Thank you for rejoining Colorado Physical Therapy Network for the conclusion of our series, Multidisciplinary Team Evaluations Aid in Reducing Spinal Surgeries. In our first installment, you learned about a study conducted that evaluated the patient outcomes of those that had surgery performed and those that elected for nonoperative procedures.
We reviewed the four sections of the spine, provided a bit of insight on the vertebrae, and outlined some problems that could occur with patients that suffer from issues with those vertebrae. This week, we will continue this series by stressing the importance of multidisciplinary team evaluations and nonoperative measures to assist patients in experiencing positive outcomes.
Motivations for Spinal Surgery
There are many unique motivations on why a patient could opt for spinal surgery. Most of the motivations directly pertain to the functions of the spinal cord and the patterns of symptoms associated with the damage that has been done. Many experience weakness and have a desire to regain their strength.
There are those that lose the ability to feel pain, temperature, or even have a hard time figuring out where their limbs are and want to overcome those issues. Then, there are many patients who experience problems with their reflexes, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, paralysis, erectile dysfunction, libido problems, issues with climax, and back pain that simply want to overcome those problems.
Then, there are those that are simply motivated by the fact that their primary care provider has stated that they require surgery.
Patients must be – at all times – informed that they have a choice and that they have options. A multidisciplinary team provides patients with these choices and options. The main option being nonoperative option of physical therapy.
Spinal Issues
There are large assortments of spine issues in which a patient may suffer. Examples of these problems include the following:
- Chronic Neck Pain
- Chronic Back Pain
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Ruptured Disc
- Sacral Dysfunctions
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spondylolisthesis
Physical therapy offers many different treatment plans for those that suffer from these or other disorders of the spine. Many may have the option of engaging in aquatics, exercises for core stabilization, body mechanic corrections, joint manipulation, joint mobilization, corrections for postural issues, mobilization of soft tissues, flexibility improvement exercises, stretching, range of motion exercises, and traction procedures.
Patients that undergo spinal surgery often do not have as many options available following recovery because of the sensitivity of the spine and the surrounding tissues. A multidisciplinary team will evaluate all aspects of a patient’s health and all of the symptoms in which they suffer. They will then be able to identify an official underlying cause of the issue. Once this step is complete, a multidisciplinary approach will then be identified.
If you have a patient with a spinal disorder, opt for the natural method of treatment. Not only is this the best option when it comes to value-driven care, but, it stands to offer your patient the absolute best of all outcomes.
