SURGICAL AND NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Patients seeking surgical or non-surgical treatments can feel confident in their care when they visit Dr. Johans, a board-certified neurosurgeon in Boise. He specializes in treating common neurological disorders that cause lower back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel, and ulnar nerve syndrome. When more complex treatments are required, such as disc replacement surgery or spinal fusion, patients can rest assured they will receive the best care possible.

Dr. Johans takes immense pride in his patient care approach. He makes it a point to meet with each patient at every appointment to answer any questions and discuss available treatment options, always aiming to treat the issue without surgery if possible. For those times when surgery is necessary, patients can be sure of the quality of care they will receive thanks to Dr. Johans' many credentials and impressive reviews on Google and Healthgrades. An additional bonus of being a surgical patient of Dr. Johans is his privileges at St. Alphonsus and Treasure Valley Hospital (Boise's highest-rated hospital).

What are Common Issues that Cause Nerve Pain?

Neck issues can manifest as pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hands. Common causes of nerve pain include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis. (If left untreated, these persistent conditions can lead to nerve irritation that may cause radiating symptoms such as tingling or pins-and-needles in the arms and hands.)

What are Common Issues that Cause Nerve Pain?

Lower back pain is another common symptom associated with many spinal issues, which may present as pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or feet. Degeneration of intervertebral discs is one potential cause of lower back pain; when these discs become worn down over time due to aging or injury, they can compress nerves along the spine and lead to symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the extremities. Additionally, sciatica and spinal stenosis are other conditions characterized by lower back pain that may have similar neurological symptoms if not treated promptly.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy caused by pressure placed on the median nerve at its passageway within the carpal tunnel region inside our wrist area. This compression causes inflammation, often leading to numbness and tingling in the thumb (index finger), long fingers (middle finger), and inner palm side up towards the elbow area.

Ulnar nerve syndrome is another form of entrapment neuropathy that affects the ulnar nerve resulting in similar symptoms to carpal tunnel syndrome. Instead, pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling occur around the elbow joint area affecting the little (pinky) and ring fingers.

Non-Surgical Treatments Your Doctor Should Suggest Before Surgery

Non-Surgical Treatments Your Doctor Should Suggest Before Surgery

Before considering surgery, a few treatment options can help alleviate neck, back, carpal tunnel, and ulnar nerve pain, weakness, and numbness. To support his patients in avoiding surgery until it is 100% necessary, Dr. Johans recommends the following non-surgical remedies:

  • Medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
  • Physical therapy or regular massages
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Alterations in daily activities and better body ergonomics
  • Back or wrist braces to give extra strength

Surgical Treatments Offered by Dr. Johans

Surgical Treatments Offered by Dr. Johans

Surgery may be required when the non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, and the pain, weakness, and numbness begin to progress in severity. Dr. Johans can recommend and perform the following surgical procedures depending on the condition.

For neck or back pain, Dr. Johans will access patients for one of the two following surgical cervical (neck) options:

Disc Replacement:

The damaged disc between two vertebrae is replaced with a medical device that provides a normal range of motion and quick recovery times.

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Surgical Treatments Offered by Dr. Johans

Disc Fusion:

If a disc replacement is unsuitable due to certain medical factors or circumstances, then Dr. Johans may suggest a fusion. This procedure fuses two vertebrae with the help of your bone marrow and a titanium cage, plate, and screws. It is highly effective in reducing neurological symptoms, but all range of motion in the fused vertebrae will be permanently removed.

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Carpal Tunnel and Ulnar Nerve Syndrome Surgery:

Dr. Johans offers extensive surgical treatments for carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve syndrome, which involves decompressing the affected nerve to ensure it can function normally. Alternative surgical techniques, risks, and benefits will always ne discussed with you before surgery.

CARPAL TUNNEL ULNAR NERVE

Neurological Treatments by Dr. Johans

Dr. Johans is a highly experienced, board-certified neurosurgeon and pain management specialist with exceptional expertise in neck pain, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and cervical arthroplasty. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and Pain Management and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Board of Neurological Surgeons.

If you have any of these conditions or suspect that you may be suffering from any other neurological disorder, please get in touch with Dr. Johans at 208-327-5600 for a consultation to discuss which treatment plan may be right for you.

Dr. Johans is committed to providing personalized care tailored to meet the needs and effective treatment options to achieve maximum relief from discomfort. With over 30 years of experience in neurological surgery and pain management treatments, patients can trust that he will provide the highest standard of care available so they can get back on track with life as quickly as possible!