Spondylosis refers to degeneration of the spine. The term can be used to describe degeneration in the neck, middle and lower back. Most often, the term spondylosis is used to describe osteoarthritis of the spine, but it is also commonly used to describe any manner of spinal degeneration (Ulrich, Jr., MD, 2012).
Symptoms and conditions include:
Sometimes when a vertebra slips out of place, you may have no symptoms at all or no symptoms until years later. Then, you may have pain in your low back or buttock. Muscles in your leg may feel tight or weak. You may even limp.
At first evaluation, it may be difficult to assess the extent of injuries to the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
At the accident scene, first check vital signs, including the patient’s consciousness, ability to breathe, and heart rate. After these are stabilized, workers will assess obvious bleeding and limb-deforming injuries.
Before moving the patient, you must immobilize the patient in a cervical (neck) collar and backboard. The trauma team will perform a complete and thorough evaluation in the hospital emergency room.
Usually, after an initial examination of your symptoms and nerve response, X-rays will be ordered that allow the provider to see the structure of the spine and measure the slippage from the spondylolisthesis. During the X-rays, you will be asked to hold certain positions while standing or lying on a table, and you will need to hold very still while pictures are taken of your spine. Treatment for spondylosis, specifically spondylolisthesis, is not much different than for other causes of mechanical and/or compressive back pain.
In some cases, surgery will be necessary. Nonsurgical methods to strengthen the back muscles can reduce the mechanical symptoms resulting from the segmental instability.
In addition to exercise and weight management through a low-fat and low-sodium diet, maintaining proper posture is one way to mitigate – or even avoid – the symptoms associated with spondylosis and spondylolisthesis. It’s not always easy to remember to practice proper posture, of course.
One of the spine’s primary functions is to support the body’s weight, and it is crucial to maintain an even distribution across the series of vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs so that one or more segments never have to carry more of the load than they should.
Meet
Dr Hamid Mir is a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon with fellowship training in combined neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. He has offices in OC, Los Angeles & Riverside. Dr Mir specializes in spinal fusion, lumbar surgery and treating trauma as well as other conditions affecting the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine including degenerative diseases, stenosis, fracture, infection, adult scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.
Testimonials
I was in a very bad situation with a herniated disc in my lower back so I made an appointment with DISC spine center and Dr. Hamid. He was very professional and made me comfortable that he understood exactly what I was going through and was able to communicate effectively exactly what it will take to get me on the road to recovery after spine surgery. It took several months as my injury was severe however I always felt I was in good hands under Dr. Hamid’s supervision…If you ever have the misfortune of injuring your circuit board of your body (spine) you need a pro, do not take advice from anyone who’s not specifically licensed to help, Dr Hamid is who I chose and I’m very thankful.
Dr. Mir saw me about 2 months before the spine procedure and indicated that I had severe stenosis or narrowing of the openings where the nerve roots exit at the L4, L5 and S1 level. He reviewed my MRI and without wasting any time, asked if I wanted or was considering spinal surgery. He was extremely clear and answered all my questions. I had the procedure done at the Disc Newport OP surgery spine center and was cared for by an incredibly competent, caring staff. I was discharged same day and my post op recovery was 2 weeks, and returned to daily activities and work July 15th. The procedure was very successful as my back pain is basically gone. Amazing relief from a procedure done by a great surgeon with a great team!
Dr Mir is an excellent spine surgeon. I had a surgery on my neck by another surgeon but I was still in pain. A friend who had prior spine surgery with Dr. Mir recommended him to me. As the treating surgeon he was very detail oriented, confident, and knowledgeable. His team is very friendly and helpful. I decided to have a second cervical spine operation on my neck. Soooo thankful I have no pain and for physical medicine doctors like him.
Dr. Mir and his entire team of specialists take the extra time and consideration to shape alternatives to meet the needs (holistically) of the patient. Everything about the experience of my surgery was positive. Dr. Mir is a patient and compassionate surgeon. His communication skills are remarkably attentive. We are six months out of the starting gate from surgical treatment, and with PT and core strengthening exercises, this 65 yr. old is back to regular training for next year’s marathon. Thank you kindly El Doc-tor….you are amazing! See you soon.
Dr. Hamid Mir is a member of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with fellowship training in combined neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in 2004. As a top rated spine surgeon, he specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine diseases including degenerative, stenosis, fracture, infection, scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.
Dr. Mir focused his practice on minimally invasive techniques. As Medical Director of DISC Sports & Spine Center, Dr. Mir is at the forefront of the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. The benefits of these techniques include less post-operative pain, quicker recovery reduced blood loss, less soft tissue damage, smaller surgical incisions, less scarring and improved function.
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