With the constant advancements in medicine, surgery is not always the best option for treating conditions of the spine and nervous system. At Austin Neurosurgeons, we provide many options both surgical and non-surgical to help our patients achieve the best results for their concerns. Providers like Dr. Daniel Peterson are constantly researching the most effective and novel ways to aid our patients.
Degenerative Diseases of the Spine
Degenerative diseases of the spine can prove to be stressful and debilitating. Dr. Peterson and our amazing team here at Austin Neurosurgeons aim to provide you with the information, treatment, and compassionate care you need to help you reclaim a happier, healthier life. Some common degenerative conditions of the spine that we treat include:
- Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
- Degenerative Scoliosis
- Lower Back Strains and Sprains
- Lumbar Disc Degeneration
- Lumbar and Cervical Stenosis
- Compression Fractures
- Osteoporosis
- And more
Physical Therapy
One of the most effective non-surgical treatments to address spinal concerns is through physical therapy. Austin Neurosurgeons works closely with a network of the best physical therapists in Central Texas to evaluate, assess, and treat conditions or diseases that have limited or effected functional movement. A wide array of techniques and approaches are employed with utmost personalization to help you move more comfortably. Physical therapy has proven to be a safe way to assist in the recuperation of spinal, muscular, and other nervous system conditions. Physical therapists are specifically trained to examine your condition and help you reclaim optimal mobility and independent movements. Physical therapy may be recommended to you to evaluate and treat:
- Stroke
- Fractures
- Spinal cord condition or disease
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Injuries sustained during physical activity
- Arthritis
- And more
Some techniques frequently employed by our network of trained physical therapists to treat these conditions include:
- Ice/Heat Therapy
- Massage - to release soft tissue that is causing pain, decrease tension, and improve circulation.
- Core Strengthening - to reduce load on the spine
- Ultrasound - deep heating treatment used to treat many musculoskeletal conditions like sprains, strains, or tendonitis.
- Range of Motion Exercises / Stretching
- Bracing - back braces provide extra support to your spine, relieving pain and helping certain conditions heal, such as minor fractured vertebrae.
- Electrical Stimulation and Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS) - to decrease pain around injured tissue and help your injured muscles "relearn" how to function properly.
- Traction - to separate the joints and disc spaces in the low back or neck, which in turn helps to decrease pressure on spinal nerves.
- Laser or Light Therapy
- And much more...
Pain Management
Austin Neurosurgeons with Dr. Daniel Peterson also work closely with a network of pain management specialists to best alleviate your discomfort. Pain management physicians utilize many treatments that can be uniquely catered to your needs. Several techniques that we prescribe include:
- Epidural steroid injections - Which Reduces inflammation and pain associated with many lower back conditions, such as bulging discs, sciatica and bone spurs and others. This is done in conjunction with live fluoroscopic imaging to properly locate the troubled area.
- Advanced nerve blocks - Including medial branch, sympathetic and selective nerve blocks. These treatments numb the nerves that send pain signals to your brain. By blocking the transmission of certain nerves, we can determine the source of your pain… and the solve it.
- Radiofrequency procedures - Using a combination of radio waves and heat, we can effectively shut off nerves from sending pain signals to your brain, relieving both joint and spine pain.
- Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) - In patients with permanent nerve damage - sometimes caused by diabetes, postponing treatment, autoimmune diseases, and previous surgeries - SCS therapy can provide permanent relief. When activated, the device delivers constant, painless electrical stimulation to the back. This mutes the nerves in the area, preventing them from transmitting pain signals to the brain.
- Facet rhizotomy - A small probe is inserted into your painful facet joint, heating up the nerves and “turning off” the pain signals. This minor procedure is performed under X-ray guidance, and most patients recover in a single day.
- Vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty - These are similar procedures that involve filling a fractured vertebra with special cement, restoring its structural integrity and relieving pain.
Contact Austin Neurosurgeons
Austin Neurosurgeons, led by Dr. Peterson, strive to help all of our patients achieve a happier, healthier quality of life. We practice numerous forms of the latest techniques in neurosurgery. Our knowledge of both surgical and non-surgical options help us provide the best care and avoid unnecessary surgery. Contact us today and schedule your appointment for lasting relief.
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