Neck and Back Pain Could Signal Foraminal Stenosis

If you’re experiencing muscle spasms, weakness and pain in your neck, arms, legs or back, it could actually signal a condition called foraminal stenosis.

In a normal spine, nerve roots have enough room to slip from the spinal cord through the neural foramina, which are openings between the vertebrae.  However, disc degeneration brought on by age or disease may clog the foramen with disc material or bone spurs that trap and compress the nerve roots. Nerve root compression may occur in the cervical (neck area) thoracic (mid back area) or lumbar (lower back) portion of the spinal column.

The symptoms of foraminal stenosis include numbness, weakness, and sensations of burning, tingling, and pins and needles in the affected extremity.

What Causes Foraminal Stenosis?

Some spinal conditions linked to foraminal stenosis include:

• Bone spurs, additional bone which can grow on the foramina and constrict nerve roots
• Bulging disc, the protrusion or bulge intrude into the foramen and pinch the nerve roots
• Herniated disc, the  ruptured disc may cause disc material to jut into the foramen and pinch the nerve roots
• Degenerative disc disease, the foramina may become constricted as the intervertebral discs narrow due to degeneration over time.

Depending on where the nerve roots are compressed, the person suffering from foraminal stenosis may experience varying symptoms. For example, lumbar foraminal narrowing may lead to pain, tingling or numbness that extends down into the lower back, hips and back of the legs. Cervical stenosis may affect the neck, arms and hands.

Unfortunately, in some cases, the pain and other symptoms will not become apparent right away. Someone suffering from a herniated disc may not experience many symptoms, which means they may not get treatment. Failing to get treatment for a spinal condition can then increase the risk of foraminal stenosis. This condition develops gradually over an extended period of time.

Neural Foraminal Stenosis & Bilateral Neural Foraminal Stenosis

Neural foraminal stenosis is used to describe a condition in which the opening of the vertebrae narrows. Neural refers to the nervous system, which is the system the spinal cord belongs to, while stenosis refers to narrowing. 

Typically only one side of the vertebrae is impacted with foraminal stenosis. Bilateral neural foraminal narrowing may be diagnosed when both the right and left sides of the nerve passageways in the spine have narrowed and caused the compression of a nerve. When a person suffers from bilateral foraminal stenosis, they are more likely to feel pain on both sides.

Your physician will determine if surgery is required for one or both sides depending on your condition.

Treatment Options for Foraminal Stenosis

In order to diagnose this condition, a physician will have to obtain your full medical history, complete a physical examination and review your MRI or CT scan.

A patient may begin a mild treatment regimen that includes physical therapy and medications. If these conservative treatments do not resolve the problem, surgery may be the next option.

To treat foraminal stenosis, the Bonati Spine Procedures offer an array of surgical techniques that may include:

Laminotomy/Laminectomy: these are decompression surgeries that relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by narrowing of the spinal canal. 

Facetectomy: this procedure is performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerve roots. A laser may be utilized to vaporize the dorsal rami nerve fibers that have become inflamed.  

Discectomy: a procedure in which the diseased portion of the disc that is causing nerve compression is removed using specially adapted patented endoscopic instruments, and the Holmium YAG laser may be used to shrink and remodel the remaining disc.

Facet ablation: A Facet Thermal Ablation is a laser eradication of sensory nerves causing pain. During a Bonati Facet Thermal Ablation (Rhizolysis), surgeons vaporize irritated and painful nerves around the facets of the vertebrae.  

Foraminotomy: A foraminotomy is a decompression surgery performed in order to increases the space of the foramen and hollow out the passageway where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. The procedure involves the removal of bone or tissue that obstructs the neuroforamen and compresses the nerve roots leading to inflammation and radiating pain. 

Speaking with an experienced spinal surgeon can help you determine the best treatment option. At The Bonati Spine Institute, the procedures available are considered among the best in the world. Their experienced professionals can determine your condition and treatment options that will work best so that you can get your quality of life back.

Patient Testimonial: Mike H

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Treatment Options for a Bulging Disc

For some people, a bulging disc may not lead to any serious symptoms. However, for some, the symptoms can be painful as well as bothersome for everyday living. Left untreated, a bulging disc can actually lead to further spinal issues including nerve compression.

A bulging disc occurs when the inner portion, the nucleus fluid, of an intervertebral disc protrudes from the outer wall of the disc. The bulge can put pressure on the nerve roots, which then leads to pain in the upper and lower extremities, along with other symptoms.

Trauma, such as an auto accident, can cause a bulging disc. But the condition most commonly occurs due to aging. Poor posture can actually weaken the spinal discs and in time, makes the displacement of the nucleus fluid much more likely.

Some symptoms of a bulging disc may include:

• Pain when bending or turning
• Pain made worse with coughing or laughing
• Muscle spasms
• Severe low back pain or neck pain

The majority of the pain a person will experience will be determined by where the disc is bulging. If it is in the upper region of the spine, they’re more likely to have neck issues. A bulging disc in the mid-to-lower spine will lead to pain in the lower extremities, including the legs and/or feet.

If you are dealing with a bulging disc, the only thing you’re worried about is finding relief. Conservative treatments are the first option to consider. There are several bulging disc exercise options and stretches that could help provide some relief.

The Twisting Stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent and pressed together. Tighten your core and slowly bring both knees down toward your right side. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds. Repeat this movement with your knees being pushed down to your left side and hold for 10 seconds. You can repeat the twisting stretch up to 3 times a day.

The Bridge

One bulging disc exercise to consider completing is the bridge. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. You should then raise your hips off the ground while keeping your feet firmly planted. The goal is to achieve a straight line from your shoulders through your knees. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then slowly lower your bottom back down. It’s okay if you are unable to hold this position for 10 seconds, hold it as long as you can and then repeat it 3 times.

Knee to Chest Stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent. Slowly bring both your knees toward your chest and use your hands to hold them in place. Hold this position for a few seconds; you should feel a stretch in your lower back. You can also perform this exercise with one leg at a time.

Low Impact Cardio

Low-impact aerobic exercises can not only help you stay active, but also help subside some of the pain associated with a bulging disc. Low impact cardio may include water exercises, walking or stationary biking.

When you are suffering from a bulging disc, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. However, it is important to keep active and build a strong core as it can help protect your back from further injury.

If conventional methods are not helping and you believe that your condition is worsening, contact the professionals at The Bonati Spine Institute. You may be eligible for surgery that can help you get back on your feet.

Visit www.bonati.com to learn more.

Exercises for Helping with Radiculitis Pain

Radiculopathy can lead to debilitating pain that extends throughout the body, which is then referred to as radiculitis. Though radiculopathy and radiculitis might seem like the same thing, radiculitis treatment options will be different as radiculitis is pain that is radiating through the body rather than just one location.

Radiculitis treatment options will usually involve conventional methods, such as hot/cold therapy, over-the-counter medication and physical therapy. By completing physical therapy, you are strengthening muscles around the affected area, which can provide some pain relief.

If you are suffering from back pain, radiculitis treatment options might include some type of exercises to help strengthen your back. Before completing any of these exercises, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out if you can complete them safely. If any of these exercises are painful to complete, do not continue performing them and seek help from a professional.

Upper Back Extension

Back extensions can help alleviate some of the pressure, pain and discomfort you’re feeling. You can complete back extensions at home or your local gym. Start by lying on your stomach. Then, interlock your fingers and clasp your hands behind your lower back. Lift your head and chest slightly from the ground and hold this position for five seconds. Repeat this 8 to 10 times.

Back Stretch

Begin by lying on the floor on your back; it’s best to use a mat or towel on the ground. Bend your knees and put your feet firmly on the ground. Place your hands on the back of your thighs. Bring your needs toward your chest and try to bring you upper body forward. It should feel like you are hugging yourself into a ball while on the ground. Hold this for a few seconds and then stretch your body back out. Repeat this about 10 times.

Core Strengthening

There are various exercises that can be completed to strengthen your core. A stronger core can help support the back, but remember that you do not want to complete exercises that exacerbate your pain.

First, try a bridge. Begin by lying flat on your back. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground. Raise your hips off the floor until they are aligned with your knees and shoulders and hold this pose for 3 deep breaths. Repeat these steps 5 more times.

Another low impact option is water leg lifts. Step into the shallow end of a pool and stand with your back against the pool wall. Keeping one leg on the ground, begin lifting your other leg up in a straight line. This should create a 90-degree angle. Slowly lower your leg. Do the same with the other leg. This is considered one repetition; complete a total of 10 repetitions.

Low Impact Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercise can increase blood flow and nutrients, which aids in the healing process. Walking or riding a stationary bike can provide conditioning, without causing pain or discomfort. Some people suffering from back pain might also choose swimming or other water exercises for pain relief and to strengthen their muscles.

When exercise and conventional treatment methods are no longer working, surgery might be an option for radiculitis treatment. Debridement, which is the removal or torn, inflamed, or damaged spinal tissue can provide relief from the pain you’re experiencing due to radiculitis.

If you are considering treatment options for radiculitis, learn about the Bonati Spine Institute on Vitals.

Patient Testimonials: Cindy

Treatment Options for Radiculitis

Any type of spinal condition can lead to pain. However, when the condition begins to impede on your day-to-day life, it is important to determine not only what is wrong, but also what treatment options are available.

Radiculitis is caused by the inflammation of the nerves at the root, where it connects to the spinal column.  The pain that radiates from the compressed nerves through the body is what is referred to as radiculitis. This pain can eventually become debilitating. Radiculitis can occur anywhere on the spine, but it most often affects the lower back and the neck.

What Causes Radiculitis?

Radicular pain may occur when nucleus pulposus, the chemical in the center of the spinal disc, comes through the disc and touches a nerve. When this pain begins to radiate throughout the area affected or other body parts, this is radiculitis. 

• Cervical radiculitis – a nerve root in the lower spinal segment is impacted

• Lumbar radiculitis – a nerve root in the upper segment is impacted

If a cervical nerve root is impacted, a person is much more likely to experience pain in the neck, shoulders and arms. Lumbar radiculitis is much more likely to cause pain in the lower back, buttocks and upper legs. 

Treatment Options

After being diagnosed with radiculitis or another spinal condition causing radiculitis, treatment begins with something conservative. For example, a physician may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medications and physical therapy. Heat and/or cold therapy may also be used to reduce symptoms.

Though some may find relief in these conservative treatments, they are short-lived. Some patients might find that the radicular pain subsides for a few weeks but ultimately returns. Though a person may opt to continue the course of conservative treatment, some may wish to explore other options, such as surgical intervention. 

Laser debridement is one of the treatment options available at The Bonati Spine Institute for radiculitis. The procedure involves the removal of torn, inflamed or damaged dead tissue. By doing this, the impacted nerves are properly treated in order to reduce pain.

This type of intervention may be necessary in order to prevent muscle weakness. Unfortunately, radiculitis may go for only certain muscle groups or one side of the body. As a result, that side may become more weakened as the patient favors the muscles that are stronger.

If you believe that you may be suffering from radiculitis, schedule an appointment with your physician today. A complete medical evaluation and imaging tests may be necessary to determine the precise cause of your radicular pain. Upon receiving a diagnosis, your physician can discuss the treatment options available.

American Medicine Today

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Sciatica Treatments for Pain Relief and Mobility

If you’ve had sciatica, you know the pain — pangs that begin in the nerve roots and move through the nerve, down the hamstrings and into the foot. The leg agony is often more severe than the back pain — some have compared it to the nerve pain you feel when you have a toothache. It is important to realize that sciatica is a symptom of an underlying condition, usually a herniated disc. While there are some forms of sciatica treatment that relieve the pain, the underlying condition will need to be addressed to achieve lasting pain relief.

Below are some methods used for sciatica treatment that can relieve pain and increase your mobility.

Yoga and Massage

Gentle yoga stretches can strengthen muscles and improve flexibility so that you don’t develop a poor posture and aggravate the sciatica. Trigger point massage can also help relieve pain. When the piriformis muscle under the sciatic nerve gets tight it can pinch the sciatic nerve. Pressure applied to this area as well as the lower back and glutes relieves the tightness and pinching to prove relief from the pain.

Muscle Relaxers and Pain Relievers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, either over the counter or prescription for sciatica treatment can ease the pain caused by tight muscles. In addition, since painful muscle spasm often accompany a herniated disc, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxer or pain reliever.

Epidural Steroid Injections

If your pain doesn’t get better within a month, and other sciatica treatment hasn’t helped, you may get relief from an epidural steroid injection. The goal of the injection is to relieve the inflammation that is causing the pain. However, due to concerns about side effects, including bone density loss, these injections are limited to no more than three a year.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Even though it may be the last thing you want to do, light exercise or physical therapy is well-known sciatica treatment. Movement increases the blood flow, aiding in getting rid of the chemicals that cause inflammation. A light 15-20 minute walk, swimming or water aerobics are all forms of exercise that keep you moving without excess stress on you sciatic nerve.

Surgery

If you’ve tried several sciatica treatment methods to relieve your pain and still have symptoms after 4-6 weeks, you and your doctor may consider surgery. Patients who have surgery for a herniated disk usually have less pain and disability than patients who do not.

If you'd like to know more about sciatica surgery as a treatment method, The Bonati Spine Institute is here to help you. Contact us to discuss your sciatic nerve pain.

Surgery for Cervical Spinal Stenosis

By Anatomography [CC BY-SA 2.1 jp ], via Wikimedia Commons

Sadly, as a natural part of the aging process, many people develop degenerative changes in the joints that create a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing can lead to a compression of the nerves in the spinal cord that compromises the coordination and function of the extremities. This leads to the slowly progressive condition called cervical spinal stenosis. If you have this condition, you may be wondering if there is a surgery for cervical spinal stenosis available.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

You might be suffering from cervical spinal stenosis if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Stiffness, pain, numbness or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms or hands
• Slow loss of fine motor skills such as buttoning a shirt or handwriting a note
• Sporadic shooting pains in the arms
• Arm pain otherwise known as cervical radiculopathy

Usually it is the arm pain that incents someone with cervical spinal stenosis to get medical treatment. Once this occurs, the cervical spinal stenosis is uncovered in the course of the physical exam and medical history.

Treatment for Cervical Spinal Stenosis

NSAIDS, activity modification, and exercise for cervical spinal stenosis can help relieve arm pain. However, although nonsurgical pain management can be effective in the short term, the only long-term solution to the pain is surgical depression of the spinal canal.

This is generally a progressive condition that develops slowly over time. The symptoms may not present for years, and then it seems like difficulties with coordination suddenly begin.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Surgery for cervical spinal stenosis may or may not improve the symptoms. The procedure has two main goals: slow or stop the progressive nature of the stenosis, and stabilize the neurological condition of the patient.

It is not unusual for multiple levels to need decompression, so the cervical spinal stenosis surgery can be more complicated than the surgery for a cervical herniated disc or a cervical foraminal stenosis.

Discover more about treatment options for cervical spinal stenosis from The Bonati Spine Institute.

Bonati Spine Institute Patient Thomas is Out at the Ball Game

Thomas is watching baseball in the stadium, instead of at home with back pain! https://t.co/ix9SxgC3u9 pic.twitter.com/F2xqdWp7rd

— BonatiSpineInstitute (@DrBonati) May 14, 2016

Patient Testimonials: Jamie L Avoids Pain Killers after Extruded Disc Treatment

Jamie L. was seeking treatment for his extruded disc after a slip and fall. After doctor after doctor turned him away with pain management referrals, he finally found relief with The Bonati Spine Institute.

Here is his story:

Hi, my name is Jamie L and I slipped and unexpected movement really hurt my back and I extruded the disc three quarters of the way into my spinal column and when that happened it pretty much locked up.

I've seen all the best doctors that Florida has in the area and they all just wanted to referral me to pain management and here, take drugs, take drugs and was really against that and it got to a point where life wasn't good at all.

Thing about it is immediately after the procedure to my lower back, all the pain was gone, all the numbness went away.

It was a wonderful wonderful thing because life is back and you know, I feel a little tightness, but other than that, you know, stretching everyday, walking, I can handle that. But the pain that was going on, I just couldn't do.

You know, you can only cry so much. And it's wonderful now.

I have other procedures to do to my neck, but other than that I... no pain medication after the surgery, no, nothing like that, and it's great.

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Bonati Spine Institute Testimonial Tweet! Bulging Disc Surgery Success Story

"I suffered with 3 bulging discs & sciatic pain. After 5 procedures from @DrBonati I'm walking straight and tall." pic.twitter.com/QO9nGfKeg3

— BonatiSpineInstitute (@DrBonati) April 22, 2016

Patient Testimonials: Sherry D's Radiating Pain Rectified by Spine Surgery

Sherry D. was against open spine surgery but wanted to be able to take care of her family again. As a Bonati Spine Institute patient, Sherry's pain has been rectified.

Here is her story:

My name is Sherry D, and I came here to The Bonati Institute because of major pain in my lower back and just bending over the pain in the right side just grabbing me, pain radiating down my right leg.

I just feel like this is where I needed to be. I was not interest in open traditional surgery in any way, and I tried everything else, so I'm very optimistic this will take care of those problems.

I have a husband and 4 little children and I needed to get relief so I can take care my family.

I had an operation yesterday with Dr. Grossmith, and I can tell you I've never experienced such friendly, helpful, caring people in any medical setting ever. It just really puts you at ease. I just personally wasn't anxious whatsoever, and you would think would will be for somebody operating on your back.

So that was delightful to say the least. Surgery is never without pain, so it's not like tiptoeing through the tulips to have surgery, but for that procedure... to have woken up from that and been able to function, it was just such a surprise.

No general anesthesia, no ill feelings, just to be able to get up and walk outta here and be able to take care of myself, and to walk back in the next day.

I have obviously some inflammation and things like that, it comes from being, you know having had surgery, but I can tell that the particular problem that we were working on appears to have been rectified and so far so good. Very pleased.

No More Back Pain by Dr. Alfred Bonati

Discover a new and PROVEN program to free yourself from back pain FOR LIFE.

This helpful tome by Dr. Alfred Bonati and Shirley Motter Linde provides those suffering from back pain useful advice for living pain-free.

Dr. Alfred Bonati is the founder and Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Bonati Spine Institute, a pioneering spine surgery center in the Tampa Bay area. The Bonati Procedures utilized patented instruments and techniques designed to minimize pain and recovery time for patients without the need for open back surgery. He is a graduate of the University of Seville and a Diplomate in the International College of Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Medical Association and North American Spine Society, among several other professional associations.

Dr. Shirley Motter Linde is a renowned author who has written for major magazines and several books, which have been translated into a dozen languages worldwide. Her best-selling books have led to several appearances on television and radio shows. She is best known for her medical writing and being a pioneer in the concept of patient self-help.

Get your copy of No More Back Pain by Dr. Alfred Bonati and Dr. Shirley Linde today!

Patient Testimonials: Steve Y Finds Relief with an L5 and S1 Laminectomy

Steve Y. came to the Bonati Institute with painful sensations in his posterior and leg. As a patient of the Bonati Spine Procedures, Steve was able to find immediate relief.

Here is his story:

Hi My name is Steve Y

I've been suffering with pain in my left buttock and down my leg and I came to the Bonati Insitute for a L5 and S1 laminectomy...

Immediately I felt relief in that area, and today I am down to hardly negligible, no pain whatsoever in my affected area.

Is Your Posture Correct?

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— BonatiSpineInstitute (@DrBonati) April 8, 2016

Patient Testimonials: Msgt. Michael MacDonald's Triumphant Return to the Military

Msgt. Michael MacDonald's 20+ year career in the military was in jeopardy after developing debilitating back pain. The Bonati Spine Procedures helped him get his life back. One year later, he's still strong.

Here is his story:

"It really is true. Life is better with Bonati."

After more than 2 decades in the US Army and Air Force, Master Sergeant Michael MacDonald, a chemical, biological and nuclear response team trainer, was facing a difficult decision due to severe back pain.

“This is something that has been bothering me since 1991 when I was in the Airborne School,” MacDonald said in an interview with the Tampa Tribune. “That’s the first time I noticed my back was giving me problems. Since then, I’ve done everything from chiropractic and acupuncture to yoga — lots of ice and Motrin.”

"...honestly I thought I was going to have to ho ahead and cut that short," he said of his military service. MacDonald is a member of Florida National Guard's 48th Civil Support Team, has been serving in the Air Force for over 10 years, and served as an Army Ranger for nine years.

MacDonald found the Bonati Spine Institute through our work with the Wounded Warriors program, and was diagnosed with a twisted nerve with built-up scar tissue upon visiting. After the patented laser spine procedures performed at The Bonati Spine Institute, MacDonald is back to work and feeling great, pain-free. He has returned to his military service and has also opened a training and fitness facility.

"After meeting Dr. Bonati and him performing the surgery... I've been able to continue to serve in the military, serve my country, I'm very proud of that," he said. "...it also has allowed me this opportunity to open this gym... and its only possible again because of what Dr. Bonati did for me. This would have never come about if it wasn't for him."

“I think I’m pretty much 95 percent now — that’s pretty good,” MacDonald told the Tampa Tribune. “Now I can see how chronic pain can affect people mentally. It was starting to affect me. Now, it’s gone and I feel so much better. I have a better outlook on everything.”

The Bonati Spine Procedures are minimally invasive spinal surgeries designed to alleviate your pain and have you back on your feet in no time. Learn how our patented surgical procedures and instruments make a difference for patients suffering from back and neck pain at www.bonati.com.

Discover why thousands choose Dr. Alfred Bonati and the Bonati Spine institute.

Do You Have a Healthy Lifestyle?

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Patient Testimonials: Chris A. Fixes Back Pain With The Bonati Spine Procedures

Chris A. was able to fix his back pain with the Bonati Spine Procedures. Learn more about his experience with the Bonati Spine Institute.

Here is his story:

“My name is Chris, and I’m an electrical engineer from New Mexico. Four years ago I had a dilemma with two lumbar herniated discs, and my options were only open-back surgery. After doing extensive research, I chose the Bonati Spine Institute, and it was one of the best decisions of my life.

Four months ago, I was involved in a rear-end auto incident… with pain between my shoulder blades radiating through my chest, and pain through my neck. After three months of rehab, with no relief, I called the Bonati Spine Institute again. This, again, was a great decision. I had two thoracic and one cervical procedures.

Once again, I am pain-free. Dr. Bonati was able to repair my life. I am able to live a life with no restrictions and no pain. I wanted to say a special thanks to Dr. Bonati and all of the staff at the Bonati Spine Institute."

The Bonati Spine Procedures can help you with conditions such as pinched nerves, radiculitis, spinal stenosis, bulging disc pain, and spondylosis. Read more about the Bonati Spine Procedures at http://www.bonati.com .

Treatment For Spinal Bone Spurs

Bone Spurs in the spine: symptoms and treatment https://t.co/G5fP4KRKfv pic.twitter.com/obLcaH34uZ

— BonatiSpineInstitute (@DrBonati) March 16, 2016

Patient Testimonials: Sherry D. Didn't Want Traditional Open Back Surgery

Sherry D. suffered from major pain in her lower back but was not interested in traditional open back surgery. She could no longer bend over without feeling major pain in her right side. Learn how the Bonati Spine Procedures were able to fix her condition. 

Here is her story:

“My name is Sherry [D.].. And I came here to the Bonati [Spine] Institute because of major pain in my lower back. Just bending over, the pain in the right side just grabbing me, pain radiating down my right leg… I just felt like this was where I needed to be. I was not interested in [traditional open] surgery in any way. And I tried everything else... so I’m very optimistic that this will take care of this problem. 

I have a husband and four little children, and I needed to get relief so I could take care of my family. I had an operation yesterday with Dr. Grossmith, and I could tell you [that] I’ve never experienced such friendly, helpful, caring people in any medical setting ever. It puts you really at ease… I just personally wasn’t anxious whatsoever, and you would think you would be for somebody operating on your back... so that was delightful to say the least. 

Surgery is never without pain, so it’s not like tiptoeing through the tombs to have surgery. So for that procedure… to have woken up from that and been able to function… was just such a surprise. No general anesthesia, no ill feelings… just to be able to get up and walk out of here and be able to take care of myself is great… and to walk back in the next day and not have obviously some inflammation and things like that… [which] comes from having a surgery. But I can tell that the particular problem that we were working on appears to have been rectified. So far, so good… [I’m] very pleased.“

The Bonati Spine Procedures can help with conditions such as radiculitis, spinal stenosis, bulging disc pain, spondylosis, and radiculopathy. Read more about the Bonati Spine Procedures at http://www.bonati.com/procedures/ .

Compressed Sciatic Nerve

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— BonatiSpineInstitute (@DrBonati) March 8, 2016

Patient Testimonials: Joy Fixes Her 8-Year Bulging Disc Pain With Lumbar Surgery

Joy L. suffered from bulging disc pain for eight years. She could no longer do basic chores or play sports like tennis. Treatments like decompression therapy and physical therapy did not help. Learn how the Bonati Spine Procedures were able to fix her condition. 

Here is her story:

“My name is Joy [L.], and I’m from Memphis, Tennessee. I [had] two bulging discs that were pressing on nerves and just causing all kinds of radiating pain down my back, leg, and feet. I have had these symptoms since 2006.

Not asking for help, I’m moving furniture, laying floors, acting like a pioneer woman in the yard with a hoe and shovel… and just overexerting over the years… I think it took its toll. [I took] lots of physical therapy, hot cold packs, numerous other things, decompression therapy, and nothing helped. Having this pain has kind of slowed down some of the abilities I had that I was once used to.

I no longer could play tennis… it was just a sport that I enjoyed doing; it wasn’t anything that I was really good at, but I just enjoyed playing [it]. Because of the twisting and turning, bending down to pick things up just became a chore… or just stooping down, either one, it didn’t matter if [the ball] fell on the ground, I could care less…. If it’s just hard to mentally deal with… and I am a power walker, I’m a fast walker. But I found myself just not having that desire, that energy.

I would go to bed every night just so exhausted, so tired from the whole pain. It takes on your body physically, mentally, emotionally.

I’m here for the relief, and so far I’ve gotten it. I went by the internet and then once I felt pretty good about taking the first step, [I presented] my MRI. The customer care people were just exceptional to worth with, and they even provided me with a list of names of people that I could call who have had lumbar surgery. And I did, I called.

Every story was a success, and they were all so happy that they came here. They would do it again if they had to. The day of surgery was very good, very professional, everyone knew their role. The personalities of each person I came in contact with were just exceptional… they were just warm, caring people.

It seems like after recuperation, after you snap out of it and you wake up, and then you go home, rest, you sleep it off… I could just tell that day that I was not having as severe of symptoms as when I came in.

I would recommend this institute to anyone who has any kind of neck or back pain. This place is not like any other. Dr. Bonati started minimally invasive [surgery]; he patented all these instruments. He is very concise; he is a very personable doctor, he wants to relieve your pain. He cares that much about you. He’s not just “get them in, get them out.” I recommend this place highly.”

The Bonati Spine Procedures can fix conditions such as sciatica, bulging disc pain, radiculitis, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, whiplash, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, arachnoiditis, and anklosing spondylitis. Learn more about the Bonati Spine Procedures at http://www.bonati.com/procedures/ .

Radiculitis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Radiculitis/Radiculopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment https://t.co/SEzV459rnm pic.twitter.com/YsQ7H1VMeG

— BonatiSpineInstitute (@DrBonati) February 29, 2016

Facet Syndrome

Patients with Facet Syndrome usually feel pain when bending backward, or from side to side. https://t.co/PMQnBgtUFq pic.twitter.com/5AIDfzJJGj

— BonatiSpineInstitute (@DrBonati) February 22, 2016

Patient Testimonials: Realtor Caroline B. Fixes Her Sciatica Condition

Realtor Caroline B. was suffering from sciatica for several years. She tried different methods to fix her pain, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, steroids, and pain medication, but none of these worked. Learn how the Bonati Spine Procedures were able to fix her condition.

Here is her story:

"Hello, my name is Caroline [B.], and I am from St. Augustine, Florida. I found the Bonati Institute through a friend of mine who had had surgery here herself. Starting 5 years ago, she had several procedures.

I am a realtor, and obviously part of my job is walking a lot going up stairs and in and out of cars. And I’ve suffered with severe sciatica for a few years… getting worse this year. I’ve had chiropractic care and massage therapy, steroids, pain medication, muscle relaxers… none of which did anything but give me maybe temporary results for the day. So I finally decided to come to the Bonati Institute, and what a wonderful experience this has been.

From the minute that I walked through the door, it’s like they lay out the red carpet for you. Their appointments are choreographed, and you are taken from one section to the next, and not made to wait any length of time. My physician is Dr. Grossmith, and I just can’t say enough about it. I am sitting here after the second surgery this week - the second being yesterday - and I am pain-free.

I can tell you if you have any anxiety about any treatments… don’t. I was worried because I heard it was local anesthesia and just twilight sleep. They have not hurt me at all, even the injections. So please believe me if you have any doubt about getting something taken care of.

Please try out the Bonati Institute. I can’t refer them enough to you… Get your life back.”

The Bonati Spine Procedures can fix conditions such as sciatica, radiculitis, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, whiplash, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, arachnoiditis, and anklosing spondylitis. Learn more about the Bonati Spine Procedures at http://www.bonati.com/procedures/ .

To Have Surgery Or Not?

400,000 Americans suffer back pain. When is surgery the solution? https://t.co/2fuJ2Qcoqe pic.twitter.com/5Rq8OgHFbs

— BonatiSpineInstitute (@DrBonati) February 16, 2016

Patient Testimonials: Bonati Spine Procedures Remedy Sonya G.'s Sciatic Condition

"Hello, my name is Sonya [G.]. I came in last week and I had heavy problems with the sciatic nerve – in the lower back - going down my leg for many, many years. And they did a S1 and L5 on Monday, and I feel great."

Sonya G. was suffering from problems with her sciatic nerve. The Bonati Spine Procedures were able to remedy her condition. In order to fix the main cause of pain, the procedures are incrementally performed, one vertebral level at a time.

In addition to sciatica, the Bonati Spine Procedures can be used to fix conditions such as radiculitis, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, whiplash, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, arachnoiditis, and anklosing spondylitis. Learn more about the Bonati Spine Procedures at http://www.bonati.com/procedures/ .

Dr. Grossman Explains The Bonati Spine Procedures

Neurosurgeon Dr. John Grossman explains the Bonati Spine Procedures in this video. He describes the advantages of minimally invasive laser spine surgery to treat spine problems, such as spinal stenosis and sciatica. Are you an eligible candidate for surgery at the Bonati Spine Institute? Watch this video to find out more.