A Spinal Surgery Overview

The human spine is literally the backbone of our anatomy. The complexities of the spine direct bodily movements and functions. The spinal column consists of 24 vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal discs, the sacrum and the coccyx. Inside the spinal canal is the spinal cord. Spinal surgery at a Watseka hospital, both invasive and non-invasive, helps to correct backbone damage or defects.

The spinal series of nerves, bones and discs also has natural curvatures. The four regions of the spine are defined by these curvatures. The medical terms for these regions are cervical, thoracic, lumbar and pelvic. Pelvic and thoracic curvatures are called primary curves because they are also present in a human fetus. After birth, the secondary lumbar and cervical curves are developed by the time the child is 18 months old.

Injuries, birth defects and other abnormalities can cause back pain and minimized range of motion. Those suffering with spinal pain and problems have a variety of treatment options. During the initial stages, non-surgical treatment is rendered to try to improve back pain symptoms. Often medication is administered to alleviate pain. If the symptoms are persistent for more than several months, spinal surgery at a Watseka Illinois hospital might be considered.

Spinal surgery can be non-invasive, minimally invasive or more extensive, depending on the extent of the problem. When you are unable to complete basic activities, the physician will present treatment options to help you decide the right course of action.

The purpose of spinal surgery is to correct an anatomical lesion if the patient has not shown significant improvement with more conservative treatments. A specific lesion must be detected as spinal surgery is never done for exploratory purposes. Modern preoperative imaging techniques make it simpler to identify anatomical lesions to develop a successful treatment plan.

Spinal surgery is performed by neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons. Basically, spinal surgery is done for three main purposes. It can decompress the spinal cord or a root nerve. Fusion surgery can stabilize a painful or unstable segment of the spine. Finally, spinal surgery can reduce a deformity, such as scoliosis surgery.

In days gone by, spinal surgery was risky and invasive. The patient underwent a serious surgical procedure with weeks of recovery. The latest spinal surgery technology is non-invasive and only rendered after other treatments and therapies are fully explored.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery procedures at a Southern Will county hospital allow patients to return home within 24 hours. The incisions can be as small as 1 to 2 inches. Minimally invasive techniques are used to treat compression fractures, stenosis and herniated discs.

With so many spinal surgery options available at a Watseka hospital, back pain does not have to be a way of life. People suffering from immobility have the chance to regain an active lifestyle by treating at a top Watseka Illinois hospital such as Riverside Medical Center. Many patients are able to resume their normal activities thanks to non-invasive spinal treatments and techniques rendered at a Southern Will County hospital. Riverside is proud to be the recipient of the HealthGrades¬® Specialty Excellence Award™ in spine surgery for being among the top 10 percent in the nation.

What You Need to Know About Durable Medical Equipment

Many individuals look forward to when they turn 65 years old. For the majority of them, they finally get to retire after nearly 40 years of work and are now eligible for the government's health insurance program, Medicare, and Social Security. As a result, they know they will be taken care of so they can retire without worry. Medicare was signed into law on July 30, 1965 during the Lyndon B Johnson administration. As part of the ceremony, President Johnson handed out the very first Medicare card to former President Harry S. Truman. Not only will President Truman be remembered as the United State's thirty-third president, he will also be known as the first Medicare beneficiary!

Medicare does not only cover health insurance for those over 65 years of age; other special groups of individuals also fall under its umbrella of care. One such exception is those who have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease. The term durable medical equipment is used specifically to mean the equipment for which Medicare is obligated to pay under Title XVII of the Social Security Act. This equipment ranges from wheelchairs and hospital beds to iron lungs and oxygen tents. For those with diabetes, regardless of what type, Medicare will cover the cost of blood-testing strips and blood glucose.

All of the equipment covered by Medicare is subject to necessity of course. Individuals need to prove their need with a note from a doctor. Several large and small companies carry durable medical equipment because a growing number of US citizens are falling under Medicare. If you have Medicare and need a certain item, there is a possibility that it is covered by Title XVII. Before you make any expensive purchases, check with your doctor or a medical equipment supply company to see if Medicare will cover the cost of that item. Saving money is always a good thing!

High quality medical equipment is extremely expensive and that is why so many people are thankful for Medicare in this country. It is a relief to know that you can get the medical treatment you need after you retire. Several articles online will tell you more about durable medical equipment. Make sure you know what you are eligible for before you pay the expenses out of your own wallet!

If you would like more information about durable medical equipment or medical products, please visit the Medical Machines Online website.