardiac arrest
• Stroke
• Heel pressure sores
• Infection at the incision sites
• Infections in other parts of the body
• Tuberculosis
• Lengthier hospital stays
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Post-operative shock
• Death

Patients whose blood glucose levels are well controlled prior to surgery are at far less risk of these complications than patients whose blood glucose levels are uncontrolled. If your blood glucose levels are not well controlled, then our surgeons may advise you to improve your levels through weight loss, exercise, and medication before you can be considered a good candidate for surgery. Certain diabetic patients may be permitted to undergo spine surgery as long as they understand the risks associated with their procedure; however, others may be limited to non-surgical treatments for the sake of their safety.

Ultimately, it is the goal of our doctors to provide not only the most effective, but also the safest treatments possible. For patients who are not good candidates for spine surgery, we will do our best to find non-surgical alternatives that will provide the best possible results.

Learn More about Spine Surgery and Diabetes

If you would like further information about spine surgery and diabetes, please contact Frisco Spine today. We would be pleased to help you in any way that we can.

The post Spine Surgery and the Risks Faced by Diabetic Patients appeared first on Frisco Spine.

While the vertebrae and nerves of the spine can cause serious problems, there is a lot to be said about the muscles of the back as well. Let’s take a moment to consider muscle injuries and when surgical treatment may be necessary.

Muscle Issues Affecting the Spine

Many types of serious back pain and back problems are related to strained muscles. This is common in the lower back, which is the part of the body that bears the majority of a person’s weight. Most issues with muscle pain in the back or neck occur when a sudden movement or impact places major stress on the back.

With regard to muscle problems in the back, the most common kind of problem is a pulled muscle or strained muscle. This happens when a muscle in the back is stretched too far, resulting in damage and potential tears in the muscle fibers of the back.

Though not related to muscles, it’s also possible for a person to suffer from pulled ligaments. (Ligaments are the fibrous tissue that connects bones together.)

How Serious Can Muscle Injuries Be?

Muscle strains can result in severe pain and inflammation in the back. The injury can lead to muscle spasms that can be very uncomfortable and that can make movement difficult. Many people who experience a pulled back muscle visit the emergency room due to the amount of pain experienced.

Is Surgery Necessary for Back and Neck Muscle Injuries?

In most cases, surgery is not necessary from a back muscle injury unless the muscle fibers themselves have been torn or severely damaged in some way.

Most cases of muscle strain in the back and neck can be address through a combination of pain mediation, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscles relaxants, cold compresses, heat therapy, and massage therapy. Stretch and core exercises can then be recommended to strength the muscles that have been affected.

During a consultation, we can determine if conservative approached to muscle pain are a good option, or if surgery may be ideal for your needs given the circumstances.

What to Expect During Surgery

The exact nature of your surgery for a pulled back or neck muscle can vary. Surgeons will work carefully to repair the damaged muscle tissue and leave minimal scars whenever possible. Recovery from the surgery can take some time depending on its extent and the muscle or muscles affected.

Following recovery from the surgery, patients are often given advice on avoiding future muscle injuries as well as tips on exercises that can prevent any back injuries in the future.

We will be sure to provide you with full pre-op and post-op instructions for your muscle surgery as part of the consultation process. We’ll also answer any questions you may have about the process so you have realistic expectations about what to expect.

Contact the Team at Frisco Spine

To learn more about surgical treatments for serious issues that affect the structures of the back, neck, and spinal cord, we encourage you to contact our neck and back pain center today. The entire team at Frisco Spine looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve total wellness.

The post Spine Surgery and Muscle Disorders: What Patients Should Know appeared first on Frisco Spine.

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.

We feel that patients should be made aware of all potential surgical risks in order for them to receive the best care possible, and to help ensure that they can make informed decisions about their surgical options. With that in mind, let’s discuss some risks and complications of spinal cord surgery.

Issues with Anesthesia

Anesthetic errors are a potential risk in all major surgeries. This could mean improper administration of the anesthesia or a patient experiencing an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. All precautions are taken to ensure that the right amount of anesthetic will be used and that patients are not allergic to any items that may be used as part of the surgical procedure.

Post-Surgical Infection

Infection is also a potential risk in all types of surgery. Thankfully the risk of surgery is very low these days thanks to modern techniques and the latest in sterilization practices. In addition, patients are given detailed instructions on post-surgical care so they can keep surgical sites clean as they heal.

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep venous thrombosis refers to blood clots forming in a patient’s legs. It’s a major point of concern following many different kinds of surgery and is the result of your body responding to surgery and attempting to heal. If a blood clot forms in the legs, it can lead to serious swelling and discomfort. More serious issues may occur if the blood clot is dislodged and travels through your circulatory system.

Pulmonary Embolism and Issues with Your Lungs

One example of a major issue caused by blood clots is a pulmonary embolism. This refers to cases in which a blood clot winds up in the lungs. The clot can potentially clog the blood vessels of the lung, cutting off the blood supply and increasing the risk of a collapsed lung. Numerous respiratory issues may occur as a result.

To prevent DVT, pulmonary embolism, and other issues related to blood clots, patients are often instructed to walk in small or moderate amounts as part of healing in order to promote blood circulation and prevent clots from forming.

General Surgical Failure

Sometimes a spinal fusion procedure or a treatment to address spinal pressure winds up being unsuccessful. In other words, the surgery fails to achieve its aim and a patient’s wellness and mobility is not improved. Back pain may persist and the patient will require additional or corrective surgery to address these matters.

Spinal Cord Damage

Perhaps the most serious risk of surgery is an error during the procedure that results in further damage or harm to the vertebrae and/or spinal cord. Thankfully these kinds of complications are very rare, and our experienced team of specialists are not prone to these dire kinds of issues.

Contact the Team at Frisco Spine

For more information about spinal cord surgery and what you can do to have a healthy back and proper mobility, be sure to contact our team of brain and spine surgeons today. The team at Frisco Spine looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve total wellness.

Schedule a Consultation

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