Category: Spine health

While the terms are often used interchangeably by many, there is a subtle but important distinction in medical context. Understanding whether **is stenosis the same as narrowing** is key to grasping how specific medical conditions affect the body's channels and passageways, such as arteries or the spinal canal.

According to a 2018 study, over one million anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures were performed in the US between 2006 and 2013, solidifying its place as one of the most common neck surgeries. This article explores the most frequently performed surgical options for addressing issues in the cervical spine.

While the prospect of any surgery is concerning, a 2019 study published in the *Global Spine Journal* found zero intraoperative deaths in a large review of elective cervical fusions, indicating high safety for many procedures. Understanding **how risky are neck surgeries** involves exploring different procedure types, potential complications, and patient-specific factors.

The human spine is not perfectly straight; it features natural inward and outward curves that act as shock absorbers. This anatomical reality leads many to question, **is it normal for my spine to be indented?** While a certain degree of indentation is a normal feature, sometimes an exaggerated or unusually located indentation can signal an underlying medical condition.

According to research, many people will experience some form of joint crepitus at some point in their lives. The sensation that prompts the question, "Why does my neck have air bubbles?" is most often a manifestation of this very common and usually harmless phenomenon.

While the surgery itself for a procedure like an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) can take between 1 and 4 hours, the total time commitment, including pre-operative preparation and full recovery, is significantly longer. Several factors, such as the complexity of the condition and the type of procedure, can influence the overall timeline, making a clear understanding essential for patients.

Affecting up to 5% of the population annually, a Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Disc, or PLID, is a common spinal condition that can lead to significant back and leg pain. Understanding **what is PL ID** is the first step toward effective management and recovery from this often debilitating condition.

Studies have shown that individuals can temporarily lose up to one or two centimeters of height throughout a single day due to spinal compression. While this diurnal variation is a normal, temporary effect of gravity on the spine's soft discs, proactive steps can help minimize this daily height loss and promote long-term spinal health.

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, but figuring out the right doctor to see can be confusing. The term **what is a spine specialist called?** does not refer to just one type of professional but rather a broad group of experts specializing in spinal health, each with a unique role in diagnosis and treatment.

According to a 2017 study, the average total blood loss in posterior lumbar fusion surgery was around 771 ml, though this can vary significantly based on patient and procedural factors. The amount of blood you lose during back surgery is a major concern for both patients and surgeons, but modern techniques are very effective at management.