THE SPINE—THE BODY’S CENTER
OF NERVE TRAFFIC
 Nerves extend from the brain through the spinal cord and out to the muscles and skin of the arms and legs to trigger movement and provide feeling. The vertebrae (bones) in the spinal column protect the spinal cord, and soft, gel-like discs between the vertebrae act as spacers and “shock absorbers.”
Common Neuro-Spinal Disorders
Certain spinal conditions can result in chronic pain and discomfort not only in the back, but also in the legs, feet, and arms. The neurosurgeons at Collier Neurologic Specialists are experts in understanding the complex interplay between the bones and nerves in the spinal column. They can accurately diagnose the source of your pain and provide the best treatment to relieve it.
A partial listing of common disorders of the spine includes:
- Disc herniation—a bulging or ruptured disc
- Disc degeneration—when discs “dry out” and lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae
- Spinal stenosis—the narrowing of the canal that houses the spinal cord and nerve roots
- Spondylolisthesis—when a vertebra slips out of line with an adjacent vertebra
The “Pinched” Nerve
In many cases, these disorders cause disability because they put pressure on—or “pinch”—the nearby nerve roots or spinal cord, resulting in pain, numbness, or even paralysis in the limbs. Typically, pinched nerves can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery. In all cases, the goal is to relieve pressure on the nerves in order to relieve your pain and help you return to normal functioning.
In all cases, the goal is to relieve your pain and help you return to normal functioning.
SURGICAL SUCCESS AND SAFETY
By its very nature, spinal surgery—even minimally invasive surgery—can be intimidating. Collier Neurologic patients can take added comfort in knowing that our board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons have been educated and trained at such renowned institutions as Cornell University and The Cleveland Clinic. They have decades of experience in spinal
surgery and the treatment of conditions such as compression fractures, herniated discs, synovial cysts, and degenerative spine disorders. Computer-assisted, image-guided, stereotactic surgical systems are also utilized to achieve new standards of accuracy and precision.
Partners in Your Neurosurgical Care
At Collier Neurologic Specialists, we partner with you in every phase of your treatment and recovery. Each specialist takes the time to talk to you and make sure that you completely understand your condition, the most effective treatment options available, and every aspect of your total neurological management program.
The physicians of Collier Neurologic specialize in a wide range of
neurologic areas—general neurology, neurosurgery, electrodiagnostics, neuropsychology, physical therapy. In this way, we can provide “comprehensive care of brain, nerve and spine disorders,” including:
- Headache
- Back pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Stroke
- Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal fractures and deformity
- Brain aneurysms and tumors
- Memory disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
In all cases, we strive to meet your needs with an accurate diagnosis, conservative treatment whenever possible, and surgical intervention only when necessary. Our care continues through recovery and your return to normal activity.
ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF NEUROSURGICAL ADVANCES When conservative options prove inadequate, surgery can often provide much-needed pain relief by treating the source of the
nerve irritation. Experts in a wide range of spinal procedures, our neurosurgeons pride themselves in staying on the cutting edge of neurosurgical advances.
Minimally Invasive Spine
Surgery
Today, our neurosurgeons offer patients with severe back and leg
pain who are candidates for spinal surgery a state-of-the-art approach
called minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This breakthrough technique
enables the surgeon to perform spinal surgery through tiny incisions.
During a typical MIS procedure, the surgeon makes a small (2.5 centimeter)
incision in the back. Using a surgical microscope to view the internal
structures of the spine, the surgeon then inserts specially designed
microsurgical instruments to remove and/or repair damaged tissue.
MIS procedures are used to treat conditions such as herniated or
ruptured discs, bone spurs, synovial cysts and lumbar canal stenosis,
among others.
Less Risk, Pain, and Recovery Time
 Because MIS is much less invasive than traditional “open” surgery, it greatly reduces tissue damage, pain after surgery, and recovery time. Patients may have the procedure as outpatients and are usually home within 24 hours.
Minimally invasive procedures performed by our surgeons include:
- spinal fusion
- spinal decompression and reconstruction
- laminectomy
- discectomy
Because minimally invasive surgery is much less invasive than traditional “open” surgery, it greatly reduces tissue damage, pain after surgery, and recovery time
SPINE INFORMATION
|
