Spinal fusion is a common surgical procedure that Dr. Albert performs regularly. Often, fusions are performed on the lumbar spine. This spinal segment, ranging from L1 to L5, is susceptible to injury because it bears a fair amount of the body’s overall weight. The lumbar spine is involved in support as well as the range …Read More
You may remember a parent or grandparent expressing an old adage about a chicken and an egg. It was the proverbial conundrum that no one seemed to be able to confirm for sure: which came first, the chicken or the egg? Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter. However, this question does provide bearings for some of …Read More
We might think of our back and spine as important to our active physical function. However, everything that we do, from walking to sitting and even lying down, relies on a functional spine. This may be one of the reasons why up to 80% of people develop back pain at some point; the spine is …Read More
The spine contains numerous bones called vertebrae as well as a series of discs, which are like tiny sponges that sit in between the bones. The purpose of spinal discs is to buffer the stress and friction of movement so the vertebrae do not wear down prematurely. Discs provide the spine with flexibility as well. …Read More
Spinal surgery of any kind can be somewhat intimidating. There seem to be many things to think about as surgery day approaches. One of the first questions that patients often have is how long it may take them to recover from their procedure. We can do our best to answer this question on a case …Read More
There are a few questions most of us never imagine ourselves asking. “Should I see a spinal surgeon?” is one of them. Interestingly enough, back pain is one of the most common complaints that general healthcare providers address. Back pain is also one of the most common reasons given for missed work. According to statistics, …Read More
Menopause is associated with almost too many unpleasant symptoms to mention. Women expect to experience hot flashes that they affectionately refer to as their “personal summer.” They may know that they may have a difficult time sleeping and, of course, that their menstrual cycle will not remain as consistent as it has in previous decades. …Read More
The spinal column is a collection of bony structures (vertebrae) and gelatinous cushions (discs). The discs serve the important role of absorbing shock during physical movement. Because they are continually in use, the discs of the spine are relatively susceptible to injury and breakdown. A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of …Read More
Mention sciatica to anyone who has experienced its searing pain and they may cringe. This condition occurs when one or both of the sciatic nerves have been compressed or damaged. The sciatic nerves travel from the lower spine down under the buttocks muscle and into the legs. Due to the situation of these nerves, compression …Read More
The entire body is served by a complex network of nerves, all of which branch off from a singular location, the back. The sheer expansiveness of the nervous system makes it easy to see that problems like impingement or entrapment could occur. Because the spinal column is also highly sophisticated in structure, the opportunity for …Read More
