Myelography and Myelogram
Overview
A Myelography (also called a Myelogram) is an outpatient diagnostic procedure to examine the spine. It allows doctors to identify problems involving the spine, the spinal cord, and the nerve roots that are often not clearly revealed with x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.
Preparation
To …
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Overview
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan lets doctors see inside your body. Unlike x-rays that use radiation to show bony structures, MRIs use magnets and radio waves to show soft tissues.
Preparation
You will need to remove glasses, jewelry, hearing aids, dentures, and other item…
Medial Branch Block
Overview
A Medial Branch Block is an injection of numbing medicine. The medial branch nerves attach to the facet joints of your spine and can hurt when the joints are injured or diseased. The injection provides tempporary pain relief and helps the doctors find the source of your pain.
Pre…
Lumbar Sympathetic Block
Overview
A Lumbar Sympathetic Block procedure is an injection that numbs nerves in your lower back. It helps doctors find and treat sources of pain. Usually, multiple injections are needed to treat a problem.
About the Sympathetic Nerves
The sympathetic nerves travel along both sides of …
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
Overview
Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is compressed as it exits the spinal canal, causing pain and symptoms in the spine and down to the body areas where that nerve extends. Lumbar radiculopathy is often called sciatica and causes pain in the low back, hips, buttocks, lets, and feet.
&…
Lumbar Discoscopic Discectomy
Overview
A Lumbar Discoscopic Discectomy is a minimally-invasive, outpatient surgery that relieves nerve pain caused by herniated discs. It is performed through a small tubular device under local anesthesia.
Guide Wire Inserted
The surgeon uses a fluoroscope (video x-ray machine) to find t…
Low Back Pain (Lumbar Spine)
Overview
Lower back pain is a common problem that impacts quality of life. It can vary in frequency and intensity. There are many different causes of low back pain.
About the Lumbar Spine
Your lumbar spine is your lower back. There are five lumbar vertebrae, with spinal discs in between….
Laminotomy
Overview
Laminotomy surgery creates more space around your spinal nerves. This procedure eliminates nerve compression and the pain, weakness, and numbness that it caused.
Preparation
You will lie face-down on the surgical table and be put to sleep by general anesthesia. The surgeon makes…
Laminectomy
Overview
A laminectomy procedure relieves pressure on the nerve roots in the spine, usually caused by stenosis. The surgery removes the “back” of the spinal canal at the affected vertebra, providing more room for the nerves to flow without compression.
Removing the Spinous Process
The sur…
Herniated Disc – Protrusion or Extrusion
Overview
The spinal bones (vertebrae) are separated by discs which cushion your bones, absorb shock, and allow your spine to twist and bend. If a disc is damaged, its contents can push into or through the disc wall and deform its shape. This is called a disc herniation, which can also be classi…