Many demands are placed on the spine. It holds up the head, shoulders, and upper body. It provides the support to stand up straight, allowing the flexibility to bend and twist. And most importantly, it protects the spinal cord.
Back pain can be so disruptive to daily life, and finding a treatment plan that works for you is imperative. The spine is extremely complex, so it’s also important to address issues early before complications could arise that might, in fact, need spine surgery to correct.
Most patients who are experiencing back pain obtain relief from procedures that do not involve spine surgery. In fact, 90% of acute low back pain issues are resolved non-surgically within six weeks.
Spine-related problems can stem from medical issues like herniated, slipped, or bulging discs, narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), bones slipped forward and out of place (spondylolisthesis), osteoarthritis, pinched nerves (cervical radiculopathy) or scoliosis which is the curvature of the spine.
Car accidents, falls, muscle sprains and strains, and fractures can also affect the spine. Even lifestyle triggers – everything from slouching at a desk, lifting heavy objects, and wearing high heels can be a source of spine pain.
The skilled spine surgeons at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence are committed to working closely with each patient to make a diagnosis and treatment plan that addresses pain and improves the quality of life. Leaders in their field, they practice evidence-based medicine driven by science and clinical research to pinpoint the source of spine pain and make precise diagnoses, including if and when spine surgery is the best option.
Talking to a surgeon doesn’t mean saying yes to surgery. Instead, it’s a chance to learn more about which treatment options are best for you. Where other spine surgeons might rush to recommend spine surgery, the surgeons at CCOE first treat patients in a conservative and non-surgical fashion.
This can include physical therapy, home exercises, medication, and often a course of spinal injections (epidurals). Spine surgery might become an option if conservative treatments haven’t worked and the pain is not only persistent but disabling.
To determine if surgery is, in fact, the right decision, evaluations include an in-depth review of a patient’s medical history and a determination of general health from a physical and possibly neurological examination. Further exploration will come from x-rays, CT scans, MRI studies, and other diagnostic tests performed by highly-trained digital imaging technicians from one of our affiliated imaging centers.
Today’s procedures include minimally invasive spine surgery, using data from CT and 3D imaging along with advanced medical procedures to make surgical repairs while making healing and recovery easier and faster.
Different types of spine surgery include laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and lumbar fusion. In all cases, the surgeons at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence use advanced and innovative techniques supported by the best research.
At CCOE, our experienced spine physicians and surgeons are highly sought after for their innovative therapies and evidence-based treatments. Our spine specialists are committed to fostering ongoing relationships with patients built on trust and personal attention.
Patients benefit not only from the latest technological advancements and procedures but from a multidisciplinary approach to delivering world-class, compassionate care from diagnosis through rehabilitation. At CCOE, our goal is simple: to be your first and foremost choice for spine care. Our offices are conveniently located across the Colorado Springs corridor, and it’s easy to make an appointment. Find the provider that fits your needs, and contact us today.
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