Dispelling a common myth about spine surgery
Thomas Schuler, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Chairman of the Board, National Spine Health Foundation | Retired from clinical practice at Virginia Spine Institute after 32 years in the field | Continuing to educate the public about advances in modern spine care.
When people have a back injury, they're often concerned they won’t ever get better. But I’m here to tell you that modern spinal healthcare is one of the great advances over the past decade. Whether it’s through robotic surgery, stem cell therapies or minimally invasive procedures, people are getting better faster, spending less time in the hospital, and getting back to their lives more quickly.
One of the greatest advances that really excites me is disc replacements in the neck. Now we can treat severe neck and arm problems without having to fuse the neck. When we take a look at cervical artificial discs, or cervical arthroplasty, we put in a device that preserves the motion at the affected level, rather than putting a bone graft in to make it rigid. This means more motion through the affected levels, but also no stress on the adjacent levels. With this we see patients recovering more quickly and doing better short-term as well as long-term. As a spine surgeon, this is really exciting.
This is also extremely important to me because I’ve experienced major neck problems myself. In fact after suffering from severe neck pain, disc herniations, and nerve compression, I underwent a cervical hybrid procedure to treat four levels of my neck, and I also had low back surgery. So I now know personally what it feels like to undergo these procedures and I also know that full, pain-free recoveries aren't just possible - they are the norm. These advances really are changing lives.
I say this not only as a spine surgeon – but as a patient too.
Thomas Schuler, MD founded the Virginia Spine Institute in 1992 to advance the development of contemporary neurological and orthopaedic spinal surgery. He is double-board certified and trained in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery of the spine and is a recognized international leader in the treatment of neck and low back conditions. Dr. Schuler is noted among the 100 best spine surgeons and specialists in America and serves as President of the National Spine Health Foundation and Chairman of its Medical and Scientific Board.
Sales Manager @ One Direct Health Network | Business Development, Medical Device Sales
11moThomas, thanks for sharing!
Analyst | Spine Surgery, Orthopedics, Medical Education
5yi hear this comment frequently. People with spinal injuries and those that have had spinal surgery including fusions can have active and productive lives. Not everyone is great but the majority will be improved with a better quality of life. If chosen properly they should functionally be better after surgery than they were just before surgery. It is only fair to judge success based on your function and symptoms at the time of surgery not how you felt before you had symptoms or an injury. We don't make new spines or new nerves but give people the opportunity to maximize their function given the limitations of their anatomy. Patient selection and managing expectations are crucial. Operate but also educate!!