Procedures
Our Approach to Degenerative Disc Repair:
Disc degeneration often leads to bone spurs, which can cause nerve impingement and severe pain. Using the most minimally invasive techniques available, we can enter through a tiny 7 or 15 mm incision to shave the bone spurs off and free the nerve and rid you of your pain without causing any trauma to your body. And because we do not use expandable retractors, like many others who claim to do minimally invasive surgery, we avoid cutting muscle altogether, so you can get back to life as quickly as possible.
Definition:
Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease, but a term used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the interlocking bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Degenerative disc disease can take place throughout the spine, but it most often occurs in the discs in the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region).
The changes in the discs can result in back or neck pain, as well as:
- Osteoarthritis, the breakdown of the tissue (cartilage) that protects and cushions joints.
- Herniated disc, an abnormal bulge or breaking open of a spinal disc.
- Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, the open space in the spine that holds the spinal cord.
These conditions may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and possibly affecting nerve function.
Symptoms:
Degenerative disc disease may result in back or neck pain, but this varies from person to person. Many people have no pain, while others with the same amount of disc damage have severe pain that limits their activities.
Where the pain occurs depends on the location of the affected disc. An affected disc in the neck area may result in neck or arm pain, while an affected disc in the lower back may result in pain in the back, buttocks, or leg. The pain often gets worse with movements such as bending over, reaching up, or twisting.
How we can help.
Chosen as one of "America's Top Orthopedist/Spine Surgeons" in 2009 by Consumers' Research Council of America.
NEW PLANO OFFICE LOCATION
Our new Plano office is now open. We look forward to seeing you.
6957 W. Plano Parkway
Suite 2600, Plano, TX 75093
click for map & driving directions
NEW LAS COLINAS OFFICE LOCATION
Our new state-of-the-art Las Colinas office is now open. We look forward to seeing you.
4301 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Suite 101, Irving, TX 75038
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Chosen as the 2008 Patients' Choice and one of Texas' favorite physicians by American Registry for business excellence.
Watch Dr. Rimlawi talk about minimally invasive spine procedures on ABC's WFAA.
Watch Dr. Won talk about the advances in minimally invasive spine procedures on ABC's WFAA Good Morning Texas.
Watch Dr. Rhim discuss the latest minimally invasive spine procedures on WFAA's Good Morning Texas.
Watch the commerical for The Minimally Invasive Spine Institute and more
videos here.
