LOWBACKPAIN.ORG - Relief for Low Back Pain

Are you suffering from low back pain, leg pain or both? Do you have a bulging disc, a herniated disc or sciatica? Have you been told you need therapy, medications, injections or surgery?

How can I get relief for my low back pain?

Low back pain has become one of the most significant medical and socioeconomic problems in the world. Despite the overwhelming statistics on the problem, the number of chronic cases continues to grow. Clinical Studies are emerging rapidly as the medical community strives to address this problem. Standardizing the evolution and care of low back pain patients is critical. There is a need for early, effective, target therapy for the treatment of disc injuries. LOW BACK PAIN INSTITUTE can provide back pain relief and possibly return you to normal lifestyle activities.

Is surgery right for back pain?

Who is most likely to develop low back pain?

Nearly everyone has low back pain sometime. Men and women are equally affected. It occurs most often between ages 30 and 50, due in part to the aging process but also as a result of sedentary life styles with too little (sometimes punctuated by too much) exercise. The risk of experiencing low back pain from disc disease or spinal degeneration increases with age.

When conservative methods for low back pain are not successful, and your impairment or disability gets worse, then it may be time to consider spine surgery. The most common spine operation performed is a surgical discectomy (removal of a herniated disc). Although there are many less invasive and minimally invasive procedures available the hard truth is that the standard surgical discectomy, utilizing operating telescopes (not operating microscope) and fiberoptic headlight illumination remains the most effective and cost effective treatment modality.

What is Back Pain?

Back pain is a symptom that can arise from many causes. It can range from a dull, annoying ache to absolute agony. Many cases of back pain are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Sedentary jobs and lifestyles may create a vulnerability to this type of stress or damage. Obesity, which increases both the weight on the spine and the pressure on the discs, is another factor. Strenuous sports such as football and gymnastics can also damage the back.

What is an artificial disc?

The discs in your spine are a soft cushioning structure that are located between the individual bones of the spine, also called vertebra. They are made of cartilage-type tissue and consists of an outer portion, called the annulus, and an inner portion, called the nucleus. In most cases, these disc are flexible enough to allow your spine to bend. An artificial disc (also known as disc replacement, disc prosthesis or a spine arthroplasty device) is implanted into your spine and is meant to imitate the functions of your normal discs.

What to expect after back surgery?

Many patients believe they have crossed the threshold once the procedure is over. In actuality, the procedure is most often the easiest part of the surgical process. During the recovery process, the patient has the opportunity to take control of their care. By doing so, patients can have a significant effect on their outcome, and can influence the benefit of the procedure.

Immediately following the procedure, you will awaken in the recovery room. Still groggy from the anesthesia, many patients do not remember this area well. Once the anesthesia has worn off, you will return to your room on the main patient floor. Here you will be reunited with family and friends. Usually the immediate time following surgery is relaxed, however with many procedures physical therapy will begin immediately.

Dedicated patients who closely adhere to the outlined therapy protocol tend to achieve significantly improved results when compared to patients who fail to complete their therapy. It is important that you understand the goals of therapy and what is expected of you. Discuss these with your physical therapist.