Accurate diagnosis is important in order to provide the patient with the best treatment options.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 17, 2014
A recent news story from Mid-Day, an Indian news outlet, tells of a 24-year-old man named Advait Thakur who had to stop attending college because of severe back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. This disease led to a narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on his nerve roots and causing severe pain. Leading spine surgeon Dr. Todd Gravori of ProMed SPINE discusses degenerative disc disease and how it can lead to such severe pain, as well as treatment options for the disease.
“Degenerative disc disease most often affects older people, but it can strike the young as well,” said Dr. Gravori. “It is a condition which can cause chronic back or neck pain, and if left untreated may continue to worsen and produce more severe symptoms.”
Degenerative disc disease happens when the spinal discs which provide a cushion between vertebrae start to deteriorate due to age or an injury. Once injured, these discs can’t heal themselves, so the deterioration will continue unless treated. In Mr. Thakur’s case, his back pain started after a surgery to treat an infected spinal abscess, and went undiagnosed for four years as X-rays were inconclusive. He finally underwent an MRI which showed the cause of the pain.
“Accurate diagnosis is important in order to provide the patient with the best treatment options,” stated Dr. Gravori. “The spine is a vital part of the anatomy and needs to be diagnosed and treated accurately. I am glad that Mr. Thakur was able to finally receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment to manage his pain.”
Treatment options for degenerative disc disease range from conservative options such as physical therapy, medications, and epidural steroid injections, to surgical options such as disc replacement or minimally invasive spinal fusion. Minimally invasive spine surgery is often recommended if conservative therapies are not enough to manage the pain. Minimally invasive spine surgery has many benefits, such as reduced recovery time and low chance of infections or complications. It can also provide almost instant relief from constant pain caused by degenerative disc disease.
“If conservative therapies fail to consistently relieve the back or neck pain, then minimally invasive spine surgery is the next option to consider,” explained Dr. Gravori. “Minimally invasive spine surgery has an extremely high success rate, and many patients report relief from their pain almost immediately following the surgery.”
Based in Los Angeles, Todd Gravori, MD, FACS, QME is a board-certified spinal and neurosurgeon specializing in the treatment of back, neck, and spinal conditions via minimally invasive procedures. From each of his five boutique locations, Dr. Gravori offers comprehensive treatment including diagnosis, education, treatment, surgery, and aftercare. Dr. Gravori offers treatment for herniated discs, spinal instability, spinal deformity, spine tumors, brain tumors, meningioma, hematomas, cavernous malformations, and carpel tunnel. Unlike large hospitals, Dr. Gravori’s unique outpatient structure offers personalized care in a safe and controlled environment. To learn more about Dr. Gravori and his high-end outpatient facilities, visit the new website at http://www.ProMedSpine.com.