Back To Back: Spine Surgery In The US
The United States has a higher rate of back surgery than anywhere else in the world. Strangely, for many patients suffering from back problems, surgery may not be necessary. But for those who do undergo surgery, postoperative pain can be a problem.
Pain killer alternatives
Postoperative pain can often arise after certain forms of extensive back surgery. This type of surgery includes minimally invasive spinal surgery and joint replacement surgery. Typically, after spine surgery, the doctor prescribes strong painkillers such as opioids, to combat the postoperative pain. Many people do not wish to take these drugs because of the risk of dependence. In these cases, acupuncture may be an alternative solution to postoperative back pain.
Fun fact about acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine. This form of therapy dates back more than 5,000 years. Acupuncture originated in China and was first discovered in an ancient document known as The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, which was possibly written around 100BC. Much of the text discusses the same acupuncture point locations on the body that are used today.
On pins and needles
Acupuncture is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine as an alternative therapy for the management of pain. Traditional acupuncture involves the use of very fine needles, which are inserted into the skin at certain points along the body’s meridians. In Chinese medicine, the meridians are believed to be channels of energy which run throughout certain areas of the body.
Releasing neurotransmitters
Inserting the acupuncture needles at certain acupoints on the meridians may be able to relieve pain. This is believed to occur because of the release of the body’s natural endorphins which act as pain killers. In addition, these needles may also release serotonin which is a neurotransmitter known to improve mood and a general sense of well being. Many people find that after minimally invasive surgery, using acupuncture to relieve pain is a great alternative to traditional pain killers.
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“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
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“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
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“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
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“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
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“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
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