Local Neurosurgeon Discusses Common Spine Ailments, Treatments Available

Jay Nathan, MD, is a neurosurgeon with Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Brain & Spine Surgery in Livonia. In a recent conversation originally posted in Friday Musings, Dr. Nathan discusses common spine ailments he treats patients for, how to avoid these conditions, and much more.

Q: What are some of the things you typically treat patients for?

Dr. Nathan: I treat many patients suffering from chronic back and leg pain, which can be brought on by spine arthritis, herniated discs, overgrown spinal joints, and changes in spinal alignment. Some of these issues can be problematic because they’re very close to nerves and can cause weakness or an inability to walk.

Q: How do patients develop these conditions?

Dr. Nathan: All of us have some degree of wear and tear as we age, but there are plenty of other ways to develop back pain. Genetics play a role in how your spine wears over time. Additionally, one’s occupation can put them at a higher risk to develop back pain if they are bending, lifting or twisting frequently.

One of the biggest factors people may not realize, however, is nicotine use. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco or vape pens attack the small blood vessels in the spinal joints and discs, decreasing blood flow and depriving the spine of oxygen and nutrients. Using nicotine also leads to worse surgical outcomes, increasing the risk of complications including infections post-operation, oftentimes requiring another surgery. In fact, we sometimes cannot perform an operation if a patient is using nicotine due to this risk.

Q: What are the surgical and non-surgical approaches to treatment?

Dr. Nathan: Many of our procedures are minimally invasive — which means incisions are smaller and they produce faster recovery times and less pain post-operation — and are performed with the assistance of modern technology. For example, we have image guidance available where we take a CAT scan in the OR, and that 3-D image then gets registered to a computer. Our surgical instruments can be tracked on this computer image with millimeter precision. To put it in simpler terms, it’s like a GPS to navigate through the operation, which greatly enhances our precision and safety.

As far as non-operative treatments are concerned, there are certain medications and physical therapy available that can help. We try to avoid opioids and opt for anti-inflammatory medicines instead. There are other highly effective non-surgical treatments we recommend for patients if that is the best option. At the end of the day, we cater to and develop a unique game plan for each patient.

Q: Are there ways to avoid back pain?

Dr. Nathan: General spine wear and tear is nearly impossible to avoid. However, the best way to decrease your risk is to stay as healthy and mobile as possible. That means

maintain a strong core and strong muscles around your spine, and maintaining good technique if you do have an occupation that requires constant movement. And for people who work from home, try avoiding hunching over your computer, and stretch frequently.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like the community to know?

Dr. Nathan: I view surgery as a tool that can be really helpful in the right setting, but we always pursue the treatment that is going to balance the lowest risk and the highest reward. Sometime that is surgery and sometimes it is not. Having an appointment with a neurosurgeon does not mean you are guaranteed to need surgery. We are here as a guide to help you make the best decision possible. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit TrinityHealthMI.org/spine.