The Spine & Back Blog

We are thrilled to share our exciting news. NSSC Spine Clinic is expanding its services to include physical therapy!

Physical Therapy Services - NSSC Spine Clinic (Gastonia, NC)As part of our commitment to comprehensive patient care, Dr. William D. Hunter and our esteemed team of healthcare providers are pleased to announce the integration of physical therapy services into our practice, complementing our distinguished neurosurgical expertise. This addition aligns with our mission to provide holistic and personalized care to our valued patients. 

Physical therapy can play a crucial role in enhancing recovery, improving mobility, and promoting overall well-being, complementing the neurosurgical treatments we are known for.

Key Benefits of Our New Physical Therapy Services:

  • Integrated Care: Our physical therapy services are seamlessly integrated into the neurosurgical practice at the NSSC Spine Clinic, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to your treatment.
  • Expert Therapists: Our team of experienced and highly trained physical therapists is dedicated to working collaboratively with our providers to optimize your rehabilitation and recovery.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Each patient is unique, and so are their needs. Our physical therapists will develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition, ensuring optimal outcomes.
  • Convenience: By offering physical therapy within our practice, we aim to enhance your convenience by providing comprehensive care under one roof.

Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or seeking preventive care, our physical therapy services are designed to support your journey to better health.

Physical Therapy In Gastonia, NC

To schedule a physical therapy appointment or learn more about how these services can benefit you, please call us at 704-864-5550 or reach out via our contact page.

 

WARLICK FAMILY YMCA TRICK OR TRAIL 5K RUNJoin Dr. William Hunter and staff as we participate in the Warlick Family YMCA Trick or Trail Run at the Warlick Family YMCA on Saturday, October 28th

Warlick Family YMCA
2221 Robinwood Road
Gastonia, NC US 28054

As the title sponsor, all of us at the Neuroscience & Spine Center of the Carolinas would love to see you come out, have a great time, and support a wonderful organization.

Warlick Family YMCA

The Trick or Trail Run supports the Warlick Family YMCA, a non-profit organization committed to helping members of our community live a balanced, healthy life in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA makes a positive impact in the Gaston County community by encouraging wellness and family on their beautiful 118-acre campus.

EVENT DETAILS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023
5K and 1-mile Fun Run on the Sytz Trail
at the Warlick Family YMCA

  • 8:00am 5K begins
  • 9:00am Fun Run begins
  • 9:30-11:30am After Party

What does the 5K Trail Look Like? 
Both the 5K race and 1 Mile Fun Run courses are on the Sytz Trail System at the Warlick Family YMCA.
View a map of the Sytz Trail System.

Can I dress up in costume?
Please do! It makes the race even more fun! Plus, the after-race party will include prizes for best costume and performance. Dogs included!

Register Now

Visit the Warlick Family YMCA Trick or Trail Run website to register now.

WARLICK FAMILY YMCA TRICK OR TRAIL 5K RUN

When conservative treatments fail to alleviate severe back pain caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease or spinal instability, surgical intervention may be necessary. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) surgery is a procedure commonly performed to address these spinal conditions. Below we’ll explore what TLIF surgery entails, discuss the benefits it offers, and identify the individuals who can benefit the most from this surgical approach.

What Is TLIF Surgery?

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) surgery is a spinal fusion procedure that focuses on stabilizing the lumbar spine, specifically the lower back. It involves accessing the spine from a posterior approach, typically through a small incision in the lower back. During the procedure, the damaged disc or bone material is removed, and bone grafts or implants are inserted to promote fusion between adjacent vertebrae. This fusion helps alleviate pain, restore stability, and improve the overall functionality of the spine.

Benefits of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Surgery:

a. Pain Relief: TLIF surgery is highly effective in reducing back and leg pain caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis. By decompressing nerve roots and stabilizing the affected area, the surgery alleviates pressure on nerves, resulting in significant pain relief.

BENEFITS OF TRANSFORAMINAL LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION (TLIF) SURGERYb. Spinal Stability: One of the key benefits of TLIF surgery is the restoration of spinal stability. The fusion between vertebrae eliminates abnormal movement and instability in the affected segment of the spine. This stability helps prevent further degeneration and reduces the likelihood of future complications.

c. Improved Functionality: Individuals who undergo TLIF surgery often experience an improvement in their ability to perform daily activities. By addressing the underlying cause of pain and instability, the surgery enables patients to regain mobility, flexibility, and overall functionality.

d. Reduced Dependency on Medication: Chronic back pain often requires long-term medication use, which can have side effects and limitations. TLIF surgery offers the potential for a significant reduction in pain, allowing patients to rely less on pain medication and potentially improving their overall quality of life.

e. Faster Recovery: While recovery times can vary, TLIF surgery generally offers a faster recovery compared to traditional open spinal surgeries. The minimally invasive nature of TLIF, with smaller incisions and reduced muscle trauma, contributes to a quicker return to daily activities and work.

Who Can Benefit Most From TLIF Surgery?

a. Spinal Instability: Individuals with spinal instability resulting from degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal trauma can benefit greatly from TLIF surgery. The fusion procedure stabilizes the affected segment, reducing pain and preventing further degeneration.

Benefits of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Surgeryb. Disc Herniation: TLIF surgery is effective in addressing herniated discs that cause significant pain, nerve compression, and functional limitations. The procedure removes the damaged disc material and provides stability, relieving pressure on the affected nerves.

c. Spinal Stenosis: TLIF surgery can benefit individuals with spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal. By decompressing the nerves and stabilizing the spine, the surgery relieves pain and restores functionality.

d. Failed Conservative Treatments: Patients who have exhausted non-surgical treatment options, such as physical therapy, medication, and injections, without experiencing sufficient relief may be suitable candidates for TLIF surgery.

The NSSC Spine Clinic Can Help Determine The Best Approach For You

If you are experiencing chronic back pain, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery is a highly effective and minimally invasive procedure to consider. It is recommended for treating various spinal conditions that cause severe back pain and instability. That said, it is only one of your many options for reducing your pain and improving your quality of life.

To better understand treatment options, and what is best for your circumstances, please contact the NSSC Spine Clinic in Gastonia, NC today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hunter. Dr. William Hunter is a board-certified neurosurgeon and spine specialist with over two decades of experience offering various treatments for back pain relief, including spine surgery, as well as minimally invasive techniques, and regenerative medical treatments.

Dr. William Hunter, MD

Dr. William Hunter, Neurosurgeon of Neuroscience & Spine Center of the Carolinas in Gastonia, North CarolinaDr. Hunter has been practicing Neurosurgery for over a decade.  He has been involved with new and innovative techniques for spinal surgery throughout this time.  Dr Hunter currently teaches minimally invasive spine techniques across the United States.

He received his undergraduate degree in Biology at Denison University in Ohio and then obtained a Masters Degree at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, in Physiology and Biophysics. On completion of his Masters he went to Georgetown Medical School, where he also completed his residency.  Dr. Hunter then joined the University of Wisconsin, as an assistant professor where he trained neurosurgery residents and medical students in medical and surgical treatments of brain and spine diseases.  Two years later, Dr. Hunter left the University of Wisconsin to pursue his carrier as a Spine surgeon in a private practice.  He joined Neuroscience and Spine Center of the Carolinas, where he has been working since 2000.

Dr. Hunter has been involved in the spinal program at Caromont Regional Hospital, since the beginning of his carrier and is considered as a leader for bringing new and innovative micro surgical techniques to the hospital and his patients. The hospital has been awarded top on the list for “Best Hospital’s in North Carolina”, with the spine program deemed as one of the best in the state.
Providing the best possible quality care to his patients is Dr. Hunter’s main concern. Although he runs a very busy private practice, he still makes sure that he finds the time to teach.  His lectures and seminars usually revolve around new and innovative minimally invasive spine surgical techniques.  He has taught spinal surgery at Duke University and also teaches across the United States providing his expertise on spinal surgery.  He is very passionate about what he does and always strives to deliver the best care to his patients.  He has been board certified since 2001 with the American Board of Neurological Surgeons.