How long is the recovery period after spine surgery? Back surgery recovery time depends on the procedures that were done. If the surgery was extensive, it may take longer to spring back from it. Keeping in mind that everyone heals at a different pace, recovery can take from three weeks to three months to return to normal function. When do I need to follow up with my surgeon? A follow-up appointment after spinal surgery should be scheduled at four…

Facing spinal surgery? Here are five facts you may not have known about recovery, so you can plan yours properly. SLEEP WILL BE DIFFICULT Because you need to allow your spine to heal properly for the weeks following your spinal surgery, consider investing in the kind of accessories you will need to sleep comfortably without disturbing your spinal alignment. This may involve additional pillows, inserts for your bed, or other items that help you re…

There are three main problems that can occur within your spine: cervical spine issues, thoracic spine issues, and lumbar spine issues. Here are the differences between these problems and how you can diagnose them. CERVICAL SPINE WHAT IS IT? The cervical spine is in your neck region and houses the spinal cord that sends messages from the brain to control all aspects of the body. It consists of seven bones which are separated by one another by inte…

Treatment Options Treatments for medical concerns related to the spine vary from conservative to surgical interventions. Depending on the area of the spine, the level of injury or disability, and the degree of problems in those injuries, treatment options will vary. Whether your spinal issues are related to arthritis, hernias, sciatica, or sprains and strains, you can find effective solutions to treat all issues of the cervical, thoracic, and lum…

Finding a top rated team of interventional pain management specialists requires one to understand what you need in a provider. When seeking a pain management medical provider to address my spinal issues, choose carefully. These tips will help you find the right medical specialist. Experience and Training It goes without saying that using a highly trained medical professional is absolutely mandatory. Your doctor must be renowned in their field and…

Spinal trauma can impair movement, cause chronic pain, and impact your quality of life. Seeking out a spine specialist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment can return you to the life you want to live and make all the difference in the world. Whether your spinal trauma is caused by an injury, accident at work or a chronic condition, you can get support to get moving again. Diagnosis Accurate diagnosis of your medical concern is the fi…

Michael S. Chang, MD was recently interviewed for an azcentral article. Read about Dr. Chang and his expertise on spinal conditions in children and adults.

You might think that numbness and tingling don't deserve serious care because these symptoms seem more benign than pain, but any unusual sensation is your body’s request for change. Numbness can be surprisingly debilitating. It even takes a toll on your emotional resources. It should be looked into as soon as possible, because it may indicate stroke, seizures, or circulation loss. Numbness Complete or partial numbness is usually a sign of damage …

NCAA football season has arrived with all its fans, thrills, and injuries. Each year, scholastic football endures almost 15 catastrophic cervical spine injuries. That’s a rate of four injuries for every 100,000 players. That said, the situation does come with a little hope. A study by Wolters Kluwer Health found that most NFL players who undergo upper cervical spine surgery for herniated discs recover and move on to enjoy another season -- three …

Quality of life is something most doctors dream of offering their patients, but sorting through the risks and potential benefits of treatments must be done in partnership. For Jim Scheiter, however, invasive care provided the new life he hoped for. He came back from two tours in Iraq so utterly disabled that he couldn’t stand for longer than 15 minutes at a time. He spent years trying medication and physiotherapy to no avail. Then a spine surgeon…