TREATMENTS
Spinal Fusion Alternatives
in Palm Beach County
Alternatives to Spinal Fusion: Minimally Invasive & Non-Surgical Solutions for Back Pain Relief
Chronic back pain can be debilitating. This pain can be so persistent that it completely transforms life as you once knew it into a very limited every day - walking up stairs, riding in the car, grocery shopping - activities that we normally take for granted can become very taxing.
Pain can remain within the low back (axial) or radiate out to the hips and down the legs and feet. When this pain becomes chronic it can become overwhelming and exhausting. Many people experience chronic pain as a result of disc herniation and/or degeneration of intervertebral discs as a result of aging. Although these conditions may be troublesome, there is hope for relief with a number of new and innovative treatments offered as spinal fusion alternatives in Palm Beach County.
Although the traditional approach to treating disc herniation and diseased or damaged intervertebral discs has been to perform spinal fusion surgical procedures, there are now more dynamic and advanced techniques available to patients. Previously, during a spinal fusion surgery, the intervertebral bones were bonded together during a procedure that would require an overnight stay in the hospital and leave the patient with less mobility than the natural spine originally allowed for. Alternatively, minimally invasive surgery can reduce blood loss and post-operative recovery time.
Understanding Back Pain
Any pain that is sourced in the spine and lasts over a period of multiple weeks may be cause for concern as chronic back pain. A pulled muscle or strain is common, but will not persist after a shorter amount of time. Some major contributors of chronic back pain are:
DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE
Degenerative disc disease is a leading cause of chronic back pain in older patients. It occurs from normal “wear and tear” when an intervertebral disc is degraded over time.
DISC HERNIATION
A herniated disc can happen to anyone. When the inner layer of the disc extrudes out through a hole in the outer layer of the disc, it can put pressure on nerve roots which can cause pain, numbness or weakness.
STENOSIS
Narrowing of the spinal canal can lead to back pain, radiating buttock or leg pain and/or numbness or weakness in the legs.
FACET JOINT ARTHRITIS
Degeneration of the facet joints of the lumbar spine may be a cause of axial back pain in a small percentage of patients.
SPONDYLOLISTHESIS
This is a slippage of one vertebral body over another, leading to spinal instability.
A traditional spinal fusion bonds two vertebral bones together permanently. This can cause problems later as the surrounding vertebrae are then supporting additional pressure. Spinal fusion also limits mobility as the spine will no longer be as flexible in that area, and will not move in the same way as it once did. Alternatively, more advanced procedures such as lumbar total disc replacement can be an excellent alternative to fusion.
Is a Spinal Fusion the Right Treatment for Me?
Spinal health is important to your body your entire life - consulting a doctor about the right spinal treatment for your condition is imperative. A fusion may not be the right option for you if your goal is to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. There are alternatives to spinal fusions, and considering the long-term effects of your spinal surgery decision is important - it could have an impact on the rest of your life.
Exploring Minimally Invasive Techniques
Minimally invasive surgery is a way of performing spinal surgery which involves reducing the amount of damage to soft tissue (muscle). Minimally invasive surgery techniques can be used for decompression, microdiscectomy even spinal fusion.
PAIN RELIEF
In the last 20 years, many spinal surgeons have come to prefer minimally invasive surgery to traditional (open) surgery, like a spinal fusion, because although the long term outcome may be similar, it can often result in a quicker recovery.
ADVANCED IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES
Imaging technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, and doctors are now able to identify problem areas more clearly. These visual aids allow for doctors to make more precise incisions and to target the damaged or diseased areas before surgery to then make a more accurate diagnosis for patients.
Artificial Disc Replacement
During an artificial disc replacement surgery, a surgeon will remove a damaged or diseased disc and replace it with an artificial one. This disc will be made of medical-grade plastic or titanium alloy and is beneficial for restoring alignment to the spine and it also allows the spine to remain flexible and keep its natural range of motion.
There are several misconceptions about the safety of an artificial disc replacement surgery. The most common misconception is that someone can be too old for an artificial disc replacement surgery. In our opinion, age it not the primary determinant of whether a patient is a candidate for artificial disc replacement surgery and Dr. Cuéllar has performed this surgery many times on patients in their 80’s.
Regenerative Medicine for Spinal Conditions
Dr. Cuellar offers A2M or, “Alpha 2 Macroglobulin” injections, an extracellular macromolecule, to treat pain. This relief occurs as the injection neutralizes destructive enzymes in the bloodstream.
The protein molecule in A2M keeps our cartilage healthy. A2M injections offer a new way to treat chronic inflammation around joints and other areas of the body where cartilage has become worn, and everyday scientific study progresses in this field and the way we use A2M injects to treat spinal conditions.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
There are a number of ways to treat chronic back pain that do not involve surgery, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. These treatment options offer patients non-invasive solutions to relieve pain, strengthen their spines and improve mobility.
PATIENT SUCCESS STORIES
PATIENT SUCCESS STORIES
PATIENT SUCCESS STORIES
PATIENT SUCCESS STORIES
“Attentive, knowledgeable, professional, and treats every patient with individual care! Saved my dad’s life with his minimally invasive procedure and his mindfulness of the medication my father was on before procedure. Thank you Dr. Cuéllar!”
- Eleena H.
PATIENT SUCCESS STORIES
“I had my consult with Dr. Cuellar yesterday and I was very happy with my visit. The consultation was to discuss a potential surgery that would be pretty extensive/ significant. So it was important to me to have an understanding and compassionate provider. Dr. Cuellar did just that.
He had a great way of balancing his intelligence, understanding, and patience and I did not feel as though he was talking 'at me' or 'down to' me. He was allowing me to actively participate in the conversation (unlike most providers I have dealt with in the past). I was able to go through all of my imaging with him and he explained everything thoroughly. He was not trying to persuade me to do the surgery or push me into anything.
If I do decide to do the spinal revision and artificial disc replacement surgery it will most definitely be with him. His staff, Rachel in particular, was also extremely helpful with scheduling and she was prompt with all of her emails and correspondences with me. So far, nothing but good things to say about my visit with Dr. Cuellar”
- F.Q.
Why Choose Dr. Cuéllar for Spinal Fusion Alternatives
Dr. Cuéllar is a top spinal surgeon in Palm Beach County for alternatives to spinal fusion due to his extensive expertise and personal experience with spinal disorders. He offers both surgical and non-operative treatments, including artificial disc replacement and regenerative medicine, stemming from his own 20-year journey with chronic back pain and failed surgeries. Dr. Cuéllar's commitment to a holistic, patient-centric approach makes him a trusted choice for individuals seeking comprehensive care, whether surgical or non-surgical, for their spinal conditions.
Lifestyle, genetics and pre-existing conditions all play a part in selecting the right treatment for your back pain. By using the right imaging tools and by providing a thorough physical examination, your surgeon can guide you to the treatment that is best suited for your needs.
Find answers to treating your spinal condition with Dr. Cuéllar and his devoted staff. Our personalized advice will help you make one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your body and for your future.
Find a solution to your back and neck pain management with Dr. Cuéllar. Call us for a consultation today.
Dr. Jason Cuellar came to the field of spinal surgery after needing to address his own spinal condition and back pain, which eventually led him to need spinal surgery with a lumbar artificial disc replacement. Dr. Cuéllar is a highly specialized, sought after spinal surgeon, whose expertise has changed the lives of many patients over the years. He is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with affiliations to Cedar-Sinai Spine Center of Excellence and Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery. Dr. Cuéllar is a pioneer spinal surgeon and has had excellent outcomes from his artificial disc replacements with his patients.
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