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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“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.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
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“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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“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.”
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“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“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.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“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 ”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
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