Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Lumbar Laminectomy as a Procedure for Severe Back Pain Baltimore MD

Many people deal with lower back pain. Injuries and aging are just some of the many uncontrollable factors that contribute to this issue, and other circumstances can make it even worse. Daily activities seem to have gotten twice as difficult as before, and what should have been a painless start to a morning routine has become a ritual wincing and slow rolling type dance. Luckily there is a solution that could help to ease the pain.

Lumbar laminectomy is a procedure for severe back pain Baltimore MD that is done on the spine to help relieve pressure. This pressure could arise from a number of issues including tumors, diseased discs, stenosis, scoliosis, fractures, and other related problems. When the spinal parts are operating incorrectly, they tend to put more stress on one another than is intended. The abnormal functioning then causes swelling that produces anywhere from mild to severe discomfort. If this swelling then pinches a nerve, it can contribute to numbness and other concerns. Although there is not always a fix for spine pain due to contributing factors such as aging, a lumbar laminectomy is known to help to relieve the pressure, or even possibly eliminate the problem.

Procedure for Severe Back Pain Baltimore MD is Straightforward and Offers a Quick Recovery Time

One of the best hospitals in the nation for this type of procedure has a professional staff that is known nationwide for their amazing skills in orthopedics and for their professional services they offer to patients. From beginning to end, the team works with the person using specialty diagnostics testing to truly understand the issue and ensure there are no underlying causes. Before and during procedures they offer nothing less than support at the hands of nationally recognized doctors. After the surgery, they then provide continued support by certified field professionals through physical therapy, consultations, and more.

Lumbar laminectomy is one of the many annually performed operations that showcases this hospitals talent. It is common for people to feel a hesitation when such a significant decision as spinal surgery is involved. However, this doesn't have to be the case when considering surgery for yourself. When visiting, you will feel at ease with the doctors and staff knowing that they have done this before. The lumbar laminectomy only typically requires a hospital stay of 1-3 days, and the patients are encouraged to walk and start moving directly after surgery. They may then head home to live life like usual, but with less back pain to wake up to. With nearly 8,000 procedures performed yearly, it is no wonder that these medical professionals know what they are doing.

Monday, May 28, 2018

The Best Place for Lumbar Laminectomy Recovery Baltimore

Numbness and muscle fatigue are only some of the many possible symptoms of chronic pain that may be associated with musculoskeletal conditions. Few people realize the extent to which these problems may affect their everyday life, but day to day activities shouldn't need to be unnecessarily burdensome. No one should have to "settle" with their pain, for some people there may be an answer to those issues, and it might not be as complicated as one would think.
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital has been treating patients with musculoskeletal issues for over 30 years. Their staff comprises of nationally-renowned doctors, and people recognize the hospital across the country for their professional practices. The doctors here regularly treat famous sports athletes and is ranked for orthopedics as one of the nation's Best Hospitals. For those considering surgery for their condition, it is easy to see why many choose MedStar Union in Baltimore, Maryland.

Lumbar Laminectomy Recovery Baltimore may not be as Worrying as You Think

Lumbar laminectomy recovery Baltimore may seem like a huge, worrisome step on your road to a healthier life, but it doesn't have to be, especially at great hospitals. The doctors here cater to the unique needs of every patient by constructing a treatment plan unique to that individual. Whether treating a recent or long-term injury, the hospital offers everything from specialized diagnostic testing to pain management and minimally invasive treatments that are performed by nothing less than professionals certified in their fields. Lumbar laminectomy is only one of the many conditions treated here of the approximately 8,000 orthopedic procedures that these doctors conduct annually. As with any surgery, especially ones dealing with the spine, recovery can be worrying. However, with their advanced team of specialists offering you high-quality professional treatment from beginning to end, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital is sure to put your anxieties at ease.

Why You Might be a Candidate for Lumbar Laminectomy and Discectomy Baltimore MD

Anyone experiencing lower back and lower leg pain may choose to look into lumbar laminectomy Baltimore. Whether due to injury or other conditions, chronic pain is hard to deal with, and this elective surgery may provide some relief.

Lumbar laminectomy is performed anywhere along the spinal cord where there is a specific nerve that may be experiencing too much pressure due to inflammation. A fracture of the spine or even arthritis can cause this condition, and it is relatively untreatable. However, this procedure may provide relief by taking out the back piece of the vertebrae to expose that section of the spine and allow more room for the pinched nerve to expand and, hopefully, even recover. The surgery can be performed on as many vertebrae as necessary, although a spinal fusion may then also be needed. The procedure usually causes little downtime and often only requires a hospital stay of 1-3 days. Patients are encouraged to walk and work after surgery as long as they do not overstrain the back area. A lumbar laminectomy is not for everyone, but it may be a possible solution to your chronic back pain.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Finding an Effective Procedure for Severe Back Pain Baltimore MD

Back pain is a huge problem in the United States today.  It is responsible for many lost hours of production and leisure.  Individuals who are impacted by pain in the lower back, often called the lumbar region, note that their quality of life has become terrible as their level of pain has increased.  Therefore, an important part of any orthopedic medical practice is the provision of an effective procedure for severe back pain Baltimore MD.

Spinal Fusion Baltimore MD

There are a number of different kinds of treatment for lower back pain, including surgical ones.  The well-trained practitioner will, however, begin with the most conservative approaches before moving on to anything invasive.  This is not only done in order to "protect" patients, but also to find the simplest solution for managing pain and patient care. A progression of treatment steps might look something like this:
  • Oral medication with an over-the-counter medication that is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID).  These go by brand names like Aspirin.  Sometimes, the physician will prescribe these in higher doses that are otherwise available when lower doses are not effective.
  • Topical medications that are absorbed through the surface of the skin may be prescribed instead of, or along with, oral medications.
  • Stronger medications may be another step in the treatment process.  Steroids can be utilized orally. Sometimes they are injected directly into the painful area of the lumbar spine.  Very strong painkillers that contain an opioid ingredient are also used in some cases. Both steroids and opioids have fairly significant side effect profiles.  By the time these interventions are being utilized, surgery for posterior lumbar fusion Baltimore MD may be offered to the patient as an option, particularly when they are nervous about taking these strong medications.
  • There are a few different approaches to back surgery on the lumbar spine.  Certainly, fusing two or more of the small bones that make up the spine is one of the most effective ways to permanently control pain.  This procedure can serve to relieve pressure on compressed central nervous system structures that is almost always behind the physical distress.  Fusing the vertebrae together creates a rigid unit of bone that supports soft structures more effectively than a collection of individuals bones that may be breaking down due to some degenerative process like osteoarthritis. 

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Total Hip Replacement Baltimore MD Preparation Tips

Getting ready for a total hip replacement Baltimore MD

Preparing for surgery of any type can be discouraging and even a little scary, but there are certain things that can be done in order to prepare patients for what is to come, as well as to help them get their homes ready in order to make the transition and recovery period seem just a little less complicated. Some of these things may not be necessary depending on the existing living situations of patients, but it’s never a bad idea to think about many different options.

1. Start by doing some research about what’s going to be done. Sure, hearing the phrase “total hip replacement Baltimore” brings up the general idea of what the surgery will entail, but it’s about more than simply popping a new joint into place. The surgery is going to be an invasive one, with a metal rod inserted into the bone in order to stabilize the leg, and another metal piece grafted into the existing bone in order to ensure a smooth connected joint. There’s no “reshaping” existing bones - they will be totally replaced.

2. Once you fully under stand hip replacement DC, you will know that you’ll need to prepare for the recovery. You will want a comfortable place to sit and to lay, comfortable clothing to wear so that the surgical site won’t be disturbed or difficult to get to, and a lot of things to do. You will need to be up and moving around on a limited basis very quickly after surgery, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be running laps around the house within a week - there will be a great deal of downtime, so find something to occupy yourself.

3. Prepare to miss work for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Since you will have to be very mindful of the ways that you move while you’re recovering, this means no driving for an extended period of time, and no standing or walking for the duration of a full work day, either. A total hip replacement Baltimore MD will take a lot of time to fully recover, so work ahead, plan on helping to train someone as your temporary replacement, or even find a way to do some work remotely from home, if possible.

4. Be patient. Recovering from this type of surgery is not an overnight thing; the surgery itself is meant to give patients the ability to live their lives in as pain free a manner as possible by increasing the use of the hip joint. This change can take time, especially since it require ts the healing of bones and muscles that are used often, even when we are being careful.

For more information about this type of procedure and the professionals that can provide services, visit https://www.medstarunionortho.org/treatments/hip/total-hip-replacement/.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Spinal Fusion Baltimore MD Explained

Has your doctor suggested spinal fusion Baltimore MD as a possible solution to your chronic pain?  If so, this probably means that you have met a few criteria in order to qualify for this procedure.  Some of these are as follows:
  • Your doctor has used one or more imaging tests like x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to precisely pinpoint the source of your pain.
  • You have attempted to utilize less invasive forms of pain control like over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, topical preparations or injections of steroidal-type medications, or exercise/physical therapy to manage your condition.
  • You have a diagnosis of spondylolisthesis, degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, or some kind of isolated infection or tumor.
  • Your pain is the result of a specific and identifiable accident/injury.
Spinal Fusion Baltimore Procedure

First, your primary care or other physician may refer you to a spinal fusion doctor Baltimore.  This is normally an orthopedic or neurological surgeon who has trained extensively in performing this procedure.  It is possible to compare this kind of surgery to a welding project.  One or more of the small bones in the back, or vertebrae, are fused together to make one complete, solid piece of bone as opposed to the original, individual ones.  It stops the motion between the vertebrae and can be helpful when the stretching or pinching of enclosed nerve structures is clearly identified as the chronic pain source.

The fusion surgery is usually elective, except in cases of severe, unexpected injury to the spine, in which case it becomes an emergency.  Since the most common complication of the surgery is clinical failure, meaning that your pain does not improve in spite of the surgery, electing to have the surgery is somewhat of a calculated risk.  Your surgeon will also need some bone material to utilize when performing the procedure. You will need to decide if you prefer to have an autograft, in which the surgery team harvests the needed bone graft from your thigh bone, or an allograft, which means that the bone graft material comes from a cadaver.  Your medical team can help you make this and other important decisions if you do elect to have the fusion surgery.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Risks of Total Knee Replacement Baltimore MD

Over the past half century or so, orthopedic surgeries to replace worn out joints and otherwise repair parts of the body's skeletal system have become much more common and sophisticated.  In fact, these surgeries, including the total knee replacement Baltimore MD, are currently among the safest surgeries available.  They also have very high patient satisfaction ratings.  This is not to say that a knee replacement operation comes without any risks to the patient.  It is impossible to say with certainty what the risks are and how likely they are to occur because each patient comes with their own unique profile of related issues.

Common Risks of Total Knee Replacement Baltimore

 These are a few things all potential total knee replacement procedure Baltimore (https://www.medstarunionortho.orgthat patients should consider before scheduling a surgery date:
  • One possible complication of a knee replacement and the related recovery process is a blood clot in the leg.  If this blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism may result.  Pulmonary embolisms are often fatal.  Good pre-surgery testing and post-operative care can decrease the likelihood of a blood clot.  Patients who are willing to move around immediately after surgery lessen their risk of suffering a blood clot.
  • A urinary tract infection is another post-surgical risk.  It is almost always caused by bacteria getting into the catheter that is used to empty the bladder during and right after surgery.  Again, individuals who are up and moving as soon as possible have a decreased risk of urinary tract infection because they can use the rest room independently and have the catheter removed sooner.
  • Some folks experience nausea and vomiting as a reaction to the drugs given to induce general anesthesia.  This is almost always a transient issue that resolves once the drugs have been fully metabolized.  It is, however, necessary for knee replacement patients to resume eating, drinking, and eliminating waste normally before discharge from the hospital is considered.
  • All patients who undergo a general anesthetic run some risks.  These can include damage to the heart, liver, lung and kidneys.  A very, very small amount of individuals have very severe reactions to general anesthetic, even if they have been successfully anesthetized at a previous time.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

How a total knee replacement Baltimore MD can help… even though it seems like a hassle

Getting a surgical procedure done is never something that people look froward to, but in many cases, these procedures will give them something to look forward to in the long run. One of the most common medical procedures that is done for people in the Baltimore area is a total knee replacement surgery. This type of surgery will require a lengthy healing time, a great deal of rehabilitation and a lot of patience by those that receive the surgery as well as their loved ones… but in the end, it will be 100% worth it.

What does a total knee replacement Baltimore MD offer patients?


Walking, sitting, standing, bending and even running are things that a lot of people take for granted, but for those that need total knee replacement surgery, they may not be possible - and if they are possible, they may not be comfortable. Having a total knee replacement Baltimore MD surgery in order to repair a damaged knee joint will restore the ability to move comfortably for patients, which can allow them to get back to doing the things that they love - but only after the proper recovery period.

A surgery of this nature also helps people build strength and confidence about their abilities. With a limited range of motion and strength in the knee joint, many patients will have had to give up some of the things that they enjoy. Since knee replacements are more common in older generations, the forfeited activities might include things like fishing, golfing, going on long walks or keeping up with hobbies… and in some cases, can even force people with knee issues that need addressing to give up certain jobs because the pain and discomfort is just too much.

Can a total knee replacement Baltimore MD restore 100% mobility?

Even though the surgical procedure has been fine tuned and updated as changes in the medical field have been made, there’s no guarantee that getting a knee replacement will give patients a complete relief from their symptoms. Although the knee replacement parts are state of the art and designed to do as much as possible for the people that receive them, there’s always a chance that some patients will feel pain at times, or that the repaired joint could feel stiff. In some cases, patients will report that the metal implant feels cold or aches; but one thing that is guaranteed is stability and the ability to move the knee as necessary.
Knee replacement surgery isn’t something that patients will have and then immediately feel better from. In fact, the immediate aftermath of the surgery can be more painful than the knee was before it was repaired. The most important thing to remember is that this pain, and the swelling and the discomfort will pass as the knee heals and becomes stronger - which is the ultimate goal for those that need to have this type of surgery done in the first place.