When Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is the Best Option for Chronic Back Pain (podcast)
Advances in back pain treatment and what you can do to keep your back healthy

Advances in back pain treatment and what you can do to keep your back healthy
Back pain is one of the most common reasons Americans seek medical attention. It has a variety of causes related to muscles, discs, nerve compression and more. For most patients, back pain goes away on its own, but pain that lasts more than a day or two or comes with neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness is cause for concern.
In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor welcomes guests James Bruffey, MD, head of orthopedic surgery at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines, and his patient, Mark Erwin, a former triathlete who was sidelined by chronic back pain at age 40. They discuss the conditions –spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis –that led to Erwin’s back surgery, the specific minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery itself, and his road to feeling better than he has in decades.
Dr. Bruffey also has some tips on what you can do to preserve your back before problems occur, such as strengthening your core, keeping your weight down and using caution when lifting things.
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