Acupuncture
This is a system of Chinese medicine that corrects energy imbalances within the body. Very thin needles are placed strategically into the skin to alleviate pain.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy
Surgery of the upper spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots, or on the spinal cord. The procedure is performed on the anterior (front) cervical (neck) area, and a portion of the disk (diskectomy) is removed.
Biofeedback
This treatment option involves learning relaxation techniques, stress management, and pain-coping skills.
Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)
Bone spurs are bony overgrowths often found around arthritic joints. These bone growths may cause nerve impingement. Symptoms include pain; numbness; burning; pins and needles in the extremities below the affected nerve; and muscle spasm, cramping, weakness, and/or loss of muscular control of a body part.
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures result from external trauma (falling) or weakness of the vertebrae (osteoporosis), causing one or more vertebrae to crush or wedge. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the symptoms range from back pain to radiating pain to loss of strength or sensation in the legs. Minimally invasive techniques such as Kyphoplasty or VertebraplastyTM can be used to reduce symptoms and enhance recovery from compression fractures.
CyberKnife®
This is a new form of stereotactic radiosurgery that incorporates science adapted from guided missile technology in the treatment of tumors. Sinai Hospital is the only medical facility in the state to have this technology.
Degenerative Disk Disease
Disks act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae of the spine. Over time these disks can wear down decreasing space where the nerves exit the vertebra. Pain may or may not be associated with the initial onset of the disease. When pain is associated it can take the form of back pain, leg pain and/or weakness due to compression of the nerve roots.
Herniated Disks
Disks are located between the vertebrae of the spine and have a jelly-like center. A herniated disk occurs when the center bulges or ruptures pushing the outer edge of the disk into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerves. Symptoms may include dull or sharp pain, muscle spasm or cramping, sciatica, and leg weakness or loss of leg function. Sneezing, coughing or bending usually intensifies the pain. According to recent statistis, about one in every 50 people experience a herniated disk.
InFUSETM Bone Graft/LT CageTM
This surgery involves fusing or "welding" the affected bones, or vertabrae, together through the use of a revolutionary biological protein, known as BMP, that stimulates bone growth. This technique eliminates the bone harvesting procedure typically performed for spinal fusion surgery.
Injections
Medications, heat or cold treatment can be given through injection procedures, which involve placement of a needle or similar probe into or near a part of the spine. Injections may relieve pain and swelling and are considered an adjunct treatment that facilitates participation in an active exercise program.
Kyphoplasty
This minimally invasive treatment option involves placing needles through the skin and injecting bone cement into the fractured or affected vertebrae. The procedure often results in immediate relief of pain caused by compression fractures and some types of spinal tumors.
Medications
Generally given orally, medications are given to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, control muscle spasm, and correct sleep problems. The goal of medication is to allow participation in an active rehabilitation program that promotes healing and a return to back health.
Osteoarthritis of the Spine
Arthritis is the gradual wear and tear of the cushioning tissues that line the joints. When arthritis affects the spine, vertebrae rub together, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of motion. Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs can also result. When arthritis is severe and left untreated, it can result in spinal deformity.
Osteoporosis of the Spine
Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease where bone mass and density are lost making bones extremely susceptible to fractures. When osteoporosis affects the spine, the symptoms may include chronic pain, loss of mobility and an alteration of physical appearance.
Physical Therapy
The specific needs of the patient are evaluated when developing a physical therapy program. Trained physical therapists then guide the patient through a customized treatment program that may include body mechanics, stretching, strengthening, conditioning and aquatic exercises.
Pinched Nerves
A nerve can be pinched as it leaves the spine by a herniated disk or by bone spurs that form from spinal arthritis. This impingement impairs the nerve’s ability to transmit the tiny electrical charges that control muscle power causing symptoms such as loss of sensation in the legs, skin numbness and/or loss of muscle contracture. Other symptoms include radiating pain into affected limbs.
Posterior Lumbar Decompression/Laminectomy
Surgery performed on the lower back to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. The procedure involves removal of one or more overlapping bony arches (laminae).
Posterior Lumbar Discectomy
Surgery of the lower spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots. The procedure is performed on the posterior (back) of the lumbar (lower back) area and a portion of the disk (diskectomy) is removed.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A generalized inflammatory condition that typically affects the upper spine. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include headache, neck pain, weakness in the arms and legs, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever and difficulty sleeping.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis occurs when the spine curves from side-to-side. Known causes include hereditary, degenerative changes of the spine and osteoporosis. Initial treatment may include an orthopedic brace. If bracing does not control the curve, surgery may be necessary.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. When one of the nerves that branch off of it becomes compressed in the lumbar spine, the result is a traveling pain beginning at the buttock radiating down to the thigh, knee and may be felt in the feet. The pain may be dull, sharp, burning or accompanied by intermittent shocks of shooting pain.
Spinal Fusion (Anterior and Posterior)
A spinal fusion is a "welding" process by which two or more of the small bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column are fused together into a single solid bone.
During surgery, InFuseTM Bone Graft or bone grafts harvested from the patient are used to fuse the bones.
Spinal Injuries and Trauma
Motor vehicle accidents, sports and job-related injuries or other accidents can cause injury to the spine that range from mild to severe. The Sinai Spine Center treats all types of spinal trauma including whiplash, dislocations, disk herniation and fractures.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal, which contains and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots, narrows and pinches the spinal cord and nerves causing pain and loss of sensation. This narrowing is a result of the degeneration, wearing down, of the vertebral joint and disks. Symptoms include pain while walking or standing. Progressive subtle loss of motor or muscular use of one or both lower extremities may result if the condition is left untreated.
Spine Tumors
Spinal tumors can start in the boney vertebrae or come from a secondary source in the body (metastases). They may be associated with back pain or weakness. Advanced surgical techniques are available for removal of these lesions. In some cases a revolutionary, minimally invasive technology, called the CyberKnife®, can be used to treat cancerous tumors.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward on the adjacent vertebrae due to instability caused by arthritic wear and tear, a developmental defect or a fracture. This will produce both a gradual deformity of the lower spine and also a narrowing of the vertebral canal. The most common symptom is low back pain.
Thoracoscopic Spinal Surgery
Instead of operating on the front of the spine through a large incision in the chest, surgery is performed through three or four half-inch incisions. Instruments are inserted through the small incisions along with a small scope equipped with a camera, allowing the surgeon to see inside the chest.
