Spine Center Atlanta

Motor Vehicle Accidents and Injuries in the United States

May 13th, 2013

In America, we are a society that loves our cars. We love the freedom of being able to go wherever we want to go, whenever we want to go, without having to coordinate our schedules around a public transportation schedule. And, Americans love the feeling of hitting the open road, rolling the windows down and turning the radio up. Unlike the people in many European countries, many Americans look at their cars as much more than simply a means of getting from one place to another; for many of us, our cars are a reflection of our personal style.

This is all fine and good, except for the reality that car accidents are currently one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2009, more than 2.3 million adult drivers and passengers were treated in emergency rooms across the U.S. for injuries sustained in care accidents. These motor vehicle accident injuries ranged from serious head traumas to broken bones to soft tissue injuries such as whiplash. The CDC as well as other various organizations are making a concerted effort to make our roads safer. These efforts include improving car seat and seat belt use, reducing drunk and distracted driving and focusing education on teens and older drivers.

Many of these programs are having a positive effect on the safety of our roads, but we still have a long way to go! If you are injured in an automobile accident, it can have a devastating effect on your life. Unfortunately for many, these effects can last for years or even the remainder of their lives. Whiplash is one of the most common conditions resulting from injuries sustained during automobile accidents. The term “whiplash” is used to describe a series of neck injuries caused by a sudden distortion of the neck. It commonly occurs when a car is “rear ended” or struck by another car from behind. This common injury can cause acute or chronic neck pain that ranges in severity. In severe cases, whiplash can be debilitating.

If you have suffered whiplash as a result of an automobile accident, you do not have to simply live with the pain. There are a variety of effective treatments that can be used to manage the pain and other symptoms associated with this condition. Since each case of whiplash is unique, your treatment plan should be individualized to your specific case. SpineCenterAtlanta offers a comprehensive approach to treating whiplash injury that may include any combination of the following treatments: oral and/or injectable pain and anti-inflammatory medications, interventional treatments, physical therapy, medical massage, chiropractic therapy and acupuncture. If needed, we also offer minimally invasive, Endoscopic Spine Surgery. If you are suffering from whiplash as a result of a motor vehicle accident, give us a call today so we can get you on the road to improved function and better overall health. Please remember to drive safely!

Posted on the behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Aquatic Therapy, Physical Therapy | No Comments »

Sciatica: Causes and Treatments

May 6th, 2013

Your Sciatic nerve is a large nerve that begins in your lower back and runs through the buttock and down your lower limb. It is the largest and widest nerve in your body. Lumbar Radiculopathy, commonly referred to as “Sciatica”, is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, weakness and/or tingling affecting the leg, buttocks and/or foot. This painful condition can is caused by a compression of a spinal root in the lower back. The compressed nerve root can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and think it may be due to Sciatica, it is important to visit a spine center to obtain a proper diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with Sciatica, there are a number of treatments that can be used to alleviate or eliminate your pain and other symptoms and to improve your function. Common treatments for Sciatica include oral and injectable medications to relieve pain and inflammation, physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments. Any combination of these types of treatments may be used to manage your specific symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be required to help you achieve long-term symptom relief.

If not treated and managed appropriately, Sciatica can be a serious and debilitating condition leading to decreased function, loss of productivity and a reduced quality of life. However, this does not have to be the case. SpineCenterAtlanta is pleased to offer a variety of state-of-the-art treatments and effective solutions for Sciatica to the residents of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area and the Southeast. Our spine center of excellence features Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeons, Spine Surgeons and Interventional Spine Physicians as well as an ancillary staff of licensed Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Medical Massage Therapists and Acupuncturists. Our team is dedicated to helping patients with Sciatica find long-term relief from their symptoms and an improved quality of life. If you are suffering from Sciatica, please call SpineCenterAtlanta today to schedule an appointment so we can get you on the road to improved health.

Posted on the behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Pain Management, Sciatica | No Comments »

Spinal Stenosis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

April 15th, 2013

Spinal Stenosis is a condition characterized by a narrowing of the spinal cord. It can occur in the neck (Cervical Spinal Stenosis) or in the lower part of the spine (Lumbar Spinal Stenosis). It results from degeneration of bones, discs or joints in the spine that can occur with age and overuse.

This degeneration can cause vertebrae to slip out of their normal alignment and rub against each other. Damage from the rubbing causes the formation of bone spurs. The bone spurs may push into the spinal canal or foramen space. This degenerative process can create pressure against the spinal cord or nerve roots, a condition often referred to as a “pinched nerve.” A pinched nerve can cause symptoms such as pain, weakness and numbing. The location of the symptoms will depend on the location of the pinched nerve.

There are a variety of different options available for treating Spinal Stenosis. Your treatment options will depend on the location and severity of your symptoms. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy may be effective in treating the symptoms of Spinal Stenosis. In more severe cases, steroid injections can be used to help you find relief from your symptoms. In the most severe cases, surgery may be required.

SpineCenterAtlanta is pleased to offer a variety of cutting-edge techniques and procedures that can be used in the treatment of Spinal Stenosis. If you are suffering from symptoms such as spine pain and/or weakness or numbness in the extremities, it may be due to Spinal Stenosis. Schedule an appointment with one of our expert spine physicians today so we can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment or treatments to help you achieve long-term pain relief and an improved quality of life.

Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Neck and Back Pain, Spinal Stenosis | No Comments »

What is Acupunture and How Does It Help?

April 9th, 2013

Acupuncture is a healing technique that originates from China and has been practiced there for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of very thin needles through a patient’s skin at specific points on the body. According to the traditional Chinese medicine approach, stimulating specific acupuncture points in the body corrects imbalances in the flow of Qi or life energy through channels known as meridians.

During the second half of the twentieth century, acupuncture began to spread rapidly in Western Europe, the United States and Canada. Today, it is used as a complement to conventional medicine to help patients with chronic and acute low back and/or spine pain as well to treat various other physical ailments including migraine headaches and infertility.

Acupuncture for chronic pain is a powerful and natural treatment. In the treatment of chronic back and/or spine pain, acupuncture needles are used to stimulate points on your body that release endorphins and other natural pain relievers. They also, according to research, increase the electromagnetic signals between the different cells in your body. The can encourage healing and eliminate or reduce pain.

Acupuncture increases blood circulation to different parts of your body and relaxes your muscles. It also helps promote emotional well-being and can help to boost your immune system. This alternative treatment can be used to not only help with chronic pain but to also eliminate chronic pain in the future.

SpineCenterAtlanta is please to offer expert Acupuncture therapy as a part of a comprehensive approach to treating chronic and/or acute spine, back and neck pain. If you are experiencing chronic pain, schedule an appointment with one of our spine specialists today to find out if Acupuncture therapy is right for you.

Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Neck and Back Pain, Pain Management, Pain Treatment | No Comments »

What Is IDD® Therapy?

March 31st, 2013

IDD stands for Intervertebral Differentials Dynamic Therapy®: an advanced chiropractic therapy that can be used to treat chronic low back pain. This revolutionary treatment option has helped thousands of patients to experience dramatic pain relief and healing.

IDD® can be used to effectively treat patients with chronic low back pain due to herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome or sciatica. It is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment and typically does not involve the use of pain medications. This treatment is safe and painless and many patients find it to be comforting and relaxing. The procedure is performed using a patent-pending physio-therapeutic device that can isolate each lumbar vertebra and distract the vertebra surrounding an injured disc by 5 to 7 millimeters. Each treatment lasts approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The course of therapy includes approximately 20 treatment sessions to achieve optimal results.

In addition to being non-invasive and highly effective, IDD® Therapy is also an extremely cost-effective way to treat chronic low back pain. The cost of treatment is minimal compared to the cost of surgery and there is no recovery time required.

If you suffer from chronic low back pain and are looking for an effective treatment that does not require surgery, IDD® Therapy may be a good solution for you. After all, what do you have to lose? The only way to find out for sure if you are a candidate for IDD® Therapy is to schedule an appointment with a provider who offers this innovative treatment. SpineCenterAtlanta is pleased to offer IDD® Therapy as well as comprehensive surgical and non-surgical treatments for low back pain to the residents of the greater Atlanta Metropolitan area. If you would like to get more information about IDD® Therapy or if you want to find out if you are candidate for this treatment, please call our office today to schedule an appointment.

Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Herniated Disc, Neck and Back Pain, Pain Management | No Comments »

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

March 11th, 2013

Endoscopic Spine Surgery is a truly minimally invasive procedure for treating herniated, protruded, extruded or degenerative discs. It can be used to treat patients who have chronic leg or back pain resulting from a problem with one of more of the discs in their spine. This cutting edge procedure is now being offered by a select number of advanced spine centers around the country. For patients with discogenic pain or radiculopathy from herniated discs, endoscopic spine surgery can result in long-term pain relief, improved function and an improved quality of life.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery offers many benefits over traditional spine surgery as it allows doctors to work through a hole no larger than the diameter of a pencil. Using an endoscope with a light and a high-definition camera attached, a doctor can go into the affected disc and take the pressure off of the nerve that is being rubbed upon. This procedure results in little or no scar tissue formation, does not destabilize the bone in the spine and does not restrict patients from having any type of revision surgery in the future. It also carries less of a risk for infection and offers faster recovery times. Also, Endoscopic Spine Surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, with patients going home the same day! Most patients are back to normal activity levels in as little time as a week to ten days.

Spine Center Atlanta is proud to be the leading provider of Endoscopic Spine Surgery in Georgia and throughout the Southeast. If you are seeking relief from chronic leg or back pain, please call our office today to get more information about endoscopic spine surgery or to schedule an appointment.

Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Herniated Disc, Spinal Surgeries | No Comments »

The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

February 20th, 2013

Aquatic Therapy is a well-known therapeutic and rehabilitation modality. The purpose of aquatic therapy is to enhance, restore and increase a patient’s functional abilities. Unfortunately, this effective form of treatment is often overlooked and underutilized.

Aquatic therapy offers several benefits for patients who have been diagnosed with acute, sub-acute and chronic conditions. The benefits gained will vary by each specific patient but may include reduction in pain, improved range of motion, reduction of muscle spasms, increase in muscular tone, strength and/or endurance, improved balance and coordination, improved sensory integration/awareness, increase in cardiovascular endurance, early mobilization of injured or post-operative body-part, early gait re-education post-injury or post-surgery and/or improvement in postural alignment.

The benefits of aquatic therapy are gained through the buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and resistance provided by an underwater environment. Heated water and jets also play a big part in the rehabilitative process.

Although aquatic therapy is an effective rehabilitative modality for many patients, it should on be used with caution or should not be used at all in some cases. These cases may include patients with open wounds or cuts, skin infections, incontinence, allergy to chlorine or chemicals, catheters or other infections such as flu, CI, sore throat, urinary tract/bladder or communicable diseases. Patients with an extreme fear of water, severe balance disorders or severe “sea sickness” are not good candidates for aquatic therapy.

SpineCenter Atlanta is pleased to offer aquatic therapy as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Our facility in Atlanta features a state-of-the-art aquatic therapy center that includes a heated whirlpool with jets as well as a highly trained staff of physical therapists. If you would like to get more information about aquatic therapy and find out of this treatment modality is right for you, please call SpineCenterAtlanta today.

Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Aquatic Therapy, Physical Therapy | No Comments »

What is IDD® Therapy and How Does It Help?

February 11th, 2013

IDD stands for Intervertebral Differential Dynamics Therapy. IDD® is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that can be used to treat lower back pain caused by herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, sciatica and acute or chronic back pain. It is performed by a certified clinician using a unique, patent-pending physio-therapeutic device. It works by isolating each lumbar vertebra (L1, L2, L3, L4 or L5) and distracting the vertebra surrounding an injured disc by 5 to 7 millimeters. IDD® Therapy provides intermittent and cycling forces on structures that may be causing low back pain. The negative pressure promotes the diffusion of water, oxygen and nutrients into the vertebral area, thereby rehydrating the degenerated disc. This decreased pressure on vertebral joints promotes the retraction of the herniated disc and promotes self-healing.

A course of IDD® Therapy typically involves approximately twenty sessions, each lasting approximately thirty minutes. It normally takes about thirty-five days to complete a course of IDD®. Since the procedure is both non-surgical and non-invasive, it does not require any recovery or down time.

IDD® is an effective form of therapy for many patients helping them to achieve long-term pain relief, improved function and a better quality of life. SpineCenterAtlanta is pleased to be able to offer this innovative treatment to the residents of the Greater Atlanta metropolitan area. If you suffer from low back pain and other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications and/or injections have failed, you may be a good candidate for IDD® Therapy. Schedule an appointment with one of our experts today to find out if IDD® Therapy is right for you.

Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Neck and Back Pain, Pain Management | No Comments »

Treatments For Spondylosis

January 30th, 2013

If you have chronic neck or back pain accompanied by tingling or numbness in certain areas, it may be due to Spondylosis. Spondylosis is another name for arthritis that occurs in the spine. This painful, degenerative condition can affect the spine at any level: the cervical spine, the thoracic spine or the lumbar spine. Spondylosis results in pain or discomfort that can become more severe over time. The location of the symptoms will depend on the specific area of the spine in which the degeneration occurs.

Spondylosis most commonly results from wear and tear associated with aging. It involves a complex degenerative process that takes place over time. If left untreated, Spondylosis can negatively affect your ability to function normally and can greatly decrease your quality of life.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of Spondylosis, do not lose hope. There are currently a variety of treatments available to treat this chronic condition. However, before undergoing any type of treatment, it is vitally important to first obtain an accurate diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with Spondylosis, your treatment options may include some combination of anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, rest, lumbar supports or spinal injections. You may also be able to find relief from medical massage or chiropractic adjustments. In severe cases of Spondylosis, surgery may be required to help you find relief from your symptoms.

SpineCenterAtlanta offers a variety of cutting edge treatments for patients with Spondylosis. Our goal is to help patients with Spondylosis achieve long-term pain relief, improved function and an improved quality of life. If you are currently suffering from chronic back or neck pain or other symptoms, please schedule an appointment with our Spine Center today.

Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Neck and Back Pain, Pain Management | No Comments »

What is Spondylosis?

January 30th, 2013

You may have heard the term “Spondylosis” in reference to neck or back pain but are not sure what it really means. Spondylosis is another name for arthritis that occurs in the spine. This painful, degenerative condition can affect the spine at any level: the cervical spine, the thoracic spine or the lumbar spine.

Spondylosis results in pain or discomfort that can become more severe over time. The location of the symptoms will depend on the specific area of the spine in which the degeneration occurs. If Spondylosis occurs in the cervical area of the spine, it can result in neck shoulder and arm pain. Cervical Spondylosis can also result in weakness, numbness and tingling in the legs. If the Spondylosis occurs in the thoracic area of the spine, it can result in pain in the chest and upper abdomen. Thoracic Spondylosis can also result in weakness, numbness and tingling in the legs. Finally, if the Spondylosis occurs in the lumbar area of the spine, it can result in pain in the back, buttocks or legs with possible weakness that may be worsened by lifting, bending, twisting or sitting.

Spondylosis most commonly results from wear and tear associated with aging. It involves a complex degenerative process that takes place over time. As we age, the spinal discs can begin to dry out, lose their elasticity and collapse. This places stress on the facet joints and the ligaments that hold the vertebrae together. When these structures weaken, it allows the vertebrae to become overly mobile. When the vertebrae shift out of proper alignment and rub together, it can cause bone spurs (bone growths) to form. This can cause painful compression of the nerve roots or the spinal cord.

If left untreated, Spondylosis can negatively affect your ability to function normally and decrease your quality of life. However, there are currently a variety of options available to treat this chronic and painful condition. If you are suffering from chronic neck of back pain or tingling, weakness or numbness in the extremities and think it may be due to Spondylosis, schedule an appointment with SpineCenterAtlanta today. After a thorough evaluation and a confirmed diagnoses, our experts can prescribe the appropriate treatment or treatments to help relieve your symptoms and help you achieve an improved quality of life.

Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei

Google

Tags: , ,
Posted in Neck and Back Pain, Pain Management | No Comments »

« Older Entries