0:00 Spinal fusion is a big step. How to know if your doctor's recommendation is correct.
00:32 Neurogenic claudication is pain or heaviness down the legs with walking due to spinal narrowing (stenosis)
00:44 Sciatica is pain in the legs due to compression of a nerve root, usually by a herniated disc.
01:45 Neurogenic claudication is not typically associated with numbness or weakness.
03:08 Urinary retention or frequency is the usual first sign of a neurogenic bladder due to spinal stenosis.
05:47 MRI of the spine without contrast shows spinals stenosis.
06:38 Interspinous ligament sprains are also a common cause of back pain after injury.
07:26 The only definitive treatment for spinal stenosis is laminectomy surgery.
08:19 Laminectomy should only be done using a minimally invasive approach.
09:07 Spinal instability is demonstrated by flexion and extension xrays.
10:16 TLIF stands for trans foraminal interbody fusion.
11:15 – The FORAMEN is the name of the bony channel through which a nerve root exits the spine.
12:05 Foraminal encroachment by a nerve root causes a radiculopathy (disorder of a nerve root).
14:15 Neurogenic bladders are smaller than normal and never fully fill up leading to frequent emptying.
14:47 Paralysis is not a real risk of lower lumbar surgery. Nerve root damage and foot drop are more common.
15:34 Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition that leads to neurological damage if left untreated.
17:35 Low back pain is different than neurogenic claudication but it’s common to have both conditions at the same time.
18:39 Most patients report increased range of motion after fusion surgery due to an open spinal canal.
19:54 Spondylolisthesis is an abnormal translation of one spinal bone on another as distinct from spondylosis (arthritis) as well as spinal instability.
22:38 Walk 10 min for exercise per day per week after spinal surgery.