Bonati Procedures Offer Hope to Sciatica Pain Sufferers

(NewsUSA) - Each year, more than 1 million spine surgeries are performed to treat chronic back pain, resulting in medical costs approaching $24 billion per year. A significant portion of the visits to physicians for back pain can be attributed to the aging process.

With age and injury, discs located between the spinal vertebrae wear down in a process called degenerative disc disease. As the discs dehydrate or thin, they can cause vertebrae to slip. If discs compress the sciatic nerve, they cause sciatica, or leg pain. Patients can feel sciatic pain in their lower back, hips or buttocks, all the way down their legs and into their feet and toes.

Nearly 50 percent of patients will feel sciatic pain diminish or disappear within a month of supportive treatments, like using hot packs or cold packs, stretching, exercise and use of over-the-counter medications.

Surgery is usually reserved for times when the compressed nerve causes significant weakness or bowel or bladder incontinence, or for pain that gets progressively worse or doesn't improve with other therapies. The most common type of surgery for sciatica is a discectomy, whereby all or part of the disc that is pressing on the sciatic nerve is removed.

Today, sciatica sufferers do not have to face traditional open back surgery. Recent technology uses minimally invasive techniques. These updated versions of traditional back surgeries allow for greater precision, faster healing and less damage to healthy tissue.

Alfred O. Bonati, M.D., pioneered these minimally invasive spinal surgeries. In 1993, Bonati patented his arthroscopic method, which uses a laser to remove the protruding tissue and bone that presses against spinal nerves. Dr. Bonati also developed and patented specially designed instruments for use with his patented arthroscopic method. Over 35,000 successful minimally invasive spine procedures, known as The Bonati Procedures, have been performed at the Bonati Institute.

Before considering any back surgery, get a second opinion from a qualified specialist. Back and leg pain can be a complex issue that may possibly require a team of health professionals to diagnose and treat. It is important to choose your spine team wisely.

To learn more about how The Bonati Procedures allow patients to regain their mobility and quality of life, visit www.bonati.com or call (866) 298-7513.

"Article By: NewsUSA"