What do you understand about neurosurgery? It deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the nervous system. Like many people presume, it’s about the brain and covers the spine and spinal cord issues. Critical care is appropriate when dealing with the conditions of the nervous system, hence the need for an expert in that field. Jeff Pan M.D., a neurosurgeon, and spine specialist in New Jersey, applies his expertise in providing exceptional and solid care to all his patients. Contact Dr. Pan’s office today to schedule your consultation or book online.
Dr. Pan uses innovative techniques to provide treatments and practical outcomes for various conditions related to the nervous system. In this article, let’s look at how he treats low back conditions.
What you need to know
If you are among the individuals that complain of low back pain, you are not alone; Dr. Pan can help you find relief and enjoy your life. The pain results from different low back conditions, including;
- Lumbar stenosis
It involves narrowing the area around the spinal canal, leading to spinal cord compression and pinched nerves.
- Low back sprains and strains
Sprains and strains from extreme physical activities may also result to back pain.
- Lumbar radiculopathy
The condition occurs due to nerve root compression in the lumbar spine.
- Lumbar disc herniation
Your lumbar spine has vertebrae, where an intervertebral disc separates each of them. The disc has a gel-like substance at the center. When the gel breaks, it leads to nerve and spinal canal compression.
- Degenerative spondylolisthesis
It occurs due to degenerative changes on your low back structure, causing the vertebrae joint to slide forward.
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis
The condition results from a bone formation condition, causing a vertebra to fall forward and above another vertebra.
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease
Usually, your vertebrae have a vertebral disc that provides a cushion. However, it may dry out as you age, causing nerve inflammation, impingement, and pain.
- Spinal tumors
Spinal tumors are abnormal growths around the spine.
Low back conditions diagnosis
During your consultation with Dr. Pan, he evaluates your condition by conducting a thorough physical exam. He also reviews your past medical history and discusses your symptoms. Further imaging diagnoses such as CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs may also be necessary.
For cases with numbness or tingling sensations, nerve conduction studies may be appropriate to rule out nerve damage.
Treatment for low back conditions
Dr. Pan starts your treatment for low back conditions with conservative techniques. He usually recommends non-surgical treatments before moving to surgery. Some of the treatments available include:
- Physical therapy
- Spinal injections
- Activity modification
- Home exercise program
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medications
When your condition persists, Dr. Pan goes ahead to recommend surgery. He uses modern and innovative surgical techniques to address your back problems. Some of the surgical options include
- Lumbar fusion
- Artificial disc placement
- Spinal reconstruction
- Spinal decompression
To sum up, low back conditions may result from different issues; hence a thorough diagnosis is appropriate. Dr. Pan specializes in treating low back conditions using innovative approaches to help you find relief and restore your health.
Back pains are common to many people, and it may look normal until it affects your vital functions, such as mobility. Thankfully, there is a solution, do not let back pain dictate your life. Contact Dr. Pan’s office today to find a customized treatment for your pain.