The Back & Spine Blog

NSSC Spine Clinic is still open. We are are committed to providing care to our patients, while taking necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Learn what stem cell therapy is, how it works, why it is a surgical alternative, how it helps with joint and back pain, and if you might be a good candidate. 

Dropping weight is an important step in preventing and/or reducing back pain. A recent study revealed how shedding extra pounds can prevent disc degeneration in your spine, particularly in the lumbar region. In the study, published by Arthritis & Rheumatism, researchers found that disc degeneration is more prevalent and severe among overweight individuals.

Exercise can be very helpful for dealing with low back pain. When completing these exercises, be gentle. Do not force movement and do not continue if your pain intensifies. If comfortable, repeat these exercises 2-3x per day.

Minimally invasive spine surgery can be helpful for patients who suffer from scoliosis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and more. MISS is an alternative to open spine surgery and often results in quicker recovery times.

Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are fused together in order to heal into a single bone. The process is designed to imitate the natural healing process of a broken bone. 

Back pain can dramatically decrease one’s quality of life. There are many efforts that can be made to reduce back pain and the likelihood of needing back surgery.

If you are considering back surgery due to persistent back pain, then you are probably concerned with the recovery process and expediting your recovery time. The length of time it takes for you to recover will depend on your specific surgery and your doctor will guide in you how to best prepare for recovery.

Neuroscience and Spine Centers of the Carolinas (NSSC) are pleased to announce a Rebranding Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony with the Gaston Chamber of Commerce on November 6, 2019.

Stem cell therapy is a breakthrough technology that can be used to speed-up the recovery process from a musculoskeletal injury.  Introducing stem cells allows for muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and bones to more quickly heal which leads to expedited recovery times and a lower risk for developing injury-related inflammation.  Recent developments in stem cell treatments allows Dr. Hunter to harvest patient stem cells spaces from bone marrow from their hip.