Less invasive surgeries and faster recoveries help many people suffering from back problems reclaim a pain-free life.
Back pain and neck pain, separately or together, cause the largest number of job-related disability claims and are among the most common causes of missed workdays, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Individuals may put off seeking treatment, believing that back or neck pain is a “normal” part of aging. But when it gets in the way of daily living, it is time to seek help.
Spine surgeon Dr. Jared Brandoff, at the WPH Center for Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery, offers a few tips for people who are affected by back and neck pain:
Get to the source of the pain
“A variety of spinal conditions cause back and neck pain, including scoliosis, herniated discs, fractures, spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis,” says Dr. Brandoff. “If you suffer from any of these conditions, or if you have been told by a healthcare professional that spine surgery is an option for you, then it is time to see a spine specialist.”
New surgical techniques for faster recover
Having surgery is an important decision, but it’s often a last resort. “For most patients, the decision to have surgery comes after pain is uncontrolled with non-operative approaches, or if daily living activities like getting dressed in the morning become a struggle,” says Dr. Brandoff. “Fortunately, minimally invasive techniques now offer quicker recoveries, rapid pain relief and a faster return to work and sports.”
Prioritize overall health before surgery
“General conditioning, mental health, and smoking cessation are all key factors in overall spine health,” says Dr. Brandoff. What else helps speed up recovery following surgery and provide lasting relief? “Losing weight if you’re overweight and exercising regularly before the surgery to help ensure the body is in as good physical condition as possible,” he says. “We deliver care in the least invasive way to spare healthy tissue and facilitate the fastest possible recovery, but without neglecting the problems that require patients to need surgery in the first place.”
Adopt a holistic health approach
A comprehensive, holistic approach, including pain management and physical therapy, which at White Plains Hospital, is often in partnership with Burke Rehabilitation, is essential. “Our team helps achieve optimal results for patients, beginning before surgery, and then lasting over the long run,” says Dr. Brandoff.
Click to learn more about Spine Care and Surgery at White Plains Hospital. To make an appointment with spine surgeon Dr. Brandoff, who sees patients in White Plains, NY as well as Armonk, NY call (914) 946-1010.