Back pain responds to two high-tech procedures, says Dr. Kenneth Light

San Francisco - Spine surgeon Dr. Kenneth Light is known by his patients as the "Doctor of Last Resort" for helping people with back pain & spinal injuries, and for fixing unsuccessful procedures. He says that two newer procedures can improve the quality of life for many people.

Nearly 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain during their lifetime. Most commonly, back pain is caused by muscle strain, but it can also be attributed to a variety of traumatic and degenerative conditions, including:
   * Spinal stenosis
   * Osteoarthritis
   * Bone fractures
   * Osteomyelitis
   * Spondylolisthesis
   * Degenerative disc disease (DDD) 

Dr. Light says that two  high-tech procedures are revolutionizing back treatment:

1. The "X-LIF" System For Minimally-Invasive Back Surgery helps patients with spinal disc degeneration & other back problems.

2. “Pro-Disc” Artificial disc replacement can fix complicated back problems without resorting to a spinal fusion.

For most, back pain is only a temporary problem that can be alleviated with conservative (non-surgical) treatment such as rest, medication, physical therapy, spinal injections and the use of orthotics.  Patients suffering from chronic back pain that does not improve with conservative (non-surgical) treatment may require surgery. 

The lower back surgery technique, called Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion, or “X-LIF” is a possible surgical alternative for sufferers of back injuries, painful scoliosis and degenerated spinal discs.

Pro-Disc Replacement:

In the past, the only course of treatment for people with certain back injuries including work-related injuries has been a spinal fusion procedure, often done to stabilize the spine and to prevent further damage to the injured area. However, spinal fusion has several disadvantages including a variable loss of range of movement in the treated areas and, in many cases, recurring pain and further damage to the spine.

Now there is a better approach - total disc replacement using a device called the “ProDisc-L Implant,” says Dr. Light, “Artificial disc replacement is an attempt to fix complicated back problems without resorting to a spinal fusion.”  The implant has been designed to maintain the physiological range of motion in the spine An added benefit is shortened recovery time for most patients. “I believe that artificial disc replacement will eventually replace 70% to 80% of all spinal fusion surgeries," says Dr. Light.

 

Most patients experience little downtime after the procedure and can often return to most regular activities in a matter of days. 

 

For more information visit Dr. Kenneth Light's website: www.drkennethlight.com or call 415.673.4500.  See Dr. Light in a recent T.V. news story on back pain: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQXTg2kwr2o 

*****