A vital and crucial link between the brain and our whole body is known as the Spinal Cord. It plays a major role in our body for it is part of the central nervous system that is connected to the brain and enables it to control all bodily functions as well as our movement and behavior. It is safeguarded by all bones of the spine and is cushioned by a clear cerebral spinal fluid. Our nerves are capable of entering and exiting the spinal cord at various points in order to control the different parts of our body and this includes our bladder. Our bladder’s stretch receptors are linked to the nerves of the spinal cord which makes it capable to send and receive signals through the spine and the brain that informs us that it is time to release urine.
On the contrary, if our spinal cord is damaged, it will result in bladder problems and other possible severe conditions throughout the body. The spinal cord is a very significant part of our body that needs to be well taken care of.
Facts About Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgery helps to correct two or more vertebrae in the spine permanently since it eliminates all motion between them. The surgery involves specific techniques that are created to excellently imitate the healing process of broken bones in a normal way. During spinal surgery, a licensed surgeon will place a bone-like material or a bone within the space in between the two spinal vertebrae. To make the process easier and to enable it to quickly heal in one solid unit, the surgeon might be using screws, rods, and metal plates in order to hold it together.
It is done this way simply because it aims to improve the stability of the spine, correct the deformity of the spine, and to reduce its pain. A surgeon would recommend spinal surgery if he sees any kind of spinal deformities, a sideways curvature of the spine or commonly known as scoliosis, instability or weakness, excessive motion between two vertebrae, and in stabilizing the spine after removing a damaged disk or herniated disk.
There are factors to consider before undergoing surgery and spinal surgery is normally a safe procedure. However, people who are undergoing this kind of surgery should also be aware of the potential risks and complications that might happen. Complications such as poor wound healing, blood clots, pain from which the bone graft is taken, injury to nerves or blood vessels around the spine, bleeding, and infection.
It is very important for the patient to prepare before surgery. You should be aware of the studies of your spine, have an accurate, detailed and high-resolution 3D models and images of your spine, preoperative planning with your surgeon, the use of advanced surgery systems, and so on. Be aware of the procedure and steps of the surgery as well as the tools and kind of operation that your surgeon will be doing. Preparation before surgery is important to ensure successful and effective treatment. For more information, visit Joshua S. Rovner, MD – Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics.
