Aging spinal disorders involve various conditions that affect the spine as a result of degeneration, wear, and tear, or trauma over time. Common types include Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, and changes in spine curvature such as Scoliosis and Kyphosis, along with Spondylolisthesis.
Individuals may experience symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness, alongside changes in bladder or bowel functions. Other signs include stiffness, posture changes, or altered gait.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options:
Aster Whitefield Hospital emphasizes a conservative treatment approach initially, offering several non-surgical options:
Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises aimed at increasing mobility, strengthening the muscles supporting the spine, and reducing pain.
Medications: We use a comprehensive pain management strategy that includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and nerve pain medications to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.
Epidural Injections: These injections are targeted treatments used to deliver steroids directly into the epidural space to help reduce inflammation and pain around the spinal nerves.
Lifestyle Modifications: Our team advises on effective strategies such as maintaining an optimal weight, quitting smoking, and engaging in low-impact exercises to improve spinal health and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Interventions:
Surgery is considered when non-surgical treatments have not provided relief or in cases of severe impairment:
Decompressive Laminectomy: This procedure involves removing part of the vertebra (lamina) to create more space for the nerves, thus relieving pressure and pain.
Spinal Fusion: In cases where spinal stability is compromised, we may recommend fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and limit painful motion.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: When possible, minimally invasive techniques are utilized, which require smaller incisions and typically result in quicker recovery times and less post-operative pain.
Personalized Care at Aster Whitefield:
Our multidisciplinary team at Aster Whitefield Hospital works collaboratively to assess each patient's unique condition and design a meticulous treatment plan that optimally addresses their specific needs. From initial consultation through recovery, we ensure each patient receives the highest standard of care crafted to improve their life quality.
