Categories
BLOG&NEWS

What are Spinal Cord Tumors?

The spine is a long and flexible structure running through the back from the skull’s base to the tailbone, consisting of vertebras and intervertebral discs. It encloses a long band of tissues called the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made up of nerve fibers that conduct the sensations from the brain to the body and from the body to the brain. It controls all the sensations and movements of the body. Damage or injury to the spinal cord may cause a complete/partial loss of sensory or motor functions.

The abnormal growth of the tissues within or next to the spinal cord/ vertebral column is called a spinal cord tumor. The cells keep multiplying at an abnormal and uncontrollable rate. This abnormal growth may compress the spinal cord resulting in the damage of the nerve fibers running through the spinal cord conducting sensations to and from the spinal cord. Depending on the type and intensity of the damage may be temporary or permanent. Permanent damage to the spinal cord may be avoided by prompt evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Here is a brief summary of the spinal cord tumors explained by the best spine surgeon Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti.

A spinal cord tumor is also called an intradural tumor as it occurs within the spinal cord or the dura (covering of the spinal cord). Spinal tumors may be primary (benign) or metastatic (secondary). Benign tumors are non-cancerous while malignant tumors are cancerous. Usually, the spinal tumors are a result of cancer metastasis – the type of cancer that has spread from any other part of the body to the spine. However benign tumors are those which originate within the spinal cord. Benign tumors are non-cancerous while malignant is cancerous. Due to the advancement in technology, the chances of these tumors being cured have increased with time.

Categories
BLOG&NEWS Sciatica and key hole spine surgery

WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT AGGRAVATE SCIATIC PAIN?

Sciatic pain is caused by the impingement or inflammation of the sciatic nerve in the lumbar spine. It may cause pain, numbness, or muscle weakness in the lower back, legs, or foot. The intensity of pain may vary among individuals, and proper care and precautions must be taken to minimize the symptoms.

The best neurosurgeon Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti has explained different factors that may aggravate the sciatic pain:

1.Being obese:

Being overweight may be a cause of many health problems. The more the weight is, the more the strain and pressure are put on the body, especially the musculoskeletal system. Bones and joints are affected mostly by this, as they need to carry a heavy load hence resulting in weakness. The lower back is the place that is usually affected by it a lot, as there is a shift in the center of gravity due to excessive weight, resulting in putting pressure on the lumbar spine and causing disc herniation. It may eventually compress the sciatic nerve. To manage it or prevent it, it is advised to maintain a healthy weight.

2. Wearing uncomfortable shoes:

Wearing the wrong shoe may seriously disturb the biomechanics of gait pattern, unequal weight distribution, increased stress on the lower back, and aggravates the symptoms of sciatica. The increase of pressure in the lower back directly compresses the sciatic nerve.

3. Excessively loaded back pocket:

When you continue to sit for a prolonged time with an excessively loaded back pocket, it exerts direct pressure on the piriformis muscle under which the sciatic nerve runs.

4. Lifting weight with your back:

While lifting loads, the bending posture puts a lot of pressure on the lumbar discs. Due to excessive load, the vertebral discs may bulge out causing disc herniation ultimately compressing the sciatic nerve.

5. Pregnancy:

In pregnant women, it is common to experience piriformis syndrome due to the increasing fetus that results in the anterior shift of the pelvis resulting in the tightening of the piriformis muscle. Sciatic occurs as a secondary symptom of this syndrome.

Categories
BLOG&NEWS Sciatica and key hole spine surgery

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF SCIATIC NERVE PAIN?

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain caused by impingement or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest in the body. It originates from the lumbosacral vertebrae and travels along the route through the hips, buttocks, down each leg, and foot. The impingement of the sciatic nerve causes pain or numbness in any part where it supplies. Some people may experience pain in one part and numbness in another. It also supplies the muscles of these areas and may also cause muscle weakness and difficulty in movement.

These are various types of sciatica explained by the best neurosurgeon Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti:

1. Acute sciatica:

Acute sciatica has a sudden onset and the pain lasts for about 4-8 weeks. The intensity of pain is not severe and can be managed by self-treatment and gentle stretches at home. Usually, there is no need for medical treatment. But if ignored for a long period, acute sciatica may recur and may convert into chronic sciatic nerve pain.

2. Chronic sciatica:

This type of sciatica lasts for more than 8 weeks and the pain type is persistent.  Chronic sciatica cannot be cured by self-medication and you need to seek medical help. According to the severity and nature of the pain, either surgical or non-surgical interventions are made. It depends upon the pain type and the patient’s health status.

3. Alternating sciatica:

Usually, sciatica involves only one leg but sometimes it may affect both legs alternatively. This may indicate a degenerative disorder in the sacroiliac joint (the joint that connects the spine to the hips) such as sacroiliac arthritis.

4. Bilateral sciatica:

Bilateral sciatica is rare and affects both legs simultaneously when there is an impingement of both ends of the sciatic nerve. It may be caused by some degenerative changes in the vertebral discs or the vertebra. The intensity of pain in both legs may be variable. It may also be caused by the Cauda equina syndrome.

Categories
BLOG&NEWS Sciatica and key hole spine surgery

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF SCIATICA IS LEFT UNTREATED?

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain caused by irritation or impingement of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is believed to be the longest nerve in the human body. In the lumbar spine, it may be compressed due to disc herniation or spinal stenosis, resulting in affecting the areas where it supplies. It runs through the buttocks, hips, legs, and feet. The nerve damage can cause pain and discomfort in the affected areas, as well as sensory impairment. This condition is experienced by over 40% of the population worldwide.

If left untreated, it may cause several serious complications as follows:

1.Irreparable nerve damage:

Permanent nerve damage can cause serious complications, the sensory or motor loss may occur. The nerve damage can increase the intensity of pain. The pain may become unbearable and the intake of medications will be increased. Eventually, there will be a time, when the medication stops responding resulting in the worst conditions. As the sensory system of diabetic patients is already compromised, they are at great risk for this.  

2. Loss of motor and sensory control:

When the condition becomes worse, the patient may suffer a sensory and motor loss in the affected areas. You may feel a constant numbness and tingling because the nerve is being damaged continuously. It may also cause muscle weakness and difficulty in movement in the areas that are supplied by it.

Prolonged damage gradually decreases and then diminishes the sensations causing irreparable nerve dysfunction that can result in the amputation.

3. Bowel and bladder incontinence:

In extreme cases, it may also affect the control of bowel and bladder movements. It may be a temporary loss but can become permanent if left untreated for long period. The nerves become completely compromised and the damage is irreversible.  

4. Cauda Equina syndrome:

It can be caused by damage to the nerve root bundle present at the lower end of the spinal cord. This condition is characterized by extreme low back pain. Sensory impairment and incontinence may also occur. Cauda Equina syndrome may also cause permanent paralysis.

These are some of the complications explained by brain tumor surgeon Dr.Kalyan Bommakanti, M.Ch.

Categories
BLOG&NEWS Sciatica and key hole spine surgery

IS WALKING GOOD FOR SCIATICA PAIN?

Sciatica is a term that refers to the compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve in the lumbar spine. It may cause pain or numbness in the areas where it passes through. The nerve passes along a pathway through the buttocks, legs, and feet. Usually, it affects one side of the body but it may be bilateral as well.

In the past, bed rest was thought to be effective, but nowadays patients are advised to be more active. Usually doctors advise walking after a brief period of bed rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Walking is believed to be very helpful in relieving sciatic pain, however, its effectiveness depends on the cause and severity of the pain. Posture correction is compulsory because walking while exhibiting a poor posture can worsen the pain. Walking aids in relieving pain as long as it is not aggravating the symptoms.

Walking is proved to be therapeutic as it stimulates hormonal changes such as the release of endorphins that decreases the inflammatory process. It relieves pressure on the affected area and improves the blood flow to that area. It may also increase muscle power, strength, and flexibility. Walking helps in preventing the atrophy of muscles and loss of power and range of motion.

The prognosis of sciatica is good enough. To reduce the symptoms, one must understand and learn how to walk properly to maximize its benefits. A good posture will not only help in managing the pain and discomfort but also in the correction of proper biomechanics as well. Walking without a good posture is useless, the person must follow a scheduled plan and techniques prescribed by the doctor.

In order to start any regime, you must consult with your doctor or physical therapist first. They will help you find a plan that is suitable and appropriate according to your condition and symptoms. When to walk, how much time and intensity? These are all the various queries you may need to discuss with your doctor.

Categories
BLOG&NEWS Sciatica and key hole spine surgery

HOW LONG DOES SCIATIC PAIN LAST?

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain caused by the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain or numbness along the pathway of the sciatic nerve. The most common cause of sciatica is disc herniation in the lumbar spine, causing pinching and inflammation of the nerve. It may also be caused by spinal stenosis, bone spurs, facet arthritis, or any injury or trauma. This irritation can cause pain and numbness in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. Usually, it affects only one leg but can occur in both as well.

Sciatic pain usually lasts a few weeks depending on the underlying cause. Acute sciatica commonly resolves within 3-4 weeks. But if left untreated acute sciatica can convert into chronic and it may last for a long time. The pain experienced in the acute stage is sharp and stabbing while in the chronic stage it is less severe. The duration may last longer depending on the intensity and the level of injury. It also depends upon the time of diagnosis and early treatment. The earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the lesser will be the symptoms and impairment. Hence the greater and more effective will be the results.

Some people confuse it with usual low back pain if it is only localized there, resulting in delayed recovery and mismanagement. The pain may be present in only one part or all along the pathway. Pain and numbness may be felt together, or in some cases, pain is felt in one area and numbness in the other. If the symptoms last for a long time, it is advised to seek medical help as soon as possible. In severe cases, there may be loss of bowel or bladder control, it is considered a medical emergency, and professional help is given to prevent any further loss or damage. 

Click for scheduling an appointment