Spinal Fusion Baltimore MD for Different Conditions

Spinal fusion Baltimore MD is a procedure that attaches 2 or more vertebrae together to prevent them from moving.  It can be used to treat many conditions, such as arthritis, scoliosis, and a herniated disc.

Spinal fusion Baltimore for arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes pain and swelling in joins and connective tissue.  The most common type of arthritis to affect the back and require the fusion of small back bones Baltimore is osteoarthritis.  Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions joints.  It is usually caused by age and normal and wear and tear.  Symptoms of osteoarthritis that may need spinal fusion surgery Baltimore include back pain, stiffness in the back, and a crunching feeling in the back.  Spinal fusion surgery Baltimore can help because once the vertebrae are attached, they no longer grind on each other.

Scoliosis and spinal fusion Baltimore

A normal spine is straight when viewed from behind.  Scoliosis is when a spine appears to have a curve when viewed from the back.  Symptoms can include asymmetry in the body such as hips or shoulders that are not level and arms that hang differently.  If the curve is not severe, treatment will include monitoring to ensure that it is not getting worse.  If the curve is more than 45 degrees or appears to be getting worse, the fusion of small back bones Baltimore may help prevent further curving and deformity.  During spinal fusion surgery Baltimore for scoliosis, bones in the curved area of the spine will be attached.  Often, spinal fusion surgery Baltimore will include special hardware such as screws and rods to give stability and prevent the curve from getting worse.

Spinal fusion surgery for a herniated disc

A herniated disc is when the breakdown of the hard outer part of a disc allows the softer inner part to bulge out.  Often, a bulging disk will press on nerves in your spine, causing pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness.  A procedure called a lumbar laminectomy Baltimore can be done to remove the disc, and often this needs to be followed with spinal fusion surgery Baltimore.  Once the disc is removed, spinal fusion surgery Baltimore is often needed to prevent the vertebrae from grinding.