In some cases of spinal distress, activity modifications may be performed to reduce pain, improve functioning, and facilitate the healing of injured structures. These modifications are usually temporary, and allow patients to continue with normal activities in a way that limits stress on the injured region. It is important, however, to work with physicians and healthcare providers to ensure that compensatory changes are not going to produce maladaptive changes or further disability. A large number of educational materials exists for guiding patients through good practices, and healthcare providers can provide demonstrations and materials specific to a patient’s particular condition.
Ergonomic changes are a rapidly growing therapeutic option in which meticulous design can compensate for pain or loss of function by more naturally following the contours of the human body and its range of motion. Ergonomic chairs, standing desks, pillows, and supportive cushions, among others, can all help to reduce the strain that may occur from regular daily activities. In this way, healing may be facilitated by a simple measure of changing the way in which those activities are done, and in many cases entirely passively on the part of the patient.
MRI provides especially good information about the condition of vertebrae, the spinal canal, and the intervertebral discs. This imaging modality is often performed for spinal stenosis, compression fractures, disc degeneration and herniation, and recurrent disc herniation.
MRI is not considered suitable for patients with ferromagnetic implants, due to its use of powerful magnets, such as those with pacemakers, aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, or others. MRI is suitable for patients who have spinal implants other than some spinal cord stimulators. The procedure takes only 15 to 60 minutes, making for rapid results.
DAY OF SURGERY INFORMATION
Drive to the South parking garage. Free Valet parking is available during business hours. If you self-park, take the elevator from the garage to the first floor to enter the main hospital lobby. Wheelchairs are available if needed. Take the D elevator to the 2nd floor. Proceed to the Surgical and Endoscopy Check-In Desk. Here you and your family will be checked in and escorted to the Pre-op Area to be prepared for surgery. Up to two family members may wait with you until you are taken to surgery. Your family may then wait in the Surgical Waiting room until notified by the surgeon that the surgery has been completed. A receptionist will take down contact information so that your family may be easily reached to speak with Dr. Paul. Complimentary coffee is available for your family while in the Surgical Waiting room. The cafeteria and gift shop are on the ground floor in the North area of the hospital and the coffee shop is in the South area of the hospital for your family’s convenience.
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In the preoperative room you will be prepared for surgery. The team will be checking your vital signs, starting your IV, validating your medications, health history, lab results and any follow up for additional testing needed. At this time, they will obtain your consent for surgery and answer any questions you may still have. Your anesthesiologist will see you and your family prior to your surgery. Dr. Paul, Adam or Kevin will mark your surgical site. You will be escorted to the operating room by cart. Your family can wait in the surgical waiting room. Dr. Paul will call them when surgery is completed. If he can not reach them, he will leave a message with the Patient Liaison. Following surgery you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where you will recover for an hour or more. During this time, pain and nausea control will be established and your vital signs will be monitored frequently.