The Latest Advances in Spine Care: How Spine Specialists are changing the Game
The spine is a crucial part of the human body that provides support and protection to the spinal cord. Any issues or injuries in the spine can lead to severe pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. In recent years, spine care has significantly advanced, with greater treatment outcomes for patients. Here are some of the latest breakthroughs in spine care and how your spine specialist Macon, GA is providing hope to millions of patients worldwide.
Minimally invasive surgery
Traditional spine surgery involves large incisions, lengthy hospital stays, and extended recovery times. However, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has revolutionized spine surgery. MIS procedures use smaller incisions and specialized tools that allow surgeons to access the spine with less disruption to surrounding tissues. This results in less blood loss, less scarring, and shorter recovery times. MIS procedures can also be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day as the surgery.
Robotic surgery
With robotic surgery, surgeons can use computer-guided systems to perform precise and accurate surgeries. Using robotics can improve surgical outcomes by reducing the risk of human error. Robotic surgery is becoming more common in spine care, and many hospitals and clinics are investing in this technology.
Biologic therapies
Biologic therapies involve using cells and tissues to promote healing and regeneration. Biologic therapies treat degenerative disc disease and spinal cord injuries in spine care. These therapies can help to regenerate damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Some examples of biological therapies used in spine care include stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and growth factor therapy.
Artificial disc replacement
A surgical procedure involves replacing a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc with an artificial one. This procedure is an alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery, which can limit spinal mobility and lead to increased stress on adjacent vertebrae. ADR can preserve spinal mobility and reduce the risk of adjacent segment disease. Recent advancements in ADR technology have made the procedure safer and more effective.
Pain management
Pain management is an important aspect of spine care, and there have been several advances in this area. Spine specialists are now using various techniques to manage pain, including nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and intrathecal drug delivery.
Regenerative medicine
This emerging field involves cells, tissues, and biomaterials to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs. In spine care, regenerative medicine treats degenerative disc disease, spinal cord injuries, and other spine-related conditions. One promising area of research is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. MSCs can be harvested from a patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue and injected into the affected area to promote healing.
Endoscopic spine surgery
This minimally invasive procedure uses an endoscope to visualize and access the spine. The endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end, which allows the surgeon to see inside the body without making large incisions. This technique can treat spine conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spinal tumors.
Talk to your doctor at Spine Center Atlanta to discuss your options and determine the best Spine treatment care for you.