What Is a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (XLIF)?
“Lateral lumbar interbody fusion” is a mouthful, which is why many doctors and their patients prefer the initials XLIF. Besides being a lot of words to spit out, the procedure sounds daunting. The exact opposite is true, however, because the XLIF is one of those minimally invasive options that have put the Southeast Spine Institute […]
What Is a Rhizotomy?
Stave off debilitating back pain for long periods of time A rhizotomy addresses back pain due to facet joint syndrome. Facet joints line the back of your spine, both protecting your spinal column and stabilizing the vertebrae of your spine. Facet joints limit the flexibility in your back so you can’t fall over backward. When […]
What Is a Kyphoplasty?
With age or after an injury, your back may not respond as well to more conventional types of back treatments as it should. So instead of suffering, the spine surgeons at the Southeastern Spine Institute (SSI) may turn to fairly new technology to give your back a bit of bionic rebirth. The new procedure is […]
When Is Spinal Fusion Surgery Necessary?
Surgery always is a choice of last resort, but it may provide the most relief. It sounds scary. It sounds like you might end up walking as if you had a stick up your back. But while spinal fusion surgery is a serious treatment for complicated back problems, in capable hands, it will enhance your […]
Can You Go Running After Back Surgery?
Walking, exercising and moving are integral components of back surgery recovery. The primary mantra to remember when moving into each new activity is to take it slowly. Ease into each new movement, testing how it feels, how far you can go before you experience pain and how you feel when you stop. Even runners who […]
The Limitations After Back Surgery
At the Southeastern Spine Institute, even back surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so after an observation period, you get to return home to recuperate. But while you’re bound to be more comfortable in your own home, you still need to follow your doctor’s recommendations, especially during the first weeks of your recovery. You’ll […]
The Best Candidates for Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery prevents movement between vertebrae that are rubbing against each other and causing you pain. After the procedure, the two vertebrae are fused together, eliminating any movement between them. Your pain should then completely disappear, permanently. While the spinal doctors at the Southeastern Spine Institute perform surgical procedures only as a last resort […]
A Brief History of Back Surgery
Rapid changes in back surgery techniques continue to improve safety and shorten recovery. In general, medical science and research have enhanced surgical procedures drastically since the 1950s. Back surgery in particular has seen dramatic shifts in both availability and effectiveness. Spinal surgery and neurosurgery were only in the infant stages in 1950; surgeons weren’t even […]
How to Avoid Going Back for More Surgery
Recover from back surgery completely while returning to normal activity. If conservative treatments for your back pain don’t yield results, you must undergo back surgery to get back to your normal, healthy self. And while the Southeastern Spine Institute boasts some of the most experienced and competent back surgeons in the country to guide your […]
10 Important Questions to Ask Before Your Back Surgery
Know what to expect. If your spine physician at the Southeastern Spine Institute (SSI) tells you that you need back surgery, it’s most likely that your symptoms and condition haven’t responded to more conservative treatments. In this case, surgery may be the best course of action to relieve your back pain. But before you submit […]