Risks of Waiting for Your Spine Surgery

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Risks of Waiting for Your Spine Surgery

Wait times have went up drastically over the years for spine surgery.  This has left thousands of Canadians at sea on their own as they wait to get a surgery date. This can create major consequences if you experience long delays.  Let’s look at some reasons how waiting can make things worse:

Mental Health

– Let’s face it, winter months in Canada can be long.  Seasonal affect disorder (SAD) is a real thing and very well known to many.  If you have an ailment that causes stress or continued pain, it can create and/or exacerbate SAD making you have low energy, poor mood and cause you to sleep too much.  Worse yet, it can turn into a full blown depression. Feeling discouraged, hopeless or in constant pain affects your focus, ability to function and can hamper your social interactions with people.  Not being able to play with your children or grandchildren, staying home from parties, or not being able to work can all create more stress on your mental health. When your mental health decreases, your whole body reacts to the stress.  This can make your pain unbearable, therefore, too difficult to maintain a healthy physical health.

Physical Health

– Regular exercise is important to maintain strong bones, muscle strength, better sleep and more energy. It improves your mood and overall good health.  Obesity can put limitations on whether or not they can do surgery on you.  It’s a double edge sword.  You are in so much pain that you cannot do regular exercise, therefore, you put weight on.  However, if your BMI is too high, you may not qualify for private spine surgery.  As your weight increases into an unhealthy range, you could also develop high blood pressure or diabetes, which further complicates a surgery.  If you are not mobile due to excessive pain, there are still ways to get exercise in without exacerbating your issue or creating more pain.  For instance, if it is too painful to walk, try swimming or doing sitting exercises with light weights.  *Always talk to your doctor or physiotherapist first though on what is the safest for you.  If you keep your physical fitness up, your recovery will go much smoother and quicker.  If you are not physically fit, be prepared for a much longer road to recovery.

More Risk To Further Injury

– Waiting a couple months to have an already known injury that needs surgery is probably not going to hamper your situation in the grand scheme of things.  Having to wait several months, a year, and in some cases 2 years, can.  As we indicated above, physical health is crucial to having a safe and successful surgery.  The longer you wait, the harder it is to exercise to your full potential.  Inactivity will lead to muscle loss and increased stiffness to your muscles and surrounding tissues.  This in turn will make it harder and harder to walk putting more stress on the spine by not having the muscles surrounding it to support things.  It can create even more issues such as affecting the other levels in the spine as they over compensate for the weight you can no longer support or affect the nerve signals to the lower body, legs and feet.  It can also create partial paralysis or the inability to control your bowel function.

Like most things, this is not an end all.  You do have options.  The quickest way to get your spine surgery is to go the private manner.  Health Vantis works with many facilities that can offer you a private spine surgery without waiting months on end to get a surgery date that might be even another year down the road.  Contact us at info@healthvantis.com or 877-344-3544 for more details to how we can help you.

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

Private Spine Surgery or Waiting for Your Turn

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Imagine having serious back pain and needing surgery and then waiting for 58.9 weeks to get it! That is not something any Canadian who is experiencing back pain is looking forward to. Unfortunately, this is the reality of our universal health care. According to the Fraser Institute, in 2022 median wait time from referral by GP to treatment for neurosurgery was 58.9 weeks. This is an increase of 25.8 weeks from 2021.

Back problems are among the most common chronic conditions in Canada. Four out of five adults will experience at least one episode of back pain at some point in their lives. Not all back pain is resolved through surgery. Spinal surgery should be the last resort and other, non-invasive treatments should be tried first. However, even seeing a neurosurgeon to determine whether or not one needs surgery takes 45.7 weeks (median medical time waited from a referral by GP in 2022).

Some provinces fare better in their wait times to see a neurosurgeon. If you live in Quebec, you are in luck! The median wait time was only 4 weeks! Neighboring Ontarians are not so lucky, their median wait time is 78 weeks!!!

If you were put on a long medical wait list and would like to explore your private options Health Vantis can help. We will connect you to a reputable and safe medical facility and provide you with full medical concierge service from the first phone call till you are back home and are recovering. There are no wait times. We can get someone to surgery 3-4 weeks after we submit their medical records for review. To find out more information about our services please contact us toll-free at 877 344 3544 or by email info@healthvantis.com

Private Spinal Fusion

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Private Spinal Fusion

Private spinal fusion is a major surgery.  It is often a last resort kind of surgery.  Reasons one might have a private spinal fusion is due to deformities of the spine, herniated disk or spinal weakness or instability.  There are several different techniques done for spinal fusion.  Your surgeon will know which one is best for your situation.  

This procedure can be done at any level in the spine.  Bone or bonelike material are used between the vertebrae and will sometimes need metal plates, screws or rods to stabilize and heal as a single unit.  It prevents any movement between the vertebrae(s) that have been fused together.

Over 90% of spinal fusion patients achieve a solid fusion and have benefits from the surgery, although it varies by person.  There are many factors that increase and/or inhibit the success rate such as other deficiencies in other levels of the spine, condition the fusion is treating ie. Scoliosis, tumor or infection, and whether or not the  person did their rehab.  Other reasons that might inhibit the success rate could be related to preexisting depression, poor psychological well-being, smoking, obesity, age or hypertension.

If you are interested in a consultation, we can make arrangements for that.  The cost is $600 for the records and MRI images to be reviewed by a neurosurgeon and include a discussion with him on whether or not a private spinal fusion is the appropriate surgery for your needs.  Keep in mind, a recent MRI less than 6 months old is preferred.  We charge a $200 fee to make these arrangements. Contact us today to set your consultation up! 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

Private Spinal Decompression

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Private Spinal Decompression

If you have compressed nerves in your lumbar spine, a private spinal decompression surgery might be beneficial to you.  Spinal decompression is done to treat spinal stenosis, a slipped disc and sciatica, spinal injuries and metastatic spinal cord decompression.  

If lumbar decompression surgery is recommended, you might have one of these procedures: laminectomy, discectomy, foraminotomy, osteophyte or spinal fusion.  In many cases, a combination of these procedures might be used.  Knowing which procedure is right for you is determined by your neurosurgeon.  Most of the time they prefer a stepped approach starting with less invasive procedures before jumping into surgery.

If you are interested in a consultation, we can make arrangements for that.  The cost is $600 for the records and MRI images to be reviewed by a neurosurgeon and include a discussion with him on whether or not a private spinal decompression is the appropriate procedure for your needs.  Keep in mind, a recent MRI less than 6 months old is preferred.  We charge a $200 fee to make these arrangements. Contact us today to set your consultation up! 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

Private Laminectomy of the Spine

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Private Laminectomy of the Spine

Back pain can be caused by many things.  In some individuals it can be caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal.  The narrowing is a result of bone spurs or tissues associated with arthritis that tighten the spaces through which the nerves pass.  This leads to pain and nerve irritation.  A laminectomy will remove areas of the vertebral bone (lamina) that are compressing the nerve to alleviate the pain.  Bone spurs and ligaments that are pressing on nerves may also be removed during the surgery.

Most back surgeries do not provide 100% success rate. Research shows that 70-80% of laminectomy patients find relief of pain after surgery.  Surgery does not correct the underlying problem that caused the spinal tissues to wear down, therefore, symptoms may come back.  Recovery can take up to 4-6 weeks and for some, a few months depending on age and general health. Private Laminectomy is a relatively easy surgery for a surgeon and does not normally require an overnight stay.

If you are interested in a consultation, we can make arrangements for that.  The cost is $600 for the records and MRI images to be reviewed by a neurosurgeon and include a discussion with him on whether or not a private laminectomy of the spine is the appropriate surgery for your needs.  Keep in mind, a recent MRI less than 6 months old is preferred.  We charge a $200 fee to make these arrangements. Contact us today to set your consultation up! 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

Private Microdiscectomy of the Spine

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Private Microdiscectomy of the Spine

Microdiscectomy of the spine is done to correct a herniated disc.  Herniated discs are when the disc is torn and the gel-like inner material herniates or pokes out.  This results in the disc compressing the spinal nerves that cause back pain.  To relieve pain, a microdiscectomy can be done, where a portion of the disc, bone and/or ligaments are removed, creating space and freeing the herniation.  

Microdiscectomy of the spine  is considered a minimally invasive procedure and can be done on an out patient basis. Almost all of the joints, ligaments and muscles are left intact making it a relatively easy recovery.  The results can last for many years.  In one study, it was found that 84% of people who had the surgery rated their results as good or excellent after 4 years.

Candidates for microdiscectomy are those with worsening pain, numbness, weakness or tingling in the legs and when all other treatments have been exhausted and no longer work.  Costs to have a microdiscectomy on a private basis start around $17,000. 

If you are interested in a consultation, we can make arrangements for that.  The cost is $600 for the records and MRI images to be reviewed by a neurosurgeon and include a discussion with him on whether or not a microdiscectomy is the appropriate surgery for your needs.  Keep in mind, a recent MRI less than 6 months old is preferred.  We charge a $200 fee to make these arrangements. Contact us today to set your consultation up! 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

Complexities of the Spine

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Complexities of the Spine

The spine is a very complex part of your body.  It has disks, nerves, a spinal cord, and 33 vertebrae divided into 5 sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx.  There are joints, ligaments, tendons and muscle surrounding it.  The spine supports your body to walk, twist and move and can hinder multiple areas to the rest of your body when something is amiss.  It is no wonder why one size does not fit all for someone who is experiencing spinal pain.  The complexity in treating it alone requires great skill, incredible knowledge of all these parts and how they affect one another.

We have seen dozens of cases for people needing a spinal surgery.  Not a single case was like the other.  They are almost all unique and never a cut and dry issue like someone needing a joint replacement.  A MRI only assists the surgeon in seeing what is creating pain, however, it is the knowledge of how and where the pain is produced in other areas of the body that they can form a true diagnosis and treatment plan.

A pain questionnaire is normally completed first.  It asks you to describe your pain and list where you are having it.  Is it sharp, intermittent, burning, dull, achy, pins & needles etc.  A whole other series of questions are also asked such as: how far can you walk without pain and for how long, can you go up stairs, does your pain go away while sitting or lying down, does your pain radiate or is it stationary, etc.  Neurosurgeons will do a physical exam checking for the strength you have in your arms and legs to pinpoint which area(s) are affected.  They take all of this detailed information to determine what is truly going on and what the best course of action is.  

Surgery is not always necessary and most definitely not the first treatment plan in the majority of cases, unless it was due to a traumatic injury and requires immediate attention.  There are many treatment plans to try prior to jumping into surgery.  Things like physiotherapy,  cortisone injections, facet joint blocks, rhizotomies, etc. are all non-invasive procedures for treatment to try first.  The goal is to attempt and repair the damage without surgery.  That is always a last resort.  Many times, the muscles surrounding the affected area need to be strengthened to allow the area to heal and that is all that’s needed.  Other times, something like cortisone might be appropriate.  

Regardless, spine ailments are tricky and can sometimes take awhile to determine what is going to work best for you.  It is also not something that can be healed over night.  Most treatment plans need to be tried for a minimum of 6-12 weeks before trying something else.

If you are a candidate for spine surgery and do not want to wait, contact us to have one of our facilities provide you with what might be the best course of action.  info@healthvantis.com or 877-344-3544.

 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

info@healthvantis.com

877-344-3544

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6 Things You Should Not Do When Traveling After a Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is considered a major surgery.  It can take weeks to heal to get your full mobility back.  The surgeon will prepare you for your rehab and how you need to care for your spine but what about your trip home?  This is something surgeons might not always think about so here are 6 tips for you to consider prior to your travel home.

Avoid traveling too soon – Your doctor will tell you when its safe to drive or fly home after your surgery.  If you don’t feel like you are well enough to leave when you’ve been released, then trust your own body and stay an extra day.  It will be worth it in the end if you feel healthier during your travels.

Make your trip comfortable – Flying can present some issues after a surgery.  Any flight over 4 hours can increase your risk for a DVT.   The best way to avoid this is to be sure and get up and move as much as you can, which can be hard right after knee surgery.  You can also ask your doctor for TED hose, which will help with circulation.  Be sure to have your pain medication, bottled water and a blanket or pillow to make the journey as comfortable as possible.

Never take your trip alone – One requirement in traveling for surgery is to take a travel companion.  None of the facilities within the US and Canada will allow someone to have surgery if they do not have a trusted adult staying with them for the first 24 hours after surgery.  Taking an Uber back to your hotel by yourself is not acceptable and not in your best interest should you need immediate care while you are resting in your hotel.  It is also helpful to have someone else there to assist you as you are recuperating in the hotel and on your travels back to help with luggage and getting to and from the gate.

Pack essentials – Packing things ‘just in case’ is always smart.  These should be kept on your person or carry on bag for easy access.  Things like pain medications, blankets, pillows, comfy clothes, headphones and extra bandages are examples of items you might consider taking.

Ask for anti-nausea medication – Anesthesia can make people very nauseous post surgery.  Motion sickness is also very common.  If you have ever experienced either of these in the past, ask your doctor to write you a prescription for an anti-nausea medication and keep it with you in the event you have an episode.  Be sure to pack some crackers, ginger ale or other things that are light on your stomach.  Try not to skip meals as having some food in your stomach will help.  Taking some medications on an empty stomach can also cause nausea or upset stomach problems.

Take it easy – Be sure to take things slowly.  You will have days where you feel great but always follow your doctors recommendations on your limitations so you do not over do or undo what was just fixed.  Surgery creates a lot of swelling and this can take weeks to subside.  Pushing yourself too hard too early can sometimes reverse what was just done.  Give your body the time it needs to heal.

If you are considering a private surgery, give Health Vantis a call.  We have experience in making your journey a safe and successful one.

 

Health Vantis

www.healthvantis.ca

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

Private Spinal Surgery – Lumbar Fusion or Disc Replacement?

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Back pain can bring a lot of disruptions to our daily lives. While non-surgical methods should be the first line of treatment, sometimes surgery is needed to address the pain and correct the issue. In this blog, we talk about spinal fusion and disc replacement as two surgeries that address lower back pain. As always, we encourage you to discuss this information with your spinal surgeon to determine which one will benefit you specifically.

Lumbar Fusion

This has been a traditional approach when it comes to treating pain from lumbar degenerative disease. The vertebrae surrounding the painful disc are fused together using a bone graft. Bone graft is placed between the vertebrae causing the two vertebral bodies to grow together into one long bone.

This makes a part of the spine immobile. Metal plates, screws or rods may be used to help hold the vertebrae together while the bone graft heals. Limiting motion in this case eliminates the pain. A couple of surgical approaches exists to this method, such as front, back or both.

Usually, a 2- or 3-day hospital stay is required, however, this is changing and fusions are now done in a minimally invasive way as day surgery.

Lumbar Disc Replacement

During this procedure, the disk that is causing pain is removed and an artificial one is implanted. The natural motion of the spinal segment is preserved.  Disc replacement addresses the pain by reducing instability and muscle tension caused by painful micro-motions at the degenerated disc level.

This is a relatively new procedure as compared to lumbar fusion. It has been available in the US since 2000. Not everyone is a good candidate for a disc replacement, however.

Both Lumbar fusion and disc replacement have their pro and cons. According to the studies, similar rates of complications happen in both. Which one is right for you? Discuss both options with your neurosurgeon, ask what experience they have with both and what they think will work best for you. Then, we always suggest a second opinion when it comes to spinal surgery.

If you would like to explore your private spinal surgery options we can get your diagnostic tests reviewed by a neurosurgeon. Give us a call to find out more toll-free 877-344 3544

Benefits of Private Endoscopic Spine Surgery

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Many Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their lives. While non-surgical options should be tried first, sometimes surgery is necessary to eliminate the pain. Spinal surgeries offered in the past were quite involved requiring overnight stay in the hospital and months of rehabilitation. Over the years they evolved and less invasive options with optimal outcomes are now available. One of the recent developments is spinal surgery using an endoscope. Endoscopic spine surgery has many benefits over traditional spinal fusion.

Day Surgery vs Stay in Hospital

Endoscopic spinal surgery allows surgeons to access and address spinal pathology without the morbidity associated with traditional techniques. It allows doctors to perform an ultra-minimally invasive decompression when a fusion might have been necessary. People can be released to go home within a few hours of surgery and only take Tylenol for post-op pain while recovering.

Pain Management Centered Approach

When seeking spinal surgery, patients are most concerned with their pain and eliminating it through surgery. Ultra-minimally invasive surgeries such as endoscopic dorsal rhizotomy eliminate the pain. The surgery uses an endoscope allowing a surgeon to visualize the nerves and ablates the ones that send pain signals from the joint to the brain.

Smaller Incisions Allow Faster Healing

Using a tiny camera inserted through the special tube using a 1-inch incision allows doctors to see the operative site. The camera guides and assists the surgeon during the surgical procedure.  Smaller incision means less tissue and muscle damage, which also means less blood loss and less post-op pain. All that leads to faster overall recovery.

Regional vs General Anesthesia

In most cases this surgery can be performed using regional anaesthesia instead of general, decreasing the overall risks in patients who are older or have other medical conditions that may increase surgical risk. The patient is awake during the endoscopic procedure and does not need intubation, which is an advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Avoiding intubation protects staff from exposure to respiratory secretions directly from the lung.

If you have dealt with back pain for a while and non-invasive methods did not help, we will be able to get your diagnostic scans such as MRI reviewed to see if you may be a candidate for private endoscopic surgery. Gives us a call to find out more details toll-free 877 344 3544. *Please note that there are no private surgical facilities in the Maritimes and you will have to travel outside of your home area.