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What is a Lumbar Laminectomy? A Laminectomy is the surgical removal of part of the vertebral bone called the lamina to help reduce pain or discomfort to the nerve roots within your spinal column. The spinal column consists of 24 vertebrae and each vertebrae has two lamina that fuse together to form the roof of the spinal canal. The lamina helps to protect the spinal cord throughout your neck and back. In the lower back where your spinal cord ends, the lamina helps shield the large bundle of nerve roots called the cauda equina, as well as the nerve roots ...
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What is Ambulatory Surgery? Ambulatory surgery, also known as outpatient or same-day surgery, has been on the rise around the globe. Ambulatory surgery centers are medical facilities that specialize in elective same-day or outpatient surgical procedures. Through advancements in sedation, pain management and minimally invasive surgical techniques more and more patients are skipping the hospital stay and electing to have ambulatory surgery instead. Why Choose an Ambulatory Surgery Center? Ambulatory surgical centers are typically smaller than hospitals. Smaller staff and far less patients than a typical hospital procedure can lead to a calmer, less stressful setting. Staff and other administrators ...
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Spring Cleaning and Minor Back Pain You’ve been working hard trying to complete your spring cleaning list. You bend over to grab those last few bags of weed & feed for your lawn when it happens: your body has had enough and pain starts to radiate from your back. The sudden onset of pain can be a scary ordeal, especially if you don’t know what to do or how to treat it. In "Prevent Spring Back Pain" we discussed methods for reducing your risk of back or neck pain. When it's too late for prevention, try one of these early ...
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Stuck At Home With Back Pain Whether it's winter weather, an illness, or simply a lack of transportation, being stuck at home can be worrisome for those who struggle with back pain. Pain, whether in the neck/shoulder region, down the center of your spine, or in your lower back, can be caused for a number of reasons: Injury or overuse of muscles, ligaments, and joints Pressure on spinal nerve roots as the result of a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, compression fractures, or spinal conditions such as spondylolisthesis and spinal deformities Spinal injuries as the result of a sporting or automotive accident ...
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If you parked your car in a garage for years and suddenly decided to turn the key, chances are it would have a hard time firing up. The human body should be thought of like a machine; the longer it sits around inactive, the more issues you're going to have getting it to where you want it to go. It’s important to stay active within your limits and stay committed to the path of a healthier lifestyle. Power Walking: Free, Low-Impact Exercise Power walking is usually the easiest and most affordable activity for those wishing to improve physically and reduce ...
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Slips, trips and falls are all too common during the winter months in Western New York. It's important to use caution in the icier months–back and spinal injuries are the most common type of fall-related injury. With a little preparation and caution, some injuries can be prevented. Avoid Winter Slips and Falls Slow It Down Give yourself extra time. Rushing through an icy driveway or parking lot is a surefire way to find yourself flat on your back. Take an extra moment to plan the safest path of travel. If you notice ice in your walking path, attempt to go ...
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Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful Winter is here and the cold weather will stick around for awhile. For many, this means hot cocoa, sledding, sleigh rides, and shoveling. However, for those who struggle with back pain, the cold weather can bring with it aches, pains, and discomfort. So why does the cold weather seem to agitate issues with our bodies? What Causes Muscle Stiffness? Our body’s natural response to the cold is a process called vasoconstriction. During this process our blood vessels begin to narrow in our extremities and divert the extra blood to our vital organs (brain, heart, ...
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The holidays can be stressful. Making lists, checking them twice, cooking, cleaning, putting up decorations, shopping, fighting through crowds, etc. It seems like there's never enough time and everyone is rushing. The added stress this time of year can take its toll physically, especially on your back. It’s important to take care of yourself this holiday season by avoiding potentially risky situations that could cause neck and back issues. Decorating Dos: Proper Lifting Decorating for the holidays can be a fun family activity. Hanging lights outside is often a holiday family tradition. Most people tend to put their decorations in ...
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October Is A Special Month And not just because it's every child's favorite haunted holiday. It's Rocktober to musicians. Pinktober to breast cancer survivors. Inktober to artists. Catober to animal enthusiasts. And for those who suffer from chronic pain, Backtober. October is Spine Health Awareness Month, with World Spine Day on October 16th. It serves as a reminder of how important your spine is, highlighting the ways a person's back influences their quality of life, especially when chronic pain or debilitating pain immobilizes you. According to WorldSpineDay.org, this global holiday stresses "the importance of spinal health and wellbeing. Promotion of ...
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When we say "let's get physical" we aren't referencing Olivia Newton-John's 1981 hit. We're referencing your commitment to fitness. Not everyone enjoys hitting the gym for an intensive workout or taking a walk around the neighborhood for low-impact exercise. And yet, regular exercise improves not only your overall health and well-being but your spine's health. A Weak Core Can Cause Back Pain Your back and abdominal muscles are both part of your "core" which is essential for stability, mobility, and flexibility. When your core is weak, it can produce pain that extends beyond just your lower back up into your ...
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