Health Tips

Your general health and wellness is just as important as your spine’s health. Learn more about healthy habits, ways to reduce back or neck pain, and more below!

Herniation

Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Urgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the lower back (lumbar spine) so they heal into one solid bone. This eliminates painful motion between vertebrae and can stabilize the spine. Indications Degenerative disc diseaseSpondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)Spinal instabilitySevere spinal arthritis Spinal stenosis with instability Fractures, tumors, or infections of the spineFailed previous back surgery Timeframe What to Expect 0–2 weeks Pain, fatigue; walking starts; pain meds 2–6 weeks Gradual return to light activities 6–12 weeks Physical therapy begins (core, flexibility) 3–6 months Bone fusion begins; restrictions ease 6–12 months Solid fusion forms; return to full activity for most Success Rate

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 Top Supplements for Spinal Health

1. Vitamin D 💪 2. Magnesium 🔗 3. Collagen (Type II) 🧠 4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) 🧱 6. Glucosamine & Chondroitin 🔌 7. B-Complex Vitamins (especially B6, B12) 🛡️ 8. Calcium

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surgery for sciatica pain relief

Surgery for Sciatica Pain Relief

(Radicular leg pain from compressed spinal nerves) when conservative treatments fail after several weeks to months, or if there’s severe nerve compression causing weakness or loss of function. When Is Surgery Recommended for Sciatica? Types of surgeries for sciatica Microdiscectomy Laminectomy and Laminotomy Spinal fusion

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Spinal Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

inflammation or irritation of the tendons that support the spine 1. Causes of Spinal Tendonitis Repetitive strain or overusePoor postureSudden increase in activityTrauma or injuryMuscle imbalances or weak coreUnderlying conditionsSymptoms of Spinal Tendonitis Localized pain near the spine (neck, mid-back, or lower back) Sharp, burning, or achingTenderness to palpationStiffness after inactivity  Treatment Options 🔹 Conservative (First-Line) 🔹 Advanced Treatments (if persistent)

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Pinched Nerve Cause Dizziness

Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Dizziness?

A pinched nerve especially in the neck can sometimes cause dizziness due to disrupted nerve signals or reduced blood flow to the brain. While it’s not a common symptom, it may occur alongside neck pain, tingling, or weakness. Treatment options include physical therapy, medication, posture correction, or, in severe cases, surgery. It’s important to see a doctor if symptoms persist. Cervical Nerve Compression (Radiculopathy): Vertebral Artery Involvement:.Muscle Tension & Cervicogenic Dizziness

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recognizing spinal arthritis symptoms

Recognizing Spinal Arthritis Symptoms

Spinal arthritis most often osteoarthritis affects the facet joints in the spine and may also involve inflammation in nearby tissues or nerve compression 1. Localized Back or Neck Pain 2. Stiffness 3. Swelling or Tenderness 4. Grinding or Popping Sensation 5. Nerve-Related Symptoms (if nerves are compressed) 6. Fatigue

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 Pros and cons of displacement

Pros and Cons of a Lumbar Disc Replacement

a.       Pros i.      Preserves Motion ii.      Unlike spinal fusion, disc replacement maintains normal spinal flexibility.  iii.      Faster Recovery  iv.      Typically quicker return to activity compared to fusion, with less muscle disruption. v.      Lower Risk of Adjacent Segment Disease  vi.      Preserving motion reduces stress on discs above and below the surgical level. vii.      No Bone Graft Needed viii.      Avoids complications related to bone harvesting or bone healing (used in fusion).  i.      Good Pain Relief for Select Patients ii.      Studies show comparable or better outcomes than fusion in properly selected patients. iii.      Minimally Invasive Options Available                                                             iv.      Some newer techniques reduce incision size and hospital stay. b.       CONS                                                               i.      Preserves Motion                                                             ii.      Unlike spinal fusion, disc replacement maintains normal spinal flexibility.                                                           iii.      Faster Recovery                                                           iv.      Typically quicker return to activity compared to fusion, with less muscle disruption.                                                             v.      Lower Risk of Adjacent Segment Disease                                                           vi.      Preserving motion reduces stress on discs above and below the surgical level.                                                         vii.      No Bone Graft Needed                                                       viii.      Avoids complications related to bone harvesting or bone healing (used in fusion).                                                           ix.      Good Pain Relief for Select Patients                                                             x.      Studies show comparable or better outcomes than fusion in properly selected patients.                                                           xi.      Minimally Invasive Options Available                                                        xii.      Some newer techniques reduce incision size and hospital stay.

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  Is degenerative disc disease hereditary?

a.       Yes i.      Specific gene influence 1.       COLLAGEN quality 2.       Inflammatroy responses 3.       Disc hydration and repair ii.      What we can control 1.       Healthy weight 2.       Don’t smoke 3.       Stay active with core training 4.       Practice good posture 5.       Avoid heavy lifting and repetitive activities

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Meet Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano

Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano is the principal Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at Montesano Spine & Sport. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Siena College and a medical degree from New York Medical College.
With extensive postgraduate training, Dr. Montesano has earned multiple awards, including the Volvo Award in Clinical Science (1998) and the Howmedica Spinal Fixator Grant (1989). He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Spine Surgery Society, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and a Member of the American College of Forensic Examiners.

Our Mission

Helping patients regain function and comfort from serious spine conditions.

Your First Visit

We’ll review your medical history, receive a neurological exam, and explore treatment options with a clear understanding of risks and benefits.