Spine Leela

Tag: Amulya Hospital in Vizag

  • Common Myths About Spine Surgery

    Common Myths About Spine Surgery

                                            

    Common Myths About Spine Surgery

    1. Myth: Spine surgery is always the first treatment for back pain

    Fact:
    Most spine problems do not require surgery. The majority of patients improve with a short period of rest, appropriate medications, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

    Surgery is considered only in a small percentage of cases—typically when these treatments do not provide relief or when there is significant nerve compression causing severe symptoms.

    2. Myth: Spine surgery is only for elderly patients.

    Fact:
    Spine surgery may be required in people of any age, depending on the condition. Problems such as disc prolapse, spondylolisthesis, fractures, deformities, infections, or tumors can occur in younger as well as older individuals.

    3. Myth: Spine surgery, when required, must always be done as an emergency or else the patient will become paralyzed

    Fact:
    Most spine surgeries are not emergencies and can be safely planned after proper evaluation and imaging.

    Emergency surgery is needed only in specific situations, such as:

    • Severe spinal cord compression causing rapidly progressing weakness  of limbs and/or  loss of bowel and bladder control
    • Spinal trauma causing instability

    A spine specialist will determine whether surgery is urgent, elective, or not required, based on the patient’s condition.

    4. Myth: Spine surgeons recommend surgery for all patients.

    Fact:
    This is a common misunderstanding. Spine surgeons treat the majority of patients without surgery using medications, physiotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Spine surgeons are specially trained to diagnose spine problems and decide the most appropriate treatment, whether non-surgical or surgical. Surgery is recommended only when necessary.

    5. Myth: Spine surgery is always very risky.

    Fact:
    Modern spine surgery has become much safer due to advances in surgical techniques, better imaging, improved anesthesia, and enhanced perioperative care. Many procedures today are minimally invasive, which means smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and faster recovery.

    Patients are carefully evaluated before surgery, and the benefits, risks, and alternatives are thoroughly discussed.

    6. Myth: Spine surgery leaves large scars and requires long hospital stays.

    Fact:
    Many spine surgeries today are minimally invasive, involving smaller incisions, less muscle damage, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

    7 Myth: Spine surgery requires months of bed rest.

    Fact:
    With modern techniques, patients are usually encouraged to start walking within a day or two after surgery. Early mobilization helps recovery and reduces complications.

    8. Myth: Recovery after spine surgery is very slow.

    Fact:
    Recovery after spine surgery varies depending on the severity and duration of the underlying condition, the type of surgery performed, and the patient’s overall health. With proper rehabilitation and medical guidance, many patients are able to return to their daily activities within a few weeks.

    However, in certain situations—especially when the spinal cord or nerves have been compressed for a long time before surgery—recovery may take longer. In such cases, improvement is often gradual and may sometimes be incomplete, depending on the extent of nerve damage prior to treatment.

    9. Myth: Patients cannot return to sports or dancing after spine surgery.

    Fact:
    After proper recovery and rehabilitation, many patients can return to sports, exercise, and dancing, depending on the type of surgery and medical advice.

    10. Myth: Spine surgery means permanent disability.

    Fact:
    Most patients return to normal daily activities, work, and exercise after recovery.

    11. Myth: The risk of nerve injury or paralysis after spine surgery is very high.

    Fact:
    The risk of nerve injury or paralysis is very low in most spine surgeries. Even in complex procedures, the risk is generally low when surgery is performed by experienced spine surgeons using modern techniques and safety measures.

    Many spine operations are actually performed to relieve pressure on nerves or the spinal cord and prevent permanent nerve damage.

    12. Myth: Once you have spine surgery, you will need repeated surgeries.

    Fact:
    Most patients do not require repeat surgeries. When surgery is performed for the right indication and followed by proper rehabilitation, many patients experience long-term relief.

    However, some spine conditions, such as disc prolapse, can recur over time, and natural aging may lead to degeneration at other levels of the spine. Hence, a small percentage of patients may require additional surgery later.

    13. Myth: Eating dal after spine surgery causes surgical wound infection.

    Fact:
    Eating dal does not cause wound infection. In fact, dal is a rich source of protein, which is essential for wound healing and recovery after surgery.

    Wound infections (surgical site infections) are usually caused by germs entering the surgical wound during or after surgery. Several factors can contribute to this, including a breach in sterile technique, inadequate sterilization of instruments or the operating environment, excessive tissue handling, or blood loss during surgery.

    Patient-related factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, poor hygiene, low immunity, smoking, and improper wound care after surgery also increase the risk.

    14. Myth: Spine surgery should be done only by neurosurgeons.

    Fact:
    Spine surgery is performed by both neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons who have specialized training in spine care.

    • Neurosurgeons traditionally focus more on intradural problems such as spinal cord tumors and nerve-related conditions.
    • Orthopedic spine surgeons often focus more on extradural problems such as spinal malalignment, deformities, fractures, and spinal stabilization.

    The most important factor is the surgeon’s expertise, training, and experience in spine surgery.

    15. Myth: Major spine surgeries are done only in metro cities.

    Fact:
    Major spine surgeries are no more limited to metro cities. With advancements in medical technology and training, many well-equipped hospitals in smaller cities and towns are now capable of performing complex spine procedures safely and effectively.

    Qualified spine surgeons, modern operation theatres, advanced imaging, and improved anesthesia care are increasingly available beyond metro areas. As a result, patients can often receive high-quality spine care closer to home.

    16. Myth: It is better to avoid spine surgery at all costs.

    Fact:
    When surgery is recommended for the right reasons and at the right time, it can relieve severe pain, protect nerves, and significantly improve quality of life.

    ✅ Key Message:


    Spine surgery is not required for most patients, but when necessary, it can be safe, effective, and life-changing, helping relieve pain and restore normal function.

    Best Spine Surgeon in Vizag – Dr. B. Leela Prasad, Amulya Hospital

    Dr. B. Leela Prasad is one of the most trusted and experienced spine surgeons in Vizag, currently practicing at Amulya Hospital. With many years of experience in orthopaedics and spine surgery, he specializes in treating conditions such as slip disc, sciatica, spinal deformities, and complex spine infections.

    Known for his patient-centric approach, Dr. Leela Prasad focuses on accurate diagnosis and prefers non-surgical treatments whenever possible, recommending surgery only when necessary. He is skilled in advanced and minimally invasive spine procedures, ensuring faster recovery and better outcomes for patients.

    At Amulya Hospital, patients benefit from modern facilities, advanced technology, and personalized care, making it a reliable destination for comprehensive spine treatment in Visakhapatnam.

    Dr. B Leela Prasad

  • What is Cervical Myelopathy?

    What is Cervical Myelopathy?

    What is Cervical Myelopathy?

    Literally cervical myelopathy means dysfunction of the spinal cord in the cervical region (neck). The dysfunction is due to compression of the spinal cord in the neck. This compression can result from various causes, the commonest being age-related degenerative (wear & tear) changes, followed by disc herniations, spinal canal stenosis, spinal infections, tumors, or injuries. 

    Cervical spondylotic myelopathy can affect anyone at any age, but it’s more common among males and the elderly. The average age of a diagnosis is 64. It is the most common type of non-traumatic spinal cord dysfunction in patients older than 55 years

    It is one of the most commonly missed & underdiagnosed problems amongst the spine disorders. Diagnosis is often delayed, which can lead to poor outcomes. 

    A well-known spine specialist in Vizag, Dr. B. Leela Prasad is known for accurately diagnosing and treating complicated spine problems. He is one of the best cervical spine specialists in Vizag and has helped many people with neck pain, spinal cord compression, and other connected problems. A lot of people have found relief and better mobility with his advanced cervical myelopathy treatment in Vizag. This has made him one of the most trusted spine doctors in the area.

    Symptoms 

    In the early stages, patients may be having only very subtle symptoms  like  neck pain, feeling of heaviness and numbness in the legs and clumsiness of hands. These are usually mistaken for ‘general weakness’ by patients and sometimes by doctors as well. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more and more obvious.

    In the later stages, slipping of footwear unknowingly , swaying while walking, feeling of tightness of legs, loss of balance on closing eyes, and difficulty in climbing stairs and stepping into vehicles are the common symptoms in the legs. Patients will not be able to perform activities involving fine motor skills and coordination of hands, like buttoning and unbuttoning shirts, operating mobile phones, counting currency notes, and change in handwriting. In the advanced stages, patients may be unable to walk without support, unable to firmly grasp objects in the hand. The hands become deformed, and they may not be able to feed themselves, brush their teeth, or clean themselves.

    Finally , the legs become paralysed and patients become bedridden; they may lose control in passing urine and motion.

    How is cervical myelopathy diagnosed?

    Cervical myelopathy is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Only a thorough clinical history and physical examination combined with appropriate investigation will clinch the diagnosis. An MRI scan of the spine shows the extent and severity of compression. CT scans and X-rays give additional information regarding the nature of compression and also help in planning the surgery. Nerve conduction studies may be done whenever the diagnosis is in doubt.

    Natural history Prognosis 

    The natural history varies from patient to patient.

    In about 20% of patients the symptoms may remain static or may progress very slowly over a period of time. In more than two thirds of patients symptoms worsen gradually over a period of months to years. In very few cases, patients may rapidly deteriorate, especially after a fall.

    Cervical myelopathy usually worsens gradually if left untreated. Severe cases may cause permanent, irreversible nerve damage, which can lead to complications like intense pain and paralysis of all limbs.

    Treatment

    Nonsurgical management

    Non-surgical treatment plays a very limited role in cervical myelopathy. Doctors manage mild disease without worsening or functional impairment non-surgically, but they observe and examine patients regularly for any signs of worsening.

    Nonsurgical options may include:

    Surgical treatment–

    Doctors recommend surgery for all patients who experience functional impairment or worsening symptoms.

    The main aim of surgery is to prevent further worsening of patients’ symptoms. Patients usually recover gradually and slowly after surgery, and they may start noticing significant improvement after a few weeks to months. Results of surgery depend on many factors : the duration and severity of symptoms, speed of worsening of symptoms, extent of the disease (number of levels involved), nature of compression, age of the patient, and associated comorbidities. 

    Young patients with single-level involvement achieve very good functional recovery when they undergo surgery in the early stages of the disease. In advanced stages, significant recovery may not occur even after surgery.

    Surgical procedure

    The recommended surgical procedure can vary based on the nature of compression (soft disc vs. hard bone), extent of disease (number of levels involved), alignment of the cervical spine, age, and general health of the patient. It may include one or a combination of the following:

    How can you prevent cervical myelopathy?

    As mentioned earlier, cervical myelopathy is commonly due to degenerative changes, trauma, tumors, and spinal infections, all of which are not preventable.

    Early diagnosis and surgery are key to good results. 

    Why Choose Dr. Leela Prasad for Cervical Myelopathy Treatment in Vizag?

    When you choose Dr. B. Leela Prasad for cervical myelopathy treatment in Vizag, you entrust your spine health to a highly respected and experienced professional in the area. As a top spine surgeon in Visakhapatnam, Dr. Leela Prasad uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools. He uses custom treatment plans for each patient to make sure they get better and stay healthy in the long run.

    Expertise in Cervical Spine Treatment in Vizag based on years of successful surgeries. Especially when it comes to treating complicated cervical spine disorders. While Dr. B. Leela Prasad focuses on patient safety, minimally invasive methods, and compassionate care. H is still the first choice for people in Vizag who want specialised treatment for cervical myelopathy and other spine-related problems.