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The lumbar region of the spine is in the lower back area of the body. This area is prone to several conditions, such as lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesis, lumbar degenerative disc disease and lumbar disc herniation. University Spine Associates treats these conditions through a variety of spine surgery and lumbar spinal fusion options.
Lumbar Stenosis Options
After being diagnosed with lumbar stenosis, non surgical treatments are the first in line. Many patients will benefit from anti inflammatory medications, physical therapy and at times spinal injections. If severe and disabling pain continues, only then surgery may be necessary. University Spine Associates can perform a lumbar laminectomy on patients suffering from lumbar stenosis. This surgical procedure takes pressure off the nerve roots, the cause of the pain, by removing posterior bone in the spinal canal and the enlarged ligament. Depending on the specific diagnosis, multiple level laminectomy may be recommended for patients who have lumbar stenosis at multiple levels. Patients who suffer from lumbar stenosis may also have an associated spondylolisthesis which may require a spinal fusion.
Lumbar Disc Herniation Options
For the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, University Spine Associates typically perform a minimally invasive lumbar discectomy or microdiscectomy where the patient is able to go home the same day. However, a lumbar fusion surgery may be recommended if the herniated disc becomes a recurring problem.
University Spine Associates is also able to perform a total disc replacement as an alternative to spinal fusion. This motion preservation technology gained tremendous popularity several years ago but is used less often these days due to potential concerns over outcomes, safety and potential downside of revision surgery. Lumbar disc replacement is still a viable option to a very small select group of patients, it is rarely recommended in our practice.
No matter what type of lumbar spine condition, University Spine Associates will tailor each surgery to the patients’ needs and recommend the best form of treatment. Click on the links to the right to find out more about the procedures University Spine Associates provides to patients with lumbar spine and lower back problems. Feel free to contact the office to make an appointment if you’re in need of relief or if you have any questions. |
