WHAT IS SPINE SURGERY?

When it comes to your spine health, trust the exceptional expertise of Dr. Winston Capel , a board-certified neurosurgeon with specialized training in orthopedic spine care. With his comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience, he is dedicated to providing personalized and effective solutions for a wide range of spinal conditions.

Dr. Winston Capel brings 30 years of extensive experience and training in neurosurgery, focusing specifically on spinal conditions. With a deep understanding of complex spine anatomy and innovative surgical techniques, he possesses the expertise necessary to address a wide range of spine-related issues.

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

The physicians at Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic have a deep understanding of spinal disorders, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal deformities, and spinal tumors. With advanced diagnostic tools and techniques, they will ensure an accurate diagnosis and develop personalized treatment plans that may include both surgical and non-surgical interventions.  If seen by one of our providers for spinal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, spinal deformities, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, fractures, tumors, infections, and spinal cord injuries,  a thorough physical examination will be conducted, review of your medical history, and the order of imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or bone scans to accurately diagnose the underlying problem can be expected. Our specialists primary goal is to alleviate your pain, improve your mobility, and enhance your overall quality of life.

SPINE CONDITIONS:

Spine conditions can encompass a wide range of disorders and diseases that affect the structure, function, or nerves of the spine. Here are some common spine conditions, along with their brief explanations and treatment options:

  • Herniated Disc: This occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves. Treatment options include rest, physical therapy, pain medications, epidural steroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery.
  • Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Treatment may include pain medications, physical therapy, epidural injections, and in some cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.
  • Spondylolisthesis: It refers to the forward displacement of one vertebra over another, typically in the lower back. Treatment options range from conservative measures like physical therapy, bracing, and pain management to surgical intervention in severe cases.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: This is a natural age-related condition where the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity, height, and hydration, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Treatment may include pain management, physical therapy, exercise, and in some cases, surgery.
  • Sciatica: Sciatica is a symptom rather than a condition itself. It occurs due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates down the leg. Treatment options include rest, pain medications, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and in rare cases, surgery.
  • Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can develop during childhood or adolescence. Mild cases may require monitoring, while more severe cases may necessitate bracing or surgery to correct the curvature.
  • Spinal Fractures: Fractures of the vertebrae can result from trauma or osteoporosis. Treatment depends on the severity and may involve pain management, bracing, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

CERVICAL SPINE DISEASE:

Cervical spine disease refers to various medical conditions that affect the cervical spine, which is the portion of the spine located in the neck region. The cervical spine is composed of seven vertebrae (C1-C7) and is responsible for supporting the head, providing mobility, and protecting the spinal cord and nerves.

Here are some common cervical spine diseases:

  1. Cervical Disc Herniation: Cervical disc herniation occurs when the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine bulge or rupture, resulting in compression of nearby nerves or the spinal cord. This can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, radiating arm pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
  2. Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Cervical spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical region, which can result in compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. It is often caused by degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis or the formation of bone spurs. Symptoms may include neck pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, and problems with balance and coordination.
  3. Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the cervical spine, including the discs, vertebrae, and facet joints. These changes are typically associated with aging and can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and radicular symptoms in the arms.
  4. Cervical Radiculopathy: Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand. It is commonly caused by disc herniation or degenerative changes in the cervical spine.
  5. Cervical Fractures: Cervical fractures are breaks or fractures in the bones of the cervical spine. They can occur as a result of trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, it can lead to instability, spinal cord injury, and neurological deficits.

Treatment options for cervical spine diseases depend on the specific condition and its severity. Non-surgical treatments may include medications, physical therapy, immobilization with a cervical collar, and lifestyle modifications. In more severe cases or when conservative measures fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered, such as cervical fusion, laminectomy, or disc replacement.

WHAT TYPES OF SURGERY:

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Performing surgery through small incisions using specialized instruments, reducing tissue damage and promoting faster recovery. tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or bone scans to accurately diagnose the underlying problem.

Complex Spinal Surgeries: Spine surgeons are trained to perform complex procedures such as spinal deformity correction (e.g., scoliosis or kyphosis), tumor resections, spinal cord or nerve decompression, spinal reconstructions, and revisions of previous surgeries.

Dr. Winston Capel, brings years of extensive experience and training in neurosurgery, focusing specifically on spinal conditions. With a deep understanding of complex spine anatomy and innovative surgical techniques, he possesses the expertise necessary to address a wide range of spine-related issues.

HOW WE CAN HELP:

At Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic our orthopedic surgeons are available for non-surgical management of spine conditions, injury and disease. The physicians work together collaboratively to deliver the best quality of spine care. Initially you may be recommend non-surgical interventions to manage spinal conditions. These can include physical therapy, pain management techniques, medications, spinal injections, bracing, and lifestyle modifications. 

When conservative treatments are ineffective or the condition requires surgical intervention, our neurosurgical spine specialist has the expertise to perform a wide range of surgical procedures.

Dr. Winston Capel brings 25 years of extensive experience and training in neurosurgery, focusing specifically on spinal conditions. With a deep understanding of complex spine anatomy and innovative surgical techniques, he possesses the expertise necessary to address a wide range of spine-related issues. 

 

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Pelham, AL

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205.621.4835

205.621.3778

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