Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of hand pain, numbness and weakness. It is caused by a ligament in our wrist pressing on the median nerve which supplies sensation and strength to parts of the hand. In most cases, a specific cause is not known. However overuse (such as typing on a computer), thyroid…
Brain and spine operations are typically performed with patients asleep. While these surgeries are intricately executed by surgeons with highly specialized training, the nervous structures commonly are manipulated. Techniques for examining the nervous system are limited in the asleep patient. To ensure temporary or permanent damage does not occur, intraoperative monitoring (IOM) is commonly performed.…
Our brain is a very complex organ. The average brain weighs about three pounds and is about 15 centimeters long. The cortex of the brain is the most superficial layer and in many ways is the most important part. Most of the brain cells start in the cortex and then extend through the deeper layers…
Does laser spine surgery work? No. But you can continue reading the remainder of this blog if you wish to know why.
Low back surgery refers to surgery on the lumbar spine between the L1 bone and the L5-S1 level. Decompression, fusion and artificial disc replacement are all options to treat low back conditions. However, it is important to remember that these surgeries are not interchangeable, but instead have very specific indications. Depending on your symptoms and…
Having spine surgery does not guarantee that your neck or back problems are gone for good. In some cases, pain and other symptoms can continue. This can mean that the initial procedure was not successful, or it could indicate that you have a recurring condition. Understanding your options if you have continued pain can help…
Anyone who has experienced significant back pain understands how difficult it is to lead a normal life while dealing with persistent discomfort. For some, the path toward relief may lie in back surgery. Traditionally, surgical procedures performed on the neck and back were done via “open surgery,” in which a large incision is made and the surgeon damages…