Ramsey Back Surgery Doctor: Do You Need One?

Looking for a Back Surgery Doctor in Ramsey? Let Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Help!

Have you or a loved one been suffering from back pain, but brushing it off as just normal aches and pains? This may be true, but if the pain is severe or persistent, and especially if the pain is accompanied by sciatica or difficulty walking, and has gone untreated, then you may have a more serious condition that requires expert treatment. In this article we will explore your treatment options with a Ramsey back surgery doctor. Rest assured, if you do need treatment, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute’s Orthopaedic Spine Specialists are uniquely prepared to treat your back pain.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for visits to primary care physicians’ offices. Over 80% of people will experience moderate to severe lower back pain at some point in their adult lives. This means that many people utilize an orthopaedic spine specialist. NJ is fortunate to be the home to the experts at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute.

Anatomy of the Spine

Your spine is made of 33 individual bones stacked one on top of the other. This spinal column provides the main support for your body, allowing you to stand upright, bend, and twist, all while protecting the spinal cord from injury. Strong muscles and bones, flexible tendons and ligaments, and sensitive nerves contribute to a healthy spine. If any of these structures are affected by strain, injury, or disease, it can cause pain.

• Cervical Spine. The cervical spine makes up the neck. Its main function is to support the weight of the head. The seven cervical vertebrae are numbered C1 to C7. The neck has the greatest range of motion because of two specialized vertebrae that connect to the skull.

• Thoracic Spine. Located in the mid back, the main function of the thoracic spine is to hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs. The twelve thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to T12. The range of motion in the thoracic spine is limited.

• Lumbar Spine. Located in the lower back, the main function of the lumbar spine is to bear the weight of the body. The five lumbar vertebrae are numbered L1 to L5. These vertebrae are much larger in size to absorb the stress of lifting and carrying heavy objects.

Back muscles stabilize your spine. Something as common as poor muscle tone or a large belly can pull your entire body out of alignment. Misalignment puts incredible strain on the spine.

Diagnosing Causes of Back Pain

Your healthcare provider will need to perform diagnostic imaging to find out the cause of your back pain.

• X-ray. This test provides information on the bones in the spine. An x-ray is often used to check for spinal instability.

• CT scan. This test is a very detailed x-ray that includes cross section images. CT scans provide details about the bones in the spine. They may also be used to check for specific conditions, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

• MRI. An MRI scan is particularly useful to assess certain conditions by providing detail of the intervertebral disc and nerve roots (which may be irritated or pinched).

Based on your imaging and a thorough examination, your orthopaedic provider will develop a treatment plan for your back pain. When searching for the best spine surgeons in NJ, consider the following information.

Treating Back Pain

The benefit for patients of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is that we offer services that care for you as a whole person. This includes exploring avenues for treatment such as physical therapy. Physical therapy is the cornerstone of back pain treatment. As pain improves, the therapist can teach you exercises that can increase your flexibility, strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, and improve your posture. Regular use of these techniques can help prevent pain from returning.

Surgical options are usually reserved for pain related to structural problems of the spinal column that have not responded to other therapy. The decision for surgery is a serious one and should be made by you and your orthopaedic physician. Spine surgeons in NJ will base this upon your very specific condition and take into account your unique health history.

For more information on a Ramsey back surgery doctor, please visit Rothman Orthopaedic Institute here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.