New technology offers relief from back pain

Here's spine-tingling good news about the most common complaint brought to doctors in the United States- back pain.

More than 6 million cases are seen annually, with the majority of complaints being in the lower back. Almost every person will experience at least one episode of low-back pain at some time. The pain can vary from severe and long term to mild and shortlived but usually resolves itself within a few weeks.

When back pain is persistent and disabling, however, it may indicate the need for surgery. This can happen when a nerve is pinched, the spinal cord is compressed or there is too much movement between the spinal bones. Even then, traditional "open" spine surgery is not often recommended, and physician practices report the success rate may be as low as 50 percent.

Recent technology, however, allows many people to have back and spine operations in a whole new way. These updated versions of traditional back surgeries allow for greater precision, faster healing and less damage to healthy tissue. Advanced spine surgeries today can employ the smallest incision possible to correct problems of the lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine with patented instrumentation and methods.

The patient, under local anesthesia, is alert and able to communicate with the surgeon throughout the procedure. The result can be far less trauma to the muscles and tissues, minimal blood loss and faster recovery.

Patients who have had "open" laminectomy or fusion surgeries that did not relieve their pain now have renewed hope with these gentle, carefully controlled outpatient procedures, which are performed sequentially as outpatient surgeries. Called the Bonati Procedures, they were developed by and are performed at the Bonati Institute, whose surgical teams have performed more than 20,000 successful advanced spine surgeries.

Before considering any back surgery, get a second opinion from a qualified specialist. Back and leg pain can be a complex issue that may possibly require a team of health professionals to diagnose and treat. It is important to choose a spine team wisely.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.