Spinal Fusion Alternatives
Spinal fusions are sometimes used to treat disc diseases as well as spinal fractures due to osteoporosis or back trauma. In some cases, a spinal fusion may be recommended for severe curvature of the spine as with scoliosis. Many physicians agree that spinal fusion surgery should be a last resort in treatment of back problems and alternative treatment should be sought before surgery is performed.
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Physical Therapy
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Physical therapy can be an affective treatment for spinal conditions and help reduce or eliminate pain in some individuals. Physical therapy may include back strengthening exercises, stretching for increased mobility, education to improve posture and gait, hot and cold therapy and electronic stimulation of the muscles. A modified exercise routine may be prepared by a physical therapist to be continued at home for faster recovery time.
Medication
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Medication may be prescribed for pain management and to reduce inflammation. Oral medication is often recommended to treat temporary back conditions and may include muscle relaxants and pain relievers. When oral medication is ineffective in treating back pain symptoms, injections may be used. Injections may include steroids for inflammation and anesthetics for pain or a combination of both. More recently Botox injections have been used to relax muscles in the affected area. Both oral and injected medications are usually used in conjunction with physical therapy.
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Disc Replacement
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For ruptured or damaged discs in the spine, disc replacement therapy may be an alternative to spinal fusion. During surgery, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc made of high-grade plastics and/or titanium and chromium. The goal of disc replacement surgery is to have more range of motion and less recovery time than a traditional spinal fusion.
Microdecompression
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Microdecompression may be used to shrink or remove a portion of a disc or protrusion of bone in the spine with lasers. This type of surgery is minimally invasive and involves the use of thin endoscopes and lasers inserted through the skin rather than traditional open surgeries. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and normal activity can often be resumed within a few weeks.
Back Braces
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Back braces may be used to support and help correct spinal problems. Braces may help support the spine, stomach muscles, reduce potentially damaging movements and improve posture. There is some controversy on whether prolonged use of back braces weakens stomach and back muscles and a physician may limit the use of back braces to ensure atrophy of the muscles does not occur. Back braces are often used to help support the spine after other procedures or in conjunction with physical therapy.
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