THE ANATOMY OF SPINAL SURGERY - IS IT A MIRACLE CURE OR STOPGAP MEASURE?

Litigation must also be recognized as a potential factor affecting complaints in terms of severity and length of symptoms.8 This article will explore the anatomical construction of the spine, including the elements that make up this structure, the discs that allow the spine to bend, and the tissues that hold the vertebral column together and allow it to bend.9 An explanation will also be provided for the treatment options available for back issues focusing on the use of medical marijuana as a viable pharmaceutical for pain control. Almost sixty-five million Americans reported a recent episode of back discomfort, and nearly sixteen million adults complain of persistent or chronic spinal pain and are limited in everyday activities.13 This discomfort can be a dull ache or an excruciating pain.14 Acute spinal discomfort typically persists from a few days to a few weeks, but it can continue for months if the pain becomes chronic.15 Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, precluding many from working and engaging in everyday activities. [...]a number of less invasive techniques have been introduced in recent times, such as minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusions and percutaneous instrumentation.29 Regardless of the procedure employed, it must be remembered that surgical intervention has repercussions since it changes a patient's natural anatomy. [...]it should be pursued only as a last resort. [Figure 1] These structures are stacked on top of one another and separated above and below by pads or cushions known as intervertebral discs.32 Most people are born with thirty-three vertebrae, but only twenty-four are independent and not fused.33 Occasionally, a person will have an extra bone, known as a transitional body usually found at the sixth level of the lumbar area.