Pediatric Spine at Novo Clinic

Back and spine issues can also affect children, and while many young patients experience relief through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and medications, some conditions may require surgical intervention. These conditions in children include:

Novo Clinic Pediatric Spine

Introduction to Pediatric Spine

Back and spine issues can also affect children, and while many young patients experience relief through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and medications, some conditions may require surgical intervention. These conditions in children include:

Spinal Deformities: Conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis, where the spine curves abnormally.

Spinal Infections: Infections such as osteomyelitis, which can damage the spine if untreated.

Spinal Trauma: Injuries from accidents or falls that may cause fractures or spinal instability.

Spine Tumors: Abnormal growths in or around the spinal cord that can lead to pain or mobility issues.

Congenital Spine Conditions: Birth defects that affect the spine’s structure, potentially worsening as the child grows.

Focus of our Treatment

When surgery becomes necessary for a pediatric patient, it’s important to work with a team experienced in pediatric spine surgery. Choosing the most appropriate surgical method depends on the child’s specific condition, overall health, and the potential for growth and development. Pediatric spine surgery requires careful planning to ensure the best possible outcome for the child’s future.

Managing Back Pain Without Surgical Intervention

Back pain is a common issue that many people experience at some point in their lives. While surgery can be necessary for severe or specific spinal conditions, most cases of back pain can be effectively managed through non-surgical methods. These approaches focus on relieving pain, improving function, and preventing future problems.

1. Physical Therapy

  • Exercise and Strengthening: Physical therapists often design personalized exercise programs that focus on strengthening the muscles that support the spine. Core-strengthening exercises, flexibility routines, and proper posture training are key components.
  • Manual Therapy: Techniques such as spinal manipulation, massage, and mobilization can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

2. Medications

  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Prescription Medications: For more severe pain, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants, stronger pain relievers, or nerve pain medications.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

  • Ergonomics: Adjusting your work environment to support proper posture, using chairs with lumbar support, and ensuring computer screens are at eye level can prevent strain on the back.
  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on your spine and decreases the likelihood of developing chronic back pain.
  • Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate pain, such as heavy lifting or prolonged sitting, is crucial in managing back pain.

4. Heat and Cold Therapy

  • Cold Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb deep pain.
  • Heat Therapy: Warm baths, heating pads, or warm compresses can relax tense muscles and increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing.

5. Alternative Therapies

  • Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain.
  • Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to improve spinal alignment, which can help reduce pain and improve function.
  • Yoga and Mindfulness: Gentle yoga, stretching, and mindfulness practices like meditation can help manage stress and improve body awareness, which may reduce the perception of pain.

6. Injections and Nerve Blocks

  • Corticosteroid Injections: These are anti-inflammatory medications injected directly into the area around the spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Nerve Blocks: Anesthetics or other medications are injected near the nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain.

7. Education and Self-Management

  • Pain Management Education: Learning about pain management techniques and understanding the condition can empower individuals to take control of their symptoms.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help patients manage the psychological aspects of chronic pain by changing the way they think about and respond to pain.

Non-surgical management of back pain requires a comprehensive approach that often involves a combination of these strategies. By addressing the physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors contributing to back pain, many individuals can achieve significant relief without the need for surgery.

Treatments Offered

Open Spine Surgery

Involves making a larger incision to directly access the spine, allowing for more complex procedures. This approach may require a longer recovery time and carries a higher risk of complications, which must be carefully managed in young patients.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)

Uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments, minimizing damage to muscles and tissues. This technique typically allows for quicker recovery, less pain, and fewer risks, which is particularly beneficial for children.

Robotic Spine Surgery

Incorporates advanced technology, like GPS-like tracking, to ensure precise placement of screws and other hardware. This method enhances the accuracy and safety of surgeries, especially in complex or delicate pediatric cases.

Meet our
Pediatric Spine Providers

A multi-diciplinary team of board certified professionals from around the globe. All with one aim: to improve your quality of life.

Dr. Wai Yoon

Consultant Spinal Surgeon and Consultant Pediatric Spinal Surgeon

Improve your Spine Health

Choosing the most appropriate surgical method depends on the child’s specific condition, overall health, and the potential for growth and development. Pediatric spine surgery requires careful planning to ensure the best possible outcome for the child’s future.

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Novo Clinic Pediatric Spine

Our Patients are our why.

We take a holistic approach to patient care. Integrating traditional, medical treatments with complementary therapies.