The spine consists of 33 vertebre (back bones). The vertebrae and discs of cartilage in between the vetebrae extend the length of the spine and form the spinal column. Protected by the spinal column is the spinal cord. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, with each having two short branches called roots, which emerge from the spine to the front (anterior or motor) and to the back of spine posterior root or sensory.
- The motor roots carry commands from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body, particularly to skeletal muscles.
- The sensory roots carry information to the brain from other parts of the body.
- Cauda equina: The spinal cord ends about three fourths of the way down the spine, where a bundle of nerves extends beyond the spinal cord. This bundle is called the cauda equina because it resembles a horse’s tail. The cauda equina carries nerve impulses to and from the legs.
Choosing The Right Spine Surgeon
It may be comforting to know that when it comes to your spine, neurosurgeons are the only medical specialty which is highly trained in understanding the entire body’s nervous system from the brain, neck, extremities and the entire spine and the nerves into the legs. Doing the least amount of damage to the nerves and spinal structure using minimally invasive techniques can do just that and reduce post-surgical pain.
However, for some patients the open procedures for complex spine conditions may be required. Depending on the patient’s individual condition, a neurosurgeon will recommend the best surgical approach. In the sidebar to the right, the most frequently used approaches are explained. Spine surgery today is not the same as your parents or grandparents may have experienced. Procedures using miniamally invasive techniques and approaches, in the hands of a skilled and experienced neurosurgeon, can mean better outcomes and much less pain and damage to the muscles and surrounding tissue.
Even if you are unsure if you are ready for surgery, schedule an appointment online or call 248-784-3667 to discuss your options and be fully informed before you make a final decision.
Many of these patients went doctor-to-doctor before finding an MHSI neurosurgeon to perform their very different types of back pain and conditions. They each want to share their journey so you will learn more and make the best choice for you.
Dino suffered for 10 years with a herniated disc and debilitating pain. Tired of the pain and medications to relieve the pain, he reached out to Dr. Richard Fessler who used the surgical approach called anterior lumbar interbody fusion or ALIF. Dino shares he suffered with pain for 10 years when he didn’t need to.
As a rough carpenter, Ian experienced pain that took him to his knees while lifting a wall. Dr. Fernando Diaz used used the anterior lumbar interbody fusion or A-LIF approach to remove the damaged disc in his back and provide a "lift" between the vertebra by using a cage filled with surgical bone material, to relieve his pain. But, in Ian’s case he needed more care to make him strong enough to return to work. He worked with Dr. John Marshall to strengthen his back for his heavy lifting work activities.
Cherrie had very complicated spine disorders. As a nurse, she got to the point where walking was impossible. She knew Dr. Fredrick Junn from working with him and his patients and when surgery was the only way to relive pain, she sought him out at the Michigan Head & Spine Institute. Dr. Junn corrected Cherrie’s spine issue with a minimally invasive posterior screw fixation procedure.
Joanne had previous spine surgery, but this time it was a bludging disc causing her back and leg pain. Dr. Fredrick Junn used the anterior lumbar interbody fusion or ALIF approach to remove the disc, fill the space and pedical screws to fuse her spine allowing it to heal.
Tony’s back and left leg pain would go from 10 to 100. He was diagnosed with sciatica, caused from disc compression on the nerve that causes pain down the leg. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tony couldn’t work, but he also couldn’t get into see a doctor, until he met Dr. Ratnesh Mehra through a telehealth visit. They agreed that transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, also called a minimally invasive TLIF surgery, was needed even in the midst of the pandemic.
If you or a loved one believe you could benefit from surgical treatments for spine pain or would like more information, schedule an appointment online or contact MHSI at 248-784-3667.
