SPINE CENTER

Spine Center

Back pain can have a great impact on your life. It can restrict your mobility and also make you miss work. However, our spine specialists and spine surgeons can help. Whatever the cause of your back pain, the spine specialists and spine surgeons at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute will carry out a thorough evaluation through the use of the most advanced diagnostic equipment. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that will reduce or completely get rid of your back pain so that you can go back to an active lifestyle within a short period.

Understanding the Treatment Process for Disc Herniation

1. Initial Assessment and Non-Surgical Options
   • Treatment often begins with medications, such as anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants.
   • Physical therapy is commonly recommended to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
2. Advanced Diagnosis
   • If initial treatments are not effective, advanced imaging techniques like MRI scans are utilized to gain a clearer understanding of the issue.
   • Pain management injections may be considered to provide further relief.
3. Surgical Interventions
   • In cases where surgery is necessary, the approach varies depending on the location of the herniation.
   • For cervical disc herniations, an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) may be performed. This involves making an incision in the front of the neck and using implants to fill the space after the disc is removed.
   • Unlike lumbar disc herniations, where no implants are required, cervical procedures involve complete disc removal to safely access and treat the herniation.

By integrating cutting-edge techniques and personalized care, our team ensures that each step of your treatment is tailored to your unique needs, prioritizing safety and effectiveness.

. Also, our spine specialists and surgeons are adept at treating the following spine conditions and more:

Arthritis of the spine		Sciatica
Degenerative disc disease		Scoliosis
Fractures		Cervical cord compression
Herniated discs		Spinal fusion surgery
Spinal Infections		Cervical Myelopathy
Kyphosis		Cervical Spine tumors
Cervical Stenosis		Spondylolisthesis
Neck pain		Cervical Spondylosis
Osteoarthritis		Spinal Cord Injury
Pinched nerves in the Neck		Minimally Invasive Surgery
Radiculopathy		Degenerative Disc Disease

What is a Spine Center?

A spine center serves spine pain patients by providing them with a comprehensive range of physiologic and imaging testing. A spine center also offers timely treatment options (whether surgical or non-surgical). Spine centers are dedicated to reducing or stopping pain and enabling patients with degenerative spine conditions, spinal tumors, and spinal deformities to resume an active lifestyle.

What Kind of Staff Does a Spine Center Have?

A spine center usually has doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists, nursing practitioners, medical assistants, surgical schedulers, and imaging staff. These centers are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for spinal disorders and injuries through a multidisciplinary approach.

In addition, the doctors are knowledgeable in repairing complex spinal disorders such as spinal cord injury, spine trauma, spinal deformity, and other forms of back-related issues. The team often includes spinal surgeons who are experts in surgical interventions, pain management physicians focused on alleviating discomfort, and physical therapists who develop tailored rehabilitation plans.

This collaborative effort ensures that treatment is personalized to each individual’s needs, addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term recovery goals. By bringing together various specialists, spine centers are equipped to handle the intricacies of spine-related health concerns, providing a holistic approach to patient care.

What Makes a Spine Center?

Spine centers usually take a multidisciplinary approach to spine care. Then they incorporate the expertise of spine surgeons, physiatrists, and physical therapists into a network that provides a series of spine-care services.

What is the Difference Between a Center and an Institute?

A spine center is normally found within an institute while an institute may have one or more spine centers. In this case, we have Spine Centers in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas.

What is a Spine Specialist?

A spine specialist is a health expert who focuses on treating spine-related conditions. Such specialists focus on diseases and issues that have to do with the spine. Spine specialists are adept at detecting and treating issues of the spine, and our doctors are world-renowned.

What is the Difference Between a Spine Doctor and a Spine Specialist?

Spine doctors focus on repairing problems found in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal areas. For example, they spend every day studying, diagnosing, and treating patients who have spine-related injuries. Our spine doctors diagnose spine-related problems and also design treatment plans that meet the specific needs of the patient. As an example, most spine patients usually find relief through treatments such as physical therapy, guided injections, exercise, and medication amongst others.

What is a Spine Surgeon?

A spine surgeon is a doctor of osteopathic medicine who has completed a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery. As an example, our surgeons specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system and have an in-depth knowledge of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. After the five-year residency, a spine surgeon will also complete a year of fellowship training that focuses on spine and spine surgery.

During this specialized fellowship, our fellowship-trained surgeons hone their skills in addressing complex spinal conditions. They specialize in:

• Scoliosis: Correcting spinal curvatures to improve posture and alleviate pain.
• Degenerative spine disorders: Treating issues such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis that can arise from aging or wear and tear.
• Revision spinal surgery: Performing corrective procedures for patients who have had unsuccessful or complicated surgeries in the past.

This comprehensive approach ensures that they are not only skilled in surgical techniques but also deeply knowledgeable about the unique challenges of spinal health. By focusing on these specific areas, our surgeons are equipped to provide personalized care tailored to the needs of each patient.

What should you Look for when Searching for a Spine Center Specialist or Surgeon?

Spine patients need to be involved in their medical care. If you are allowed to choose your doctor, here are some tips that will guide you in choosing a spine specialist or spine surgeon:

Ask good questions

You need to ask some good questions about the qualifications and experience of the spine specialist or surgeon. Here are some of the questions that you should ask:

• How many times have you performed this type of surgery?
• Are you board-eligible or board-certified?
• Are you fellowship-trained in spine surgery? If the surgery is a fusion, an artificial disc replacement, or involves another extensive procedure, the surgeon needs to be fellowship-trained.
• Can I talk to other patients who had a similar procedure?

Learn from previous patients

You can get an idea of the experience of previous patients treated by a spine specialist or spine doctor by reading their reviews or asking your family members or friends about their experience.

Learn about your surgeon

Ensure that the specialist’s credentials are certified by the state’s medical board. For instance, you can do this by going to the state’s medical board website. If you discover any discrepancies while carrying out your research, do not hesitate to ask the specialist for clarification.

Communication is very important

To get the best spine treatment possible, the spine specialist or spine surgeon must have the bedside skills that will make patients feel comfortable talking about symptoms. Also, these skills will help you feel confident in the treatment plan. This is usually important when you are to undergo spine surgery or other major procedures.

Steps to Effective Communication with Your Doctor

When discussing back pain with your doctor, it’s crucial to be clear and specific about your symptoms. Here’s how you can effectively communicate:

1. Prepare for Your Appointment:
   • Write down your symptoms, noting when they started, what activities make them worse, and any factors that provide relief.
   • List any medications or treatments you’ve tried and their effects.
2. Describe Your Pain:
   • Use descriptive words to convey the intensity and nature of your pain, such as sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning.
   • Mention any related symptoms, like numbness or weakness.
3. Ask Questions:
   • Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to clarify medical terms or explain the diagnosis and treatment options in simpler language.
   • Inquire about potential side effects of recommended treatments or procedures.
4. Discuss Lifestyle Factors:
   • Share information about your daily activities, exercise habits, and stress levels, as these can impact your back health.

By preparing in advance and articulating your concerns clearly, you enable your doctor to provide a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Remember, open communication is key to a successful healthcare experience.

Why our Doctors are World-Renowned

Highly skilled experts

Our spine doctors have passed rigorous board certification tests in their specialty. As such, many of them have also completed fellowships and as experts, they conduct complicated spinal surgical cases. We have also evaluated over 100,000 patients and completed over 16,000 successful surgeries.

Advanced treatment options

Our doctors stay current with the latest treatment options. Thus, they offer advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments to help patients relieve their pain and return to an active life. They also use procedures that include different minimally invasive options.

Personalized treatment

At the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, our doctors can relieve pain with different non-surgical spine treatments. If the patient needs spine surgery, our spine surgeons have the required expertise to operate and achieve a very positive outcome.

Advanced imaging

The spine doctors at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute use advanced imaging for diagnosing spine problems. As such, they use the latest equipment and technology, coupled with professional interpretation from recognized radiologists.

Innovators in the spine care field

Our spine doctors have invented different techniques and devices through research and clinical trials. Because of this, their techniques have helped make complicated spinal surgeries safer. By combining innovative approaches with proven surgical methods, they address a wide range of spinal disorders effectively.

Innovative Techniques in Spine Surgery:

• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Utilizing smaller incisions to reduce recovery time and minimize scarring.
• Advanced Imaging Technologies: Employing state-of-the-art imaging for precise surgical planning and execution.
• Customized Implants: Developing personalized devices that cater to individual patient needs for better outcomes.

These advancements not only focus on safety but also enhance the overall success rates of surgeries, ensuring patients receive the highest quality care possible. Through continuous innovation and dedication, our team remains at the forefront of spinal surgical care, committed to improving patient lives.

Success Stories from Real Patients

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute offers comprehensive spine care solutions. Our program provides patients with a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to improving spine well-being. We offer patients (irrespective of their age) access to qualified and certified doctors who are involved in the most recent spine research and treatments.

At the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, our wide range of tests and treatments are focused on nonsurgical spine care options. Our spine specialists and spine surgeons help patients by reducing their pain, restoring function, and improving their quality of life with minimal surgery.

Understanding Scoliosis Treatment Options

Treatment for scoliosis is tailored to the individual, taking into account both symptoms and the severity of the condition. Here’s a breakdown of the approach:

• Monitoring and Initial Steps: For mild cases, we often start with regular monitoring to track any curve progression. This allows us to intervene only when necessary, minimizing unnecessary treatments.
• Non-Surgical Interventions: As symptoms increase, we explore various nonsurgical options. These include:
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers can alleviate discomfort.
• Physical Therapy: Core strengthening exercises help stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
• Pain Management: In cases where more relief is needed, injections such as epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections may be considered.
• Avoiding Narcotics: Research consistently advises against the use of narcotic medications, except in rare cases where other treatments are ineffective.
• Surgical Considerations: Surgery is considered when curve progression is significant or when symptoms like back pain and leg numbness persist. While surgery can be complex, the potential for symptom relief and improved quality of life is substantial.

By focusing on these personalized treatment plans, we strive to offer the most effective care with the least invasive methods possible. That is why our clients are glad to share their stories with others.

We are grateful for the positive feedback we receive from our patients. If you want to know what some of our past patients have to say about the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, read their testimonials to know more about the quality of spine care services offered by our team of spine specialists and surgeons.

Let The Specialists At Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute Help You Relieve Pain!

At the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, we have offices in  Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas.  Our specialists and spine surgeons are dedicated to stopping pain, restoring functions, and carrying out treatments (including minimally invasive spine surgery) for different spine-related conditions.  Also, our patients have access to the latest imaging service that helps us to see spinal problems and to start the best treatments.

Our expertise and experience, along with the uniformity of care, help to minimize problems and help to heal our patients. For those having spine surgery, the recovery phase begins right after surgery. Also, the sooner you become active, the sooner you may begin to return to normal activity. Our specially trained staff of nurses, therapists, and social workers will help you to speed up this process, speeding you along to a full recovery.

Before talking with our spine specialists or surgeons, you need to pay attention to the following tips:

Know what your Spine Center treatment goals are

It is important to know what you’re trying to accomplish before you approach a spine surgeon. For instance, an athlete that is interested in getting back to his or her sport will have different goals than someone that wants to go through work with little pain. Do you want nonsurgical, non-invasive treatments, or would you opt for surgery if that is the only available option? Being able to answer these questions will help your spine surgeon determine a treatment plan that is suitable for you.

Pay attention to your health coverage

Although you want to live a pain-free life, you may still be concerned about the cost of your surgeon’s services. For example, ensure you know the details of your health insurance plan. You need to know what your plan’s out-of-pocket maximum is. Also, you need to consider if you have a health savings account (HSA) with funds for your treatment. When you go into your appointment with this info, you will be able to make decisions that will be better for you.

Complete all imaging studies and pre-appointment testing

Some spine specialists or surgeons will ask you to undergo detailed diagnostic studies before your appointment (such as X-rays or MRIs). Because your surgeon can learn lots of information from your symptoms and your physical assessment during your appointment, these tests will enable the doctor to have an in-depth knowledge of your condition.

Finally, if you want to consult with our spine specialist or spine surgeon at our spine center, kindly request an appointment by calling 214-556-0555