About This Blog:
- According to researchers at Rush University Medical Center, the majority of patients who underwent a spinal fusion maintained or improved their golf game after surgery.
- The study was conducted over four years with 91% of patients being recreational golfers, and 50% of patients citing golf as the primary reason for surgery.
- Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine explains the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery, specifically spinal fusion surgery, for those who play golf.
A study conducted by researchers at Rush University Medical Center may provide good news to golfers needing spinal fusion surgery for their chronic low back pain. Researchers found 65% of golfers who were operated on returned to the sport within a year of their spinal fusion surgery. Moreover, within 12 months, 75% of patients played the same amount of golf from before their surgery, and 80% of golfers improved their handicap.
These patients received MIS fusions on one or two spinal disc in the lumbar region (low-back) of the spine. The results of this study should not come as a surprise considering additional research has shown MIS spine fusion is capable of offering a faster recovery and other benefits. Some of these benefits include less operative blood loss, less post-operative pain, smaller incisions, a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.
The study also indicated minimally invasive surgery, not open back surgery, provided the best results. Patients suffering from chronic low back pain and numbness or tingling in their lower extremities may benefit from a minimally invasive spine surgery. Depending on the cause of your pain, Dr. Mark Giovanini may recommend a spinal fusion or other minimally invasive procedure to provide relief.
Dr. Mark Giovanini is the best when it comes to minimally invasive spine surgery because he provides the best in patient care. He works with patients to develop a treatment plan or surgery that is right for them so they are getting back to their life as quickly as possible, pain-free. Call NeuroMicroSpine today to discuss the possibility of a spinal fusion to improve your golf game!
For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery or to make an appointment with Dr. Giovanini, please call (850) 934-7545 or visit http://www.neuromicrospine.com/request-appointment.
We hope to see you soon!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.