Backs cause more trouble than almost any other part of our bodies; they do much work, are almost never at complete rest, and are subject to all the various strains and stresses of our daily lives. We use them constantly; we abuse them regularly.

Low back and neck pain are extremely common in today's society. It has been estimated that more than 75% of all people will experience back pain at some time in their lives, and that this problem accounts for one of the largest reasons for extended sick leave. The total cost in lost productivity is enormous.

Here are some views of that wonderous body part:

Sciatica

Pain travelling down into the buttock, back of the thigh, and often into the calf and foot. This is usually caused by irritation of a nerve root of the sciatic nerve, often from compression by a disc or degenerative disease are the usual causes.

Radiculopathy

Dysfunction of a nerve root by any cause. The symptoms are weakness, pain (sciatica), numbness, or tingling, or a combination of these.

Back Pain

Also called "back strain" or "musculoskeletal back pain." The causes may include strain of the muscles along the spine, strain the the ligaments of the spine, degenerative facet joint disease between the bones of the spine, or others.

Herniated Disc

Also called herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), disc rupture, disc prolapse. This condition and its treatment are discussed later in this section.

Spinal Stenosis (Spondylosis)

Narrowing of the spinal canal, typically in the lumbar or cervical spine (lower back and neck, respectively). This is a complex problem requiring an individualized approach for each patient, by an experienced neurosurgeon or neurologist. This condition is discussed later in this section.Evaluation of Back Pain

The evaluation of back pain requires a physician experienced in this problem. The workup begins with a detailed history and physical examination. Your physician will ask about the quality of the pain, where it radiates, factors which worsen or alleviate the pain, and other questions. The physical examination concentrates on motor and sensory function.

The first step is usually a set of plain X-rays. If your physician is suspicious of a structural lesion, based upon the history and exam, one or more additional studies may be performed:

• CT scan (computed tomography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Myelogram and CT scan

There are as many ways to damage a back as there are ways to heal a back--not to mention the usual deterioration that goes along with aging.

The Foundation for Neurosurgiccal Research has developed a new technique which offers relief, is much less costly and is MINIMALLY INVASIVE !

It is a spinal endosopy. It repairs almost any damage done to our spines. When it is over, all the patient gets for their dollar is a mini-scar about the thickness of a coin, and an inch in length.

No, you will NOT have an great marking scar to brag about and show off.

But, you will have relief. Spinal Encoscopy was a recent feature on the Medical News section of ABC Eyewitnes News. Here, sectionalized for easier downloading are the three phases:

Spinal Endoscopy--video clips courtesy of ABC Eyewitness News

1. Introduction
2. The operation
3. The Outcome

You can view a part of the operation itself with a click here. Downloading time depends on the speed of your computer and your service.