State-of-the-art spine care with a personal touch
Few of us think about our spines until we find ourselves in severe discomfort—and then it is often all we can think about.
“You don’t realize how much you use your back until you can’t,” said Providence neurosurgeon James H. Nguyen, M.D. “We use our spines our entire lives, and when problems arise, it can really affect you. But the right treatment can change your life.”
Below, Dr. Nguyen answers a few questions about spine health and treatment options.
Q: What symptoms might prompt someone to visit a neurosurgeon?
A: I tell patients this: I’m happy to see them for anything remotely causing discomfort, whether it’s pain, numbness or weakness of the limbs. A lot of what we do here is related to addressing the pain and quality of life for patients who aren’t moving around or walking, can’t do things around the house or can’t function as they normally do. Those problems aren’t as dramatic as a stroke or a brain tumor, but over time they can lead to a loss of function.
Q: What range of treatments are available for people with back pain?
A: Everything from physical therapy and medication management to spinal injections and surgery. The way I think of it is, “What’s the minimal thing I can do that also provides effective and durable relief?” Durable is a key word: If you’re back the next month in the same kind of pain, then it’s not durable. People are understandably scared of having spine surgery. If there’s one take-home message, it’s that we try to be selective and precise about who we choose to operate on. For the right person, and with the right procedure, spine surgery can be very, very effective.
Q: What does recovery from spine surgery look like?
A: In the old days, we used to keep people restricted for a longer period of time, but we’ve learned that it’s better to get people back on their feet as fast as possible. People do better when they’re out of the hospital and aren’t being told, “Don’t do this, don’t do that.”
Q: How can we protect our spine health?
A: I’d say maintaining core strength and a healthy weight. Your spine’s job is to support your weight, and the more weight that’s on it, the harder its job is and the faster it’ll deteriorate. If you’re looking for an easy first step, take a walk whenever you can, especially after meals.
As a leader in back and neck care, Providence treats patients with spinal conditions ranging from herniated disks and neck pain to more complex problems like spinal tumors, scoliosis and fractures. To find a physician near you, visit our provider directory.
