Spine

From treating back pain and offering pre- and post-operative care for spinal surgeries, to managing degenerative disorders of the spine and more, Middlesex Orthopedic Surgeons is the premier choice for the people of Westbrook.

Degenerative Disorders

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) refers to gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae. DDD is a misnomer as it is not actually a disease but a condition that affects the strength, resiliency and structural integrity.

Herniated Disc

The vertebrae are cushioned by intervertebral discs which act as shock absorbers for the spine. The normal intervertebral disc is composed of a nucleus pulposus, at the center, surrounded by a fibrous ring known as annulus fibrosus.

Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty

Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease characterized by the weakening of bones. This makes them more susceptible to fractures, typically in the hip and spine. The elderly and post-menopausal women are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.

Radiculopathy/Myelopathy

The spine, also called the back bone, is designed to give us stability, smooth movement, as well as providing a corridor of protection for the delicate spinal cord. It is made up of bony segments called vertebrae and fibrous tissue called intervertebral discs.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck, usually caused by sudden forceful jerk commonly occurring as a result of an automobile accident, sports injuries, or an accidental fall. Sometimes whiplash may also be referred to as neck strain.

SI Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint is one of the large joints in the body and is formed by the connection of the sacrum and the right and left iliac (pelvic) bones. The sacroiliac joints have small amount of movement and transmits all the forces of the upper body to the lower body.

Back Sprains & Strains

Low back (lumbar) strains and sprains are the most common causes of back pain. A strain refers to the stretching or tear of a muscle or tendon (tissue that connects muscles to bone) while a sprain refers to the stretching or tear of a ligament .

Sciatica

Sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It originates in the lower back, runs along the hip and back of the leg and finally terminates in the foot. Sciatica is characterized by severe pain in the leg resulting from compression or damage.

Disc Replacements

Artificial cervical disc replacement surgery is an alternative to spinal fusion surgery, where the damaged intervertebral disc in the neck is removed and replaced with a disc implant. This surgery relieves neck pain as well as restores the normal range.

Spinal Injections

Spinal injections are used to inject medications into the painful/injured area of the spine. Spinal injections can be used to diagnose (diagnostic) the cause of pain as well as treat (therapeutic) it.

Laminectomy

Cervical laminectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a small portion of the lamina, the bone forming the roof of the spinal canal, to relieve pressure over the spinal cord due to cervical stenosis.

Spinal Fusions

Spinal fusion is the surgical technique of combining two or more vertebrae. Fusion of the vertebrae involves insertion of secondary bone tissue obtained either through auto graft (tissues from the same patient) or allograft .