• What Happens During a Scoliosis Screening?

    Scoliosis is a deformity that causes the spine to assume a curved shape. This video demonstrates what takes place when a child undergoes a scoliosis screening.

    Spine doctors recommend scoliosis screenings during childhood so that the condition can be found and addressed in its early stages. A child getting a scoliosis screening must disrobe from the waist up, though female participants can wear a bikini top or athletic bra. The scoliosis screener may ask the participant to first stand straight. She may then request that the participant bend forward while standing forward, backward, and sideways. These actions can provide the screener with the information needed to determine a possible scoliosis diagnosis.

    The Spine Institute of Nevada provides spine treatment for patients residing in the greater Las Vegas region. Call us today at (702) 239-3787 for more information. 

  • Spinal Fusion Surgery: Spotlight on Recovery

    When an intervertebral disc breaks down, it can lead to bone-on-bone abrasion. The subsequent pain that such a condition can produce may warrant spinal fusion surgery . This procedure removes the damaged disc and fuses the vertebrae on either side of it. Though spinal fusion surgery can provide significant long-term relief for patients, those who undergo it should be aware of what the recovery process may entail.

    Spinal Fusion Surgery, Las Vegas, LV

    Managing Discomfort

    The goal of spinal fusion surgery is to alleviate chronic neck or back pain. However, in the days and weeks ensuing the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, a common side effect of any surgical procedure. However, physicians have at their disposal a wide range of pain relief options . Some patients cope well with oral medications, while others may require occasional injections at the surgical site to ease pain. Depending on the severity of the discomfort, some spinal fusion surgery recipients may receive special equipment that can deliver pain-relieving medication as needed with a control device.

    Minimizing Movement

    To be effective, spinal fusion surgery depends on the successful fusion of the treated vertebrae. However, bone fusion can take several weeks to months, which is why doctors may strongly urge their patients to limit their activities while their bodies heal. Only with time can the vertebrae become strong enough to withstand normal bodily demands once again.

    Regaining Strength

    As the bones get stronger, doctors may recommend that their spinal fusion surgery patients undergo rehabilitation to help the process along. Physical therapy in particular can be highly effectively in helping individuals regain their strength in a safe and controlled environment. Trained physical therapists understand the limitations that their patients have. While undergoing rehabilitation, spinal fusion surgery recipients can rest assured that their physical therapists will help them on their road to recovery without pushing them to do too much too soon.

    Is spinal fusion surgery the right treatment option for you? To learn more about this procedure, call the Spine Institute of Nevada at (702) 239-3787. We offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment services for those living in Las Vegas and the surrounding communities.

  • What Are the Symptoms of Spine Compression Fractures?

    Spine Compression Fracture Treatment in Las Vegas, LV

    Spine compression fractures are particularly common among older adults who have osteoporosis. This type of fracture involves the collapse of the vertebra. A common indicator of a spine compression fracture is back pain or neck pain. The pain may develop suddenly or become worse over time. Often, patients report some relief of pain while lying down; however, the pain may worsen with activity, particularly bending or twisting.

    Since this type of fracture is the collapse of a vertebra, another sign of it is the loss of height. However, the loss of height may only be noticeable when more than one fracture has occurred. Multiple compression fractures increases the risk of complications, such as hip pain, stomach pain, and breathing problems, due to the pressure exerted on other internal structures. Additionally, many people discover that they have compression fractures when they notice the spine has developed an abnormal curvature.

    Dr. Perry of the Spine Institute of Nevada offers minimally invasive procedures to treat compression fractures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Call our  back pain treatment center in Nevada at (702) 239-3787 for more information.

  • Understanding Spine Anatomy

    The spine is one of the most important anatomical features of the human body. A remarkable combination of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, the spine serves a number of important functions, not the least of which is providing mobility and strength. If you are suffering from back pain , the discomfort may be the result of a problem within the spine. To help paint a picture of the relationship between spine health and back pain, here is a look at the anatomy of your spine.

    Understanding Spine Anatomy - Spine Institute of Nevada

    The Cervical Spine

    This section of the spine has seven vertebral bones that get smaller as they get closer to the base of the skull. A majority of the rotation of the cervical spine comes from the top two segments. Acute neck pain is most often caused by a muscle, ligament, or tendon strain in the cervical spine.

    The Thoracic Spine

    The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebral bones in the upper back. Firm attachment at the rib cage at each level of the thoracic spine provides stability and structural support to the upper back. While injuries to the thoracic spine are rare, irritation of the upper back and shoulder muscles can produce noticeable back pain.

    The Lumbar Spine

    The lumbar spine carries all the weight of the torso, making it the most frequently injured area of the spine. The two lowest discs in the lumbar spine take the most strain and are the most likely to be injured. Herniation to these discs causes lower back pain that radiates through the leds and down to the feet (also known as sciatica).

    The Sacral Spine

    Situated below the lumbar spine is the sacrum, a triangular bone that fits between the two halves of the pelvis and connects the spine to the lower half of the body. Pain in the sacrum (sacroiliac joint dysfunction) is more common in women than men, as is tailbone pain (coccydynia).

    If you are suffering from back pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Perry at the Spine Institute of Nevada . Dr. Perry’s Spine Institute of Nevada offers the most advanced techniques to help ease back and neck pain. Visit our website to learn more about our surgical and non-surgical treatments, or call us at (702) 239-3787 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Perry.

  • Get the Facts about Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the joints in your body by causing a breakdown of cartilage where two bones meet and form the joint. As the cartilage breaks down, bones rub together and joints become swollen and painful and/or difficult to move. Osteoarthritis mainly affects the hands, neck, and lower back. Watch this video to learn more about the causes and symptoms of osteoarthritis.   

    Neck and lower back pain may be caused by osteoarthritis. Fortunately, Dr. Perry’s Spine Institute of Nevada can help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis so you can move comfortably without pain or discomfort. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perry to discuss your back and neck pain, contact the Spine Institute of Nevada online or by calling (702) 239-3787.