SPINE
Most back pain is a result of muscle strain and will never require surgery. Ninety percent of patients will recover within four weeks.
However, for patients experiencing severe pain lasting longer than three months, or those who have pain in their arms or legs, the problem may be more serious and should seek immediate medical attention. Back pain can be a symptom of many conditions or disease processes. Therefore, proper diagnosis is critical for treatment and a satisfactory outcome.
Through advanced X-ray, CT scan, MRI and other diagnostic tools, WKNI specialists determine the root cause of back pain and give a complete diagnosis. From here, a personalized treatment plan is developed by the Spine Surgery Team.
Diagnostic and Imaging Technology used at WKNI:
- X-Ray
- Computerized Tomography (CT) - scans cross-sectional spine image the standard for imaging bone, better at detecting fractures
- CT scan with myelogram - image showing bone structure and nerve roots
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - refined and detailed image of entire spine anatomy gold standard for imaging neural and soft tissue problems. Can detect subtle changes in the bone caused by infection or tumor.
- Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) - record and assessment of electrical activity across spinal cord
- Electromyography (EMG) - electrical activity of the nerve root can help distinguish nerve degeneration and nerve compression