Category: Health

  • Weight Loss; How Does Weight Affect Your Health

    Weight Loss; How Does Weight Affect Your Health

    Did you know that humans spend about a third of their lives sleeping? It may sound like a lot of time, but sleep is good for your health. According to health experts, you should have eight hours of quality and undisturbed sleep. Unfortunately, so many things interfere with your sleep quality in real life, including excessive weight. For this reason, the Lakeway adolescent weight loss specialist offers exclusive weight loss programs to improve sleep and other areas of your life. Please keep reading to learn how weight affects your sleep quality and why it’s essential.

    Reasons you need to consider weight loss?

    Nothing good comes with having extra body pounds. We know for sure that the weight will cost you your health. It increases your risk for various health complications, some of which are life-threatening.

    Besides affecting your health, excessive weight may limit you from thoroughly enjoying life, like participating in some physical activities. It may also affect your self-confidence, leading to an unhappy life.

    Weight loss is critical to better your life quality, including allowing you to enjoy your health to the fullest.

    The team at Sleep Cycle Center offers personalized services for weight loss to reduce your risk of developing the following health conditions.

    •         Coronary heart disease
    •         High blood pressure
    •         Obstructive sleep apnea
    •         Type 2 diabetes

    How does weight affect your health?

    As you might be thinking by now, how does weight affect your sleep and health? One of the effects of weight on your health is the obstructive sleep apnea condition. The condition interferes with your sleep, leading to poor sleep quality, which affects your health.

    Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when fat deposits around the neck restrict your airway during sleep. It causes snoring, disturbs your sleep, and leaves you gasping for breath.

    This type of sleep apnea may also lead to weight gain, as sleep deprivation may trigger your cravings for foods with high calories, causing you to overeat. With more weight gain, working out becomes more brutal, among other physical activities.

    What does a weight loss program involve?

    At Sleep Cycle Center, you’ll be provided safe and effective weight loss plans, including lifestyle modifications, such as diet changes. They work with you to determine what works for you best. Your custom weight loss plan may include the following.

    Ideal protein

    The program aims at three healthy living stages: weight loss, stabilization, and maintenance. It incorporates your body and mind to help you achieve lasting weight loss goals.

    Juice plus

    With this weight loss technique, your provider focuses on helping you get the most crucial nutrients to allow your body to function at its best. The program uses natural and plant-based products to better your health, including the cardiovascular system, immunity, and skin health.

    Weight loss might seem complicated to come by, but you can get there with the proper support and knowledge. Besides, it’s good you focus on how it will benefit you, including improving your health, sleep, and other areas of your life. Call Sleep Cycle Center today to schedule your consultation or book a telehealth appointment online.

  • Lower Back Pain; Causes and Treatment Options

    Lower Back Pain; Causes and Treatment Options

    Typically, you have or are likely to experience back pain at some stage in your life. Different factors may lead to lower back pain, including accidents, health conditions, or damage to your spine. The pain can make your life distressing, and you do not deserve that. The lower back pain Livingston specialist and pain management expert, Dr. Jay M. Shah, can help you live a pain-free life. Keep reading to discover more about lower back pain and how you can overcome it.

    What are the different types of lower back pain?

    Lower back pain results from various causes, leading to different forms of back pain. Here are among the common types of back pain.

    Herniated disc

    It is a condition that develops when one of the discs across the vertebrae becomes damaged. The disc contains gel-like contents that cushion your spine and enhance your vertebrae’s smooth movement.

    Damage to the disc causes the vertebrae to rub each other, causing pain.

    Radiculopathy

    It involves a pinched nerve that occurs when spinal problems put pressure on the root of your spinal nerves. Some of the conditions that lead to nerve pinching include bulging and herniated discs, among other issues at the bottom of your spine.

    Radiculopathy causes sharp pain that comes and disappears. It also causes you to experience stabbing lower back pain when you sneeze or cough, among other movements that involve force.

    Spinal stenosis

    Spinal stenosis causes the narrowing of your spinal canal. It leads to nerve compression, causing pain, tingling sensations, and numbness. You are likely to experience spinal stenosis if you have osteoarthritis.

    Sciatica

    It is a condition that occurs due to sciatic nerve damage. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the leg, causing the pain to travel down to your legs. You may also develop tingling and a burning sensation in your leg when you have sciatica.

    Muscle strain

    Muscle strain can also lead to chronic back pain. Without treatments, it might become severe, causing permanent harm. A muscle strain may also result from vertebrae or ligament damage.

    Whatever the cause of your back pain, please seek medical treatments to prevent complications.

    Treatments options for lower back pain

    Your provider at SamWell Institute for Pain Management offers customized treatment plans to address the cause of your pain and restore your health and function. Some of the available treatments include:

    •         A spinal cord stimulator implant that helps adjust the nerve pain signals
    •         Spinal cord stimulation that prevents lower back pain sensations
    •         Superion interspinous Spacer (Vertiflex) to treat spinal stenosis
    •         Therapy for damaged tissue healing
    •         Radiofrequency neurotomy of the lumbar facets for facet joint pain
    •         Cognitive-behavioral therapy
    •         Microdiscectomy with Annuloplasty for herniated discs
    •         Physical therapy
    •         Acupuncture

    How to prevent future lower back pain?

    Your provider recommends the following to lower your chances of experiencing lower back pain.

    •         Specific recovery routines
    •         Strengthening exercises
    •         New safety equipment during your sports activities

    If lower back pain affects your daily routine, consider seeing a medical provider evaluate your health and providing treatments. Contact SamWell Institute for Pain Management today to schedule your consultation.

  • When Should You Consider Essure Removal?

    When Should You Consider Essure Removal?

    Essure is permanent female sterilization that prevents you from getting pregnant. A few years ago, the FDA declared it unsafe due to the many complaints coming from several patients. If you are looking to remove your Essure tubal implant, Miami essure tubal implant removal techniques should be your ultimate choice.

    What are Essure tubal implants?

    Essure is a metal coil your doctor places into your fallopian tubes to induce blockage or fibrosis and prevent fertilization. This procedure involves soft coil implants and does not require incisions, which means you have a shorter recovery period. This female sterilization method has a tumultuous history that led o its discontinuation. Several women complained of severe side effects, and the affected individuals filed lawsuits that brought Essure tubal implants to an end. In the past, Essure tubal implants were a plausible alternative to tubal ligation because other female sterilization procedures involve surgical incisions, prolonging the recovery period.

    What side effects can you get from Essure tubal implants?

    You may experience side effects after or during your Essure procedure. Some of the side effects you may undergo include cramping, vaginal bleeding, headaches, bladder injury, and perforation of the fallopian tubes. Most women also complain of painful sex, dental problems, hair loss, and autoimmune disorders.

    Why should you avoid Essure?

    During your first appointment at The Miami Institute For Women’s Health, your provider may examine you thoroughly to determine if you are eligible for this procedure. You may also answer a few questions about your health history to understand your general wellness better. Essure tubal implants may not be the appropriate female sterilization if you plan to have children in the future, have allergies, use immune-suppressing therapy, or are pregnant.

    Most specialists rarely recommend this approach because it may cause fallopian tube problems and vaginal bleeding. Your provider may recommend other safe and effective female sterilization plans, such as laparoscopy, with minimal side effects.  

    What should you expect during Essure removal?

    Your provider may recommend Essure removal if you have severe complications or side effects that make your life miserable. Eliminating Essure tubal implant during the first three months after its placement is easier and does not involve significant complications. After removing Essure, your symptoms improve, restoring your quality of life.

    The team administers general anesthesia to prevent you from experiencing any pain or discomfort during the procedure. They then make a tiny hole in each fallopian tube, from which they remove the Essure coils. Afterward, they seal the incisions. The procedure usually lasts for an hour or less. Your doctor may also recommend a hysterectomy to remove the Essure coils. Essure removal does not mean that you can get pregnant afterward. If you are looking to get pregnant, your provider may recommend Essure reversal.

    Your recovery period heavily relies on the duration you had the implant and the removal method. You may recover within a few days, but recovery may take several weeks if you had a hysterectomy.

    If your Essure tubal implant causes severe side effects or complications, call The Miami Institute for Women’s Health or visit the website for an appointment to remove it.

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  • Can Physical Therapy Cure Sciatica?

    Can Physical Therapy Cure Sciatica?

    Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that travels through the sciatic nerve, usually beginning in the lower back and moving on to the hips, buttocks, and eventually each leg. It most frequently happens when something compresses a portion or a number of portions of the sciatic nerve, usually only affecting one side of the body. Medication, stretches, and, most importantly, physical therapy are all effective treatments for sciatica.

    A physical therapist will create a rehabilitation plan to lessen or completely remove your discomfort, restore body mechanics to relieve nerve compression, strengthen core muscles, increase muscle and nerve flexibility, and enhance functional activities. Additionally, a home workout routine will be created, which is a crucial step in the recovery process. Here are some  signs that you require neck and back physical therapy.

    Pain From Injury

    It is possible for moderate sciatica to worsen with time and even disappear on its own, but you shouldn’t always bank on it. Contact your doctor or a physical therapist if you have the characteristic sciatica symptoms after being involved in a car accident, taking a significant fall, or suffering a sports injury. Because the area around the sciatic nerve has likely been affected more severely, your symptoms are probably more likely to be severe. Your medical team can assess the degree of nerve damage and whether surgery, steroid injections, or prescription medications are necessary. You’ll learn specific exercises that will strengthen your lower back. Strong muscles help support the region surrounding your sciatic nerve and guard against further harm. 

    Severe Symptoms

    The symptoms that follow a major compression of your sciatic nerve can go from unpleasant to extremely painful. They may even become embarrassing in particular situations. Sometimes it’s impossible to move your foot or leg. On one side, you can get numb and feeble. If you have sudden, severe pain, it’s usually time to see a physical therapist to start pain relief. Another warning sign? The region of the sciatic nerve that regulates bowel and/or bladder function is susceptible to compression. This might lead to incontinence problems. It goes without saying that you should seek professional assistance if you become unable to control one or both of these processes. Go to a doctor to rule out any more issues.

    Home Remedies No Longer Working

    Everyone enjoys a good home remedy, am I right? You have a lot of options for treating a minor sciatica flare-up at home. A traditional method of treating sciatica problems involves alternating between cold and heat. For each application, you can use an ice pack for roughly 15 minutes before switching to a heating pad. It may also be beneficial to sleep with a pillow between your knees. Since “babying” your problem might actually make it worse, going for walks frequently helps reduce sciatica discomfort. Although these techniques might be useful for treating minor sciatica, there are situations when physical therapy is a far more effective course of action. If your at-home remedies are having little to no impact on lessening the discomfort and restricted motion, or if your pain lasts more than a week, you should speak with a physical therapist.

  • Treatment for Spider Veins

    Treatment for Spider Veins

    Spider veins are small damaged veins that appear closely on the surface of the legs or face. They usually occur due to damaged or weak veins that allow some blood to pool in the veins. Increased pressure or sun damage can cause spider veins. Most people with spider veins Land O Lakes seek treatment for aesthetic reasons.

    If you have spider veins, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more treatments.

    Compression stockings

    Compression stockings or socks gently squeeze the veins in your legs; this pressure improves blood flow and prevents other spider veins. Wearing compression stockings can also bring down swelling and lessen the risk of blood clots in the legs. There are different types of compression stockings, including support pantyhose, gradient compression stockings, and prescription compression stockings. Support pantyhose provides the slightest pressure, and gradient compression stockings provide medium pressure around the calves, ankles, and feet; you can find them in pharmacies or specialist stores.

    Prescription compression stockings are only available on prescription; they provide the most pressure to the feet and legs. They are available in different strengths, sizes, and styles. For example, some are knee-length, and some extend to the thighs. Others have an opening at the toes, and some are enclosed. Patients with health problems such as heart failure and other heart problems should not wear prescription compression stockings.

    Sclerotherapy

    Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure whereby your healthcare provider injects a solution directly into the affected vein. The solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to clump together and restrict blood flow into the area. Sclerotherapy can reduce swelling and cause the spider veins to fade or vanish over time. The spider veins may not disappear after a single treatment; you may need several treatments for optimal results.

    Treatment can occur at your doctor’s office and usually requires no anesthesia. After sclerotherapy, you may need to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks; it may take up to six weeks and multiple treatments for the spider veins to disappear.

    Endovenous laser therapy

    Endovenous laser therapy is a newer treatment for spider veins and varicose veins. A healthcare provider cuts the affected vein to insert a laser fiber for this procedure. The laser applies heat to the vein, causing its walls to collapse and shut close. Results do not appear immediately; it may take several months or a year for the veins to disappear. Endovenous laser therapy uses local anesthesia.

    Laser treatment

    Doctors also use lasers to treat spider veins; a laser device focuses a concentrated light beam on spider veins, causing them to clot and dry up. Treatment is best suited for people with small spider veins close to the skin surface. Unlike sclerotherapy and endovenous laser therapy, this treatment is less invasive since it requires no injection or incision.

    Surgery is usually not an option with spider veins since they are small and respond well to the less invasive treatments above. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes like staying mobile, maintaining a healthy weight, and elevating legs are enough to treat spider veins.

    If you have further questions about spider veins, consult your healthcare provider at Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates. 

  • 6 Incredible Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

    6 Incredible Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

    As you get older, your body and skin go through many changes, some of which are more noticeable than others. If you are concerned about the signs of aging in your face, such as wrinkles and fine lines, Houston laser skin resurfacing may help you feel and look younger.

    Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive procedure that can help you get a fresh look with less downtime. If you are considering this procedure, here are some of its benefits you should know;

    1. It tightens the skin and boosts collagen production

    Your skin’s elasticity deteriorates as you get older. Gravity works against you by pulling everything down, and your skin will lose its ability to recover over time. Laser skin resurfacing improves skin elasticity, promotes collagen production in the treated areas, and increases collagen absorption in the nearby untreated regions. Therefore, you may notice instant, firmer, and more youthful results that keep improving over time.

    2. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

    As you age, wrinkles and Fine lines and wrinkles may start to appear on your skin. If you reduce these indications of aging, you will not only seem younger, but your skin will also look healthier and smoother. Laser skin resurfacing works well to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.

    3. Minimize the appearance of prominent blood vessels

    Prominent blood vessels, often known as spider veins or broken capillaries, are unsightly blemishes caused by skin irritation, sun exposure, or other causes such as alcoholism or hormones. In most cases, spider veins may be eliminated in only one or two laser skin resurfacing treatments.

    4. Treat acne scars, injury scars, and surgical scars

    Acne scars are a tough problem to solve or conceal. Some individuals struggle with acne even into adulthood, resulting in scarred and uneven skin t texture. Accidental or surgical scars may also impact your look and self-confidence. While the outcomes may vary from individual to individual, laser skin resurfacing is an excellent way to minimize scars and hide them. Scars may be eliminated completely in some circumstances.

    5. Reduce the size of enlarged pores

    The two most common causes of increased pores are age and genetics. Large pores make your skin seem uneven and rough, making you self-conscious when you are close to others. Laser skin resurfacing treatments may shrink larger pores and make your skin appear smooth and even. The effects endure for a long time in most cases.

    6. Evens Out Skin Tone and Texture

    Uneven skin texture is a challenging condition to solve, and serums and lotions are not always effective. You may enhance the look of uneven texture by utilizing lasers to eliminate the top layers of skin, resulting in a smooth and even texture.

    Laser skin resurfacing treatment has become popular among many individuals because of its many benefits. It helps to minimize wrinkles, reduce scars, minimize large pores and promote collagen production for younger and beautiful skin.

    Call Dr. Yeung to schedule an appointment for laser skin resurfacing to rejuvenate your skin.

  • How Does Diabetes Management Work?

    How Does Diabetes Management Work?

    Diabetes is among the most common chronic diseases, affecting over 34 million individuals in the US. Without proper management, diabetes is a significant cause of severe medical cases, such as heart attacks, stroke, or kidney failure. It’s also a leading cause of death worldwide. A healthy lifestyle can help you prevent type 2 diabetes. Humble diabetes and obesity specialist Juan Carlos Zubieta, MD, offers comprehensive care for diabetes to help you manage and improve your quality. Keep reading to understand how you can manage diabetes.

    What is diabetes?

    It is a disease that occurs due to excess glucose or sugar in your blood. Usually, high blood sugar is not suitable for your health and may result in various health conditions. Medical diabetes management is therefore essential to help you get through your daily routine.

    Diabetes occurs in two different forms that affect your health. Dr. Zubieta and the North Houston Diabetes Institute team are here to help you control your diabetes. Feel free to schedule your consultation right away.

    Type 1 diabetes

    It is common in children. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas fails to produce insulin or enough insulin to handle the glucose in the blood.

    Type 2 diabetes

    This type of diabetes results from unhealthy lifestyle habits, including eating habits or excess weight. However, some type 2 diabetes occurs when the body fails to effectively use the insulin produced by your pancreas.

    Other than type 1 and 2 diabetes, you may also experience prediabetes which occurs when the blood sugar is higher than usual. Gestational diabetes may occur when you have diabetes during pregnancy.

    How do you keep your health in line when you have diabetes?

    Usually, your body’s immune system goes down when you have an existing medical condition. Your provider at North Houston Diabetes Institute keeps a record of your health to note the changes and modify your treatment plans to deal with the health changes.

    They provide frequent digital report cards with in-depth details about different levels of your health.

    Your provider marks out the health areas affected by your diabetes, which requires close attention.

    Your diabetes assessment checks the following;

    • Eye function
    • Hemoglobin levels
    • Kidney function
    • Body mass index (BMI)
    • Blood pressure reading
    • Hypoglycemia levels
    • Kidney function
    • Foot function
    • Your risk of cardiovascular disease

    How does diabetes management work?

    You need to take good care of your health when you have diabetes. A diabetic management plan is different for everyone, depending on your specific areas of concern.

    Patients with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes may require daily insulin intake to restore the insulin the body needs for proper functioning.

    You may also need to lose your excess weight through customized weight loss plans to help lower your risk of diabetes complications. Any extent of weight loss has a significant effect on improving your diabetes. General healthy living may also help manage your diabetes.

    Diabetes becomes a problem without medical management. However, you can live a quality life with a proper diabetic management plan. Contact North Houston Diabetes Institute today to schedule your consultation or book your appointment online.

  • Enhance Your Mobility Through Vascular Treatment

    Enhance Your Mobility Through Vascular Treatment

    Have you ever encountered a car with a fuel problem? The fuel does not get to the engine, and therefore it cannot move? That is the same encounter that happens when blood in the human body cannot circulate to the vital organs. Peripheral Arterial Diseases involve blockage of the arteries by plaques leading to an abnormal flow of blood due to narrowing of the arteries. People with this condition will have difficulties walking and carrying out other mobile activities. If you are struggling with this condition, South Florida Vascular Associates is well known for its excellence in vascular care. The team of specialists boasts of years of experience and specializes in minimally invasive procedures to treat the problem. Here are some facts about peripheral arterial diseases you must know before booking your appointment.

    Sometimes The Symptoms Are Not Visible

    Most of the time, it is not easy to spot the PAD symptoms, which can be dangerous. Some evident symptoms are having a feeling of heaviness or burning in the limps when moving or exercising. The sensation disappears when you stop moving. The feeling is that your artery cannot expand further for more blood flow to the legs and arms. Inactive patients have no symptoms since they do not require excess blood due to inactivity. In extreme cases, one may experience poor growth; wounds fail to heal, skin changes on your feet, and pain in the legs when laying down.

    High Risk If Untreated

    PAD may cause serious issues due to the artery blockage in your body. Arteries are a major supplier of oxygenated blood, and if they are unable to pass it to vital organs, problems such as stroke, aneurysms, and cardiovascular complications may occur. If it persists without being diagnosed, it may lead to death.

    PAD Increases the Chances of Heart Conditions

    The chances of a person with PAD having cardiovascular complications are high since there are blockages in the body. People with peripheral arterial disease have a higher than usual chance of developing heart attacks and heart failure and therefore require immediate attention to help diagnose the problem to avoid these conditions.

    The aged Are at a Higher Risk of Getting PAD

    Peripheral arterial disease is more evident in people above 50 years. People of this age and above should listen to their body behavior, including pain in their legs, since it may be PAD symptoms. The pain is normal at any age, but one should seek medical attention to rule out the availability of peripheral arterial disease.

    Diabetic People Have Higher Risk of Developing PAD

    People with diabetes face a lot of challenges with their diet. This may lead to them developing PAD, which may lead to amputation if not well taken care of. It is essential to receive adequate care from a vascular specialist to prevent the loss.

    Adequate blood flows into the body is important as it helps your body obtain all essential nutrients hence keeping it healthy. People have struggled with peripheral arterial disease since they do not know where to seek treatment while others assume the pain. Do not struggle with unending pain and live your normal life while you can get a remedy. You can begin by scheduling an online consultation or calling their office today.

  • What is Laser Hair Removal?

    What is Laser Hair Removal?

    The pubic hair region or bikini line can be tricky to groom, but bikini laser hair removal can help you avoid ingrown hairs, razor bumps, dry skin, itchiness, and rash. Unlike your traditional hair removal methods, such as shaving, waxing, and threading, laser hair removal delays growth for an extended period. It, therefore, eliminates the constant need to shave, making it a better alternative to other hair removal methods.

    What is laser hair removal?

    Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of laser light to remove unwanted hair on body parts such as your legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini line. It can be used nearly on all body parts except the eyelids and surrounding areas due to the possibility of severe eye injury. Besides the eyelids and surrounding areas, laser hair removal cannot also be used on skin with tattoos.

    How does laser hair removal work?

    During laser hair removal, the laser device emits light absorbed by the dark pigment in the hair (melanin). The light is then converted to heat energy which destroys the hair follicles beneath the skin, inhibiting or delaying hair growth for an extended period. As a basic principle, the hair pigment and not the skin should absorb the light. Therefore, people with dark hair and light skin get the best outcomes after laser hair removal. Little contrast between skin and hair increases the risk of skin damage, but advancement in technology has made laser hair removal an option for people with dark skin.

    Because the melanin in the hair absorbs the light, the procedure is less effective for people with hair colors that don’t absorb light well. For example, you might not attain optimal results if you have red, gray, white, or blond hair.

    The risks of laser hair removal

    The risk of side effects differs depending on skin type, hair color, and pre-treatment and post-treatment care compliance. It is typical for the treated area to appear red, swollen, and tender immediately after treatment, but these side effects are temporary and improve within a few days. The treated areas may darken or lighten – skin lightening usually occurs if you don’t avoid sun exposure before and after treatment.

    Although rare, laser hair removal can cause some changes in skin texture; for example, you may have crusting, blistering, or scarring.

    Laser hair removal is a safe treatment when performed by a board-certified doctor in a specialty such as cosmetic surgery or dermatology. Working with nonmedical personnel increases the risk of skin damage. For this reason, you should avoid spas, salons, and other facilities that allow untrained people to perform the treatment.

    What happens during laser hair removal?

    The practitioner may apply a cooling gel on your skin or use a laser with a cooling device on the tip to lessen the risk of side effects. Next, your provider activates the laser device and presses it on your skin for the heat to damage the hair follicles. You may feel a warm pinprick, but you will likely feel a cold sensation from the cooling device.

    If you are tired of everyday shaving, visit your specialist at Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center for laser hair removal to enjoy smooth and hair-free skin. 

  • Spinal Fusion: An Effective Treatment For Spine Injury

    Spinal Fusion: An Effective Treatment For Spine Injury

    The spine is a complex organ in the body due to its significant role in promoting posture and mobility. One of the contributing factors to the spine’s complexity is its structure comprising the vertebrae. Vertebrae are bones in the spines. These bones have a connective tissue between them that ensures appropriate movement for the performance of specific activities. However, these bones are delicate and vulnerable to breakage upon injury to the spine via a traumatic event. Physicians may recommend Las Vegas spinal fusion, a procedure that results in the permanent connection of two or more vertebras to eliminate unnecessary movement causing pain.

    Spinal fusion is a complex procedure requiring comprehensive physician training and expertise to prevent potential complications that might worsen a patient’s condition. A surgeon is an appropriate personnel to perform a spinal fusion. This procedure involves placing bone-like material between spinal bones and using metal plates, screws and rods to hold the vertebrae.

    Why do physicians perform spinal fusion?

    Pain management is one of the most common reasons physicians incorporate spine fusion in a patient’s treatment plan. However, pain relief is not the only reason physicians perform a spinal fusion. This procedure also effectively corrects deformity and improves stability, a necessary factor in spinal movement.

    How does spinal fusion correct deformities?

    The spine has a specific curvature that promotes its function. However, any spine deformity in diseases like scoliosis or sideways curvature of the spine can hinder proper movement and cause excruciating pain. Physicians recommend spinal fusion to correct any deformities, including abnormalities in the spine structure, to optimize function.

    Can spinal fusion eliminate weakness and instability in the spine?

    Patients with underlying medical concerns like severe arthritis may experience spinal instability due to excess or abnormal movements between vertebrae. Spinal fusion can limit unnecessary motion, thus contributing to spinal stability.

    Can spinal fusion treat herniated discs?

    Most patients with herniated discs require surgical intervention to remove the complex structures and correct spinal integrity. Spinal fusion is a complementary procedure physicians perform on patients after surgery to remove damaged discs.

    What are the risks of spinal fusion?

    The spine is a highly complex organ and thus vulnerable to damage, especially during invasive therapeutic procedures. For this reason, patients should seek the assistance of trained and experienced physicians to avoid potential complications associated with the treatment. However, your doctor will discuss the potential risks of spinal fusion for you to decide where you want to proceed with the treatment. Some of the risk factors associated with spinal fusion include:

    • Infection
    • Blood clots
    • Excessive bleeding
    • Pain from the graft harvesting site
    • Injury to blood vessels and nerves at the treatment site

    It would be best to conduct thorough research on a physician before undergoing spinal fusion. You may ask your primary care provider to recommend an ice surgeon to perform the treatment safely and achieve desired outcomes. Contact McNulty Spine if you suspect the underlying cause of your chronic pain is vertebral injury. Discuss your options with a qualified specialist to determine if spinal fusion is an option.