FAQ

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the nerve openings either around the spinal cord or nerve roots that can cause symptoms similar to a pinched nerve. It can cause leg pain in anyone, but most often does so in older people. Patients with spinal stenosis can have trouble walking, and the difficulty is usually relieved by sitting down or bending forward. It can cause aching or heaviness in the back and legs.

A herniated disc is the rupturing of the tissue that separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column. The center of a disc is called the nucleus. It is soft and springy and receives the shock of standing, walking, running, etc.. The outer ring of the disc, which is called the annulus (Latin for ring), provides structure and strength to the disc. The annulus consists of a complex series of interwoven layers of fibrous tissue that hold the nucleus in place. A herniated disc is often referred to as a slipped disc. This term came from the action of the nuclear tissue when it is forced from the center of the disc. The nuclear tissue located in the center of the disc can be placed under so much pressure that it can cause the annulus to rupture. When the disc has herniated or ruptured, it may create pressure against one or more of the spinal nerves which can cause pain, weakness or numbness in the neck and arm. Other names for herniated discs are prolapsed and ruptured discs.

As a Buffalo Spine and Sports patient, one of the most important procedures you will go through is our comprehensive physical exam. Through this thorough examination of your body, your outlook, your lifestyle, your pain and your existing medical conditions, we will assess your medical needs and custom design a treatment program for you. Should surgery be an option that you will you will need, we will connect you with one of the surgeons that we are confident can capably perform whatever surgical techniques you need.

An epidural injection is the administering of an anesthetic substance into the epidural space of the spinal cord in order to produce a numbing of the epidural area.

We are often asked this question and many times it is very challenging to answer, as a person’s recovery from pain and injury is as much related to their attitude and their genetics as it is to the treatments that we prescribe. So while we cannot guarantee that we can cure you of your pain, we can promise that we will do everything within our power and abilities to isolate your pain and help you manage it. Ultimately, our goal is always to help you take back your lifestyle.