If you suffer from back pain or neck pain that isn’t responding to conservative treatments like bed rest and physical therapy, a vertebroplasty could be the answer for you. This procedure provides immediate pain relief for many patients, and since it is minimally invasive, the recovery doesn’t require a long hospital stay. Here’s what you need to know about the vertebroplasty procedure and how it could help you beat your back pain.

What a Vertebroplasty Is

During a vertebroplasty , the doctor injects cement into tiny fractures in your vertebrae. This cement strengthens and stabilizes the vertebrae, putting an end to your back pain. The procedure can be performed using local or general anesthesia, and there is no hospital stay required. Most patients experience pain relief immediately, while others get gradual relief in the days following the procedure.

What a Vertebroplasty Is Used to Treat

Vertebroplasty procedures are used to treat vertebral compression fractures, or VCFs. These fractures are usually the result of osteoporosis, but can also be caused by cancer. The fractures allow your vertebrae to collapse, pinching your spinal nerves and causing pain. When the cracks are filled with cement, the compression of the nerve is stopped, so the pain disappears.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Vertebroplasty

Only a spine specialist can decide if a vertebroplasty is the right choice for your back pain. The procedure is generally well tolerated, and surgeons frequently use it when patients aren’t able to have open back surgery because of their age or because their bones are too weak.

Your doctor may recommend a different procedure if you have a herniated disc, arthritic back pain, or chronic vertebral fractures. If you have a lung condition that makes it difficult to lie on your stomach for the one to two hour procedure, your doctor may also choose a different treatment.

The Spine Institute of Nevada performs vertebroplasty procedures on-site, and we also offer non-invasive treatment options. If you’re experiencing back pain or neck pain, contact us today at (702) 239-3787 to schedule an appointment.

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that can range from mild to severe. Scoliosis usually develops during childhood, but it is also possible to develop secondary scoliosis as you age. There are a range of treatments for scoliosis available, depending on the severity of the condition.

With this video, you can learn about the characteristics of scoliosis and the treatments doctors use to correct it. Find out why mild cases of scoliosis may require nothing more than careful monitoring, while advanced cases may require surgery.

At the Spine Institute of Nevada , we can treat your scoliosis, no matter how severe your case. Call us today at (702) 239-3787 to arrange a consultation and learn about your treatment options.

Back pain doesn’t have to leave you on the sidelines during athletic competitions and activities. With proper warm-up techniques, you can still participate in the game while preventing spinal injuries. Here’s what you need to know about warming up your muscles to keep your spine safe.

Increases Circulation

It’s never a good idea to jump into an athletic activity of any kind without slowly getting your blood pumping. A slow jog or walk around a track, a few jumping jacks, or even just running in place can help increase your circulation and get you ready for competition. The increased circulation makes your muscles more flexible, so they’re ready to handle the activities they’re about to do. This circulation also brings more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, making them stronger and better able to protect your spine.

Stretches Your Muscles

Stretching your back muscles is a must before competition. Stretching the muscles makes them more pliable and better able to cope with the strain of athletic activity. Focus on stretching the muscles that will be used the most in your sport. Repetitive impact activities like running can take a toll on your lumbar, or lower, spine. Contact sports, like football and wrestling, put your cervical spine, or neck, at risk. In order to protect each portion of your spine, it is essential that your muscles are limber and ready for movement.

Eases You into Movement

Even after you’ve done other warm-ups, it’s important to ease into your athletic activity, especially in games where repetitive movements, such as swinging a bat, are involved. Before you enter the game, do some dry runs of your sport movements on the sidelines, building up your momentum and stretch each time. This activity will mean less strain for your muscles when you actually start playing at full force, helping you keep your back and spine safe.

Spinal injuries are common during sports, but the Spine Institute of Nevada can get you back in the game. If you’re experiencing back pain or neck pain, call Dr. Perry and the rest of the team at (702) 239-3787 to learn how we can help you tackle your spinal issues.