Emphasis on Non-Surgical, Conservative Care
Only about 10 percent of patients seen for spine complaints will benefit from surgery, which is why it’s important to have an extensive screening process with a multidisciplinary approach to pain and function.
We live in a very healthy and active community and most people want to avoid surgery if possible. There are cases when it becomes obvious that the patient needs more immediate surgery, and in these cases, there is no delay in getting the patient a surgical evaluation. We want to improve people’s function and motion and avoid surgery unless we can predict an excellent outcome.
Jessica Nyquist and Michael McDermid often see patients initially for accurate diagnosis and conservative treatment options, essentially working as the triage experts for the overall spine program. They provides a full neurological and musculoskeletal examination as well as appropriate imaging such as MRI, which is now available on site at SOSI’s new clinic. Michael and Jessica may provide physical therapy or exercise prescriptions, refer to Dr. Siegel for spinal needle interventions or medication management.
Spine Surgery with a Focus on Spinal Motion Preservation
There are certain spine conditions which may ultimately require surgery, either in the setting of failed conservative treatment or when there is a severe or progressive neurological deficit. Dr. Sielatycki has made spinal motion preservation the focus of his surgical practice, and regards spinal fusion procedures as a last resort when there truly are no other options.
“The spinal motion segments in both the neck and low back are designed to move just like any other joint in the body. We now have an even better understanding of the importance of maintaining motion between the lower lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip joints, as these are the core of the body’s ability to move fluidly – not just in athletic activities like running, skiing, and biking, but in day to day living with standing, sitting, twisting and bending,” says Dr. Sielatycki. “These motion segments of the spine are among the last joints in the body still being fused by many surgeons around the world. My goal with each patient is to find the best surgical option and avoid fusion if at all possible. It is true that there are certain conditions which still will do best with a fusion operation, but this is not the default answer for me.”