BACKGROUND: The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae, small bones that are stacked on top of each with a soft cushion between them called a disc. Discs help absorb pressure and keep the bones from rubbing against each other. When discs become flattened or don't work properly, people often complain of back pain. To determine the source of pain, back specialists often look at a specific spinal segment, two vertebrae and the disc that separates them (Source: University of Maryland Medical Center).LOW BACK PAIN: According to the American Pain Foundation, low back pain is the most common type of reported pain and the leading cause of disability in Americans under age 45. More than 26 million Americans between 20 and 64 experience frequent back pain. Experts say the main reason low back pain is so prevalent is it's the part of the spine where most of the body's weight bearing and movement takes place. The area is called lumbar spine, and it is made up of five or, in some cases, six vertebrae. Repetitive injuries from lifting, twisting or carrying heavy loads often lead to persistent pain in the lumbar region of the spine.
TREAMENT: According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, most low back pain can be treated without surgery. Treatment usually involves medications for pain like aspirin, ibuprofen, or, for severe or chronic pain, opioids. Cold and hot compresses and bed rest offer relief for some. Experts say exercise like stretching and strength-building routines is one of the most effective ways to speed recovery and prevent pain in the future.
When patients are unresponsive to all other treatments, surgery is sometimes recommended. Some procedures are done in a doctor's office under local anesthesia, while others require a hospital stay. Especially after invasive surgeries, patients may suffer permanent loss of flexibility. One of the more common surgeries used to correct low back pain is discectomy, in which surgeons remove material that is pushing on a nerve root such as a bulging disc or bone spur. In spinal fusion, surgeons remove the disc between two or more vertebrae and fuse the vertebrae together with bone grafts and/or metal devices secured by screws. This type of surgery may cause some loss of flexibility in the spine and requires a long recovery time.
One procedure FDA cleared for treatment of pain in the bottom two segments of the spine (LS-S1 and L4-L5) can be performed through a single, 1.5-inch incision. During the surgery, called AxiaLIF, surgeons use small tools to fuse two levels of the spine together and alleviate pressure on painful nerves. They then secure the area with screws and rods on the front side of the spine. By splitting muscles apart along the grain of the fibers, surgeons also lessen the need for cutting through muscles, which can reduce pain after surgery. Patients can be discharged from the hospital the day after surgery and, on average, return to work in 15 days.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Trans1
(866) 500-4349
http://www.trans1.com
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKRCG