Speak by Phone Right Now With an Expert Neck and Back Surgery Specialist 888-653-9901.
Dr. Paul M. Brisson is an experienced orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in spinal surgery, treating spinal pain, infections, and tumors as well as scoliosis and degenerative disorders. Whether you have been diagnosed by a physician, looking for a spine specialist, or are simply seeking a solution to you pain, please give us a call, we are here to help.
Degenerative Disorders
The discs, tissue, and nerves of the spine can grow weaker and less resilient over time, either due to trauma or simply the natural aging process.
This degeneration, in turn, often leads to numbness, inflammation, and pain—in fact, it is one of the most common causes of back pain.
Dr. Brisson treats a variety of degenerative disorders, including degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, and osteophytes, or bone spurs. Treatments typically start with physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the spine; pain medication may also help relieve discomfort. In severe cases, he will operate to remove or replace the damaged tissue and fuse affected portions of the spine together.
Disc Herniations
Between each vertebrae of the spine are soft discs that act as shock absorbers. As we age, these discs lose their elasticity and sometimes rupture and push outward.
This, in turn, places pressure on the spinal nerves and spinal cord.
Disc herniations are a common source of back pain; they may also cause numbness and tingling in the back or legs. Many cases can be resolved through a combination of medication and exercise, though severe herniations require surgery to remove the damaged disc. Dr. Brisson will help you determine which option is right for you.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine that can develop without cause in children and adults.
It may also follow from an injury, or from conditions like cerebral palsy. Severe scoliosis can cause pain, fatigue, and breathing complications.
Dr. Brisson treats both pediatric and adult scoliosis, observing the curve’s progression and examining patients’ medical histories for insight into potential genetic factors. Special orthopedic braces can sometimes stabilize the curve in children and adolescents. If a curve is already large or does not respond to bracing, however, surgery may be required to straighten and balance the spine.
Fractures
Whether caused by the trauma of injury or brought on by osteoporosis, tumors, or other conditions that weaken the bones, spinal fractures typically cause sudden, severe back pain that is often made worse by movement.
Some fractures can be treated non-surgically through a combination of rest and special braces. Others require surgical intervention to realign the spinal column and hold it together. Dr. Brisson may also prescribe steroids if the spinal cord is injured.
Tumors
Spinal tumors can be benign or malignant, and a persistent, diffuse back pain is usually their primary symptom.
Other symptoms include fever, numbness, and loss of bladder control.
If you suspect you have a spinal tumor, it is important to act immediately. Dr. Brisson will examine your medical history and your overall physical health, and may also use special imaging techniques like x-rays and CT scans to determine the presence of a tumor. If those tests reveal the presence of a tumor, he will perform a biopsy to determine whether or not it is malignant. Benign tumors may not require immediate surgical intervention, though malignant tumors should be removed quickly to prevent further damage to the spine.
Spinal Stenosis
Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, most often in the upper or lower back, that places pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
It is usually a result of osteoarthritis-related bone damage, and symptoms include pain and numbness in the legs, back, neck, shoulders, or arms.
Mild cases of spinal stenosis can be relieved through pain medications, physical therapy, and, in some cases, a supportive back brace. If symptoms persist, Dr. Brisson may recommend surgery to strengthen the spine and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
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