MY SPINE SOLUTION - PHOENIX SEMINAR FEBRUARY 2017

MY Spine Solution - Visiting Phoenix, AZ

Time is running out and so are spaces for one-on-one consultations to review your spine case for MOTION PRESERVATION as a solution to avoid spinal fusion!

Only a few slots left on Feb. 17, & 18th (Friday & Saturday) to meet ONE-ON-ONE with our Surgeons from ONZ in Germany with other 15 years of experience doing Motion Preservation solutions with ADR (Artificial Disc Replacement) to help patients get back to living a happy active life and avoid fusion surgeries of both the Lumbar and Cervical Spine.

Contact Dr. Meier NOW : 720-987-7732

or Email : kelli@MySpineSolution.com

The My Spine Solution / German Spine Specialists Team along with Dr. Illerhaus from ONZ in Germany are coming to CANADA for Patient Seminars.

Currently booking 20-30 minute in person consults for the following dates:

July 1-3, 2016 = Toronto patient seminars

Sept 9-11, 2016 = "DESTINATION HEALTH" - visit our booth = Ottawa

Sept 11-13, 2016 = Ottawa patient seminars

To schedule a time contact our Canadian Liaison:  Ken@MySpineSolution.com

You will need your MRI (recent w/i the last year) and x-rays taken standing (A-P, Lateral, Extension, Flexion views (recent w/i the last year)). 

WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HOW PEOPLE REGAIN THEIR ACTIVE LIVES!

Toronto, CANADA - German Spine Team One-On-One Consults!

Upcoming Spine Pain Intervention Consults:

Meet with ONZ Team & Spine Surgeon:

• Toronto CANADA – March 4-6, 2016

Items needed to see the doctor and his team are:

Preferred recent within the last year.

1. MRI of Lumbar or Cervical

(Preferred on CD/DVD. MRI images on films will be accepted)

2. X-Rays needed are: A/P, Lateral, Extension & Flexion.

(Preferred on CD/DVD, films will be also accepted)

3. For Hip or Knee info - an MRI, or A/P & Lateral X-Rays:

(Preferred on CD/DVD, films will be also accepted)

This is an opportunity to meet with our German Surgeon personally and review your personal Spine Solution with your MRI & X-rays. Scheduled time slots of up to 30 minutes are available on first contact.

Contact: Ken@myspinesolution.com for appointment bookings

Sharing a personal Testimonial on Dr. Bierstedt and ADR surgery

Date: 4. Juni 2015 02:32:00 MESZ
To: "Petersen, Malte" <M.Petersen@onz-online.de>

Hi All - here are my sentences:

"Today I installed my dock in the lake I live on. It takes a ton-and-half hoist tool and, being geared for leverage, dozens of arm and shoulder extensions and contractions to winch it down into place. Bent over cranking, some bucket sitting. After that, the installation of twenty wooden sections made of treated lumber for the decking; average weight of each section 40 lbs. I use the ManStrong method; walk to the stack, pick up a section, carry it down the hill, bend over and put it in place. Stand up and repeat 19 more times. Every few sections, drop to my knees to rescrew loose boards.  After, since the rain hadn't started yet, I had time to mow. My lake lot is 100 feet x 400 feet. About a 20 degree upslope. Lots of trees to weave around...dozens and dozens of swaths up and down the hill. That old mower is not self propelled, either. I'd gotten behind on my home chores because I have been back at my job working so much.The place is summer ready now.

Why does this matter? A little over a year ago, postoperatively, I couldn't take even one step on my own without the aid of an aluminum walker. Could not stand on my own feet unaided. Couldn't put one foot in front of the other without an assistive device. Couldn't wad a piece of paper with my left hand and my right wasn't far behind. Forget stairways, hills, street curbs. Could barely sleep even one hour. Then up for two. Repeat til dawn. What happened to me? I had 6 levels of arthroscopy performed on my osteocytic spondolytic degeneratively disced spine by Dr. Thomas Bierstedt. C4/5, 5/6 and 6/7; L2/3, 4/5 and L5/S1. Cervical one week; lumbar one week later. Five artificial motion preservation devices and one fusion. He's my Mad Scientist and I am FOREVER grateful that I met him, the entire ONZ staff, the wonderful professionals at Elizabeth Krankenhaus Hospital in Hattingen and the amazing staff at Medicos Rehabilitation Center. This is no exaggeration; they all honestly gave me my life back. 

I considered and then embarked on an unknown course because I had to. Six levels of fusion in the United States would have doomed me; professionally and personally. The ONZ team, which I have seen encompasses all those I mentioned above, in a start-to-finish regimen, had my answer. I wholeheartedly and confidently recommend and applaud them for their forward thinking and innovative solutions. I honestly could not have been in better hands. And in case you wonder, I have received no compensation, fee reduction, or any other consideration whatsoever for saying so. This comes from my heart."

Edward Sparks

German Spine Team – ADR consultations in Canada

NEXT Spine Pain Intervention Consults with the ONZ Spine Surgeons:


• Calgary & Alberta – June, 16 & 17

• Winnipeg & Manitoba – June 18, 19, 20


This is an opportunity to meet with our German Surgeon personally and review your personal Spine Solution with your MRI & X-rays. Scheduled time slots of up to 30 minutes are available on first contact.

Contact: Ken@myspinesolution.com for appointment bookings

Past German Spine ADR Solutions to Pain Intervention Consults:


Meet w/ Surgeon  -  Dr Illerhaus & Malte Petersen:

            • Houston, TX – April, 16 - 17:



Items needed to see the doctor and his team are:
Preferred recent within the last year:

1.    MRI of Lumbar or Cervical
       (Preferred on CD/DVD.  MRI images on films will be accepted)

2.    X-Rays needed are:  A/P, Lateral, Extension & Flexion.
       (Preferred on CD/DVD, films will be also accepted)

3.    For Hip or Knee info - an MRI, or A/P & Lateral X-Rays:
       (Preferred on CD/DVD, films will be also accepted)





This is an opportunity to meet with our German Surgeon personally and review your personal Spine Solution with your MRI & X-rays.

Contact: Ken@myspinesolution.com for appointment bookings.

Dr. Bierstedt Germany ADR

Last week I posted on our media page about laminectomies and some information those considering getting one should take into account. We had more conversation from that post than any we have ever had. We also had a doctor, I presume was from the U.S. post that he agreed with most of what I posted, but thought that all option should be exhausted before ADR surgery.

Now lets stop for a moment and think about this. 

How much money spent on costly procedures that may or may not produce any relief and if so only temporarily, pain and suffering, emotional distress, family distress, time lost from work due to pain, suffering or getting these costly procedures done should one actually endure?  How much money, time and suffering?

What I mean by that, is to have Dr. Bierstedt in Germany with the specialists at ONZ Germany, review your case to determine if you are a candidate for ADR ( Artificial Disc Replacement )  costs $0.00.  Dr. Bierstedt has done thousands of ADR surgeries and is regarded as one of the most precise surgeons in the world.  He has done more Cervical ADR's than any other surgeon in the world, and has also done thousands of Lumbar ADR's as well.

To get a ONE Level ADR Lumbar or Cervical including all hospital pre-surgery test, 7 day stay in the hospital, 7 days stay at our hotel after release from the hospital, post-op rehabilitation each day after surgery at out state of the art rehab facility, and the actual cost for surgery runs about 26,000 Euros, additional levels if needed are only an additional 5,000 Euros. Rendering the cost of a 3 level around 35,000 Euros. Of course there is the cost to fly over there as well. The good news is that once you have ADR surgery you are functioning nearly immediately. Granted there is soreness from having surgery, but myself, I was up and walking all over the grounds of the hospital 2 days after surgery and was already able to use my previously non-functioning arm due to pinched nerves at C5/C6 rendering my left arm useless.

How much suffering did I endure before finding Germany to get surgery done? Well, I had an epidural injection, that wasted a day of my life, cost $1500 and gave me ZERO relief. I paid for 2 sets of steroid packs to tone down the never pain that made sleep somewhat bearable, however 2 is the limit. I wasted 6 months of my life gradually getting worse and worse, getting angry and frustrated and losing clients at my business because of it. I was sent to a spine surgeon in Denver, CO, that didn't even have time to see me, instead I was only allowed to meet his assistant for consultation. Then I was set up for surgery to have a fusion 2 weeks later, still not to meet the actual surgeon. Then there is the cost for an irreversible procedure (i.e. Fusion) that again will cause adjacent levels to fail and put me back on the hospital in 18 mo. to 5 years for another fusion...

How much does Fusion surgery cost?

• On average, the prices for spinal fusion surgery are going to range anywhere from $50,000 to as much as $150,000 without any sort of insurance.  With insurance, the prices will depend on your coverage.  It is best to talk with your insurance to get more information, this should be done before scheduling the surgery.

Now, I did not waste time having a discectomy which is also a temporary may or may not help procedure. Discectomy is known as a "MUSE" in Germany. That stands for "Medically Useless Surgical Exercise". Laminectomy also may or may not work and temporarily if it does. Done bilaterally they take the entire spinous out and leave the spinal cord unprotected. Considered barbaric in Germany. Why? Because for 26,000 Euros, you can be as nearly back to normal as possible with ADR surgery (primarily done with the M6 Lumbar or M6 Cervical ADR prosthesis with Dr. Bierstedt in Germany or Dr. Illerhaus). 

And yet, people choose to suffer trying to get their insurance to pay for all these medically useless alternatives, losing days from work, suffering, gaining more needless scar tissue, compromising their spine further, taking steroids and pain meds that also destroy the body.  When all they really need to do is get a COST FREE evaluation of the spine and possibly fly to Germany, meet in person with Dr. Bierstedt at ONZ, and get their life back!

If you are ready, we are waiting to help!

 
My Spine Solution / German Spine Specialists ~ Team Liaison
http://www.myspinesolution.com 
http://www.germanspinespecialists

Spine Restoration with ADR (Artificial Disc Replacement) - Germany

Getting the body to wellness and restoring homeostasis:

The intent of anything to do with the Central Nervous System is to restore the bodies ability to self-regulate. The vertebra move in 14 different directions with around 300,000 nerve fibers and 31 pairs of spinal nerves. When there is a block anywhere within that system what happens is "deregulation".

How may this pertain to you as a prospective spine patient? If you have a slipped disc, aka disc herniation in the cervical region your numbness and paresthesia will likely follow a specific dermatomal pattern. C5 radiates to the lateral upper arm, C6 down to the thumb and index finger, C7 to the middle digit, C8 to the 4th & 5th digit.  Likewise, in the Lumbar region, a herniated disc at L2/L3 will cause nerve pain along the front of the thigh, L4 down into the lower leg and big toe, L5 across the top of the foot (potentially resulting in foot drop), and S1 will travel the lateral aspect of the lower leg to the lateral toes and bottom of the foot making it difficult to stand or walk for extended periods of time. 

With prolonged pressure on the nerves leaving the spine this numbness will likely turn into muscle atrophy. If left too long before intervention we now have permanent innervation damage without potential for restoration. Many surgeons will say "just do the 'Gold Standard' and get a fusion".  Often they won't even tell you there are other options!


We are here to help you find another option and instead of cause more "deregulation" of the spine by restricting normal movement of the spine and causing further stress on adjacent levels and the nerves traveling through those regions, we offer a solution able to restore the movement of the spine, virtually eliminating the potential for further degeneration, and allowing the nerves to function in their proper manner, thus allowing the body to once again self-regulate.

If this sounds like something you would like to learn more about of learn if you may be a candidate, we are here to help eliminate the doubt and the fear, and smooth the process of inquiring if you may be a candidate. Once we take a look at your MRI and films we can then give you a "solution package" with a cost all inclusive.

Our patients are numbered in the thousands! Many are out there helping spread the word of how great they feel and how happy they are to have their life back!

Contact us!
We are here to help!

http://www.myspinesolution.com
http://www.germanspinespecialists.com

ADR German Disc Replacement Success Story

What we LOVE to hear.... From a recent Lumbar M6 ADR patient: http://www.myspinesolution.com & http://www.germanspinespecialists.com

Dear All,

Each of you have helped me stay alive and return to an active lifestyle. I have a great amount of respect and gratitude for your contributions and talent. As you each have talent and a gift to help people in need, I thought that having each others email might provide and avenue of communication about not only my situation but about possible benefits for others from these surgery techniques and hardware alternatives to fusion. No one wants to (or I think should) have surgery until it is the last option. Also, I'm quite sure many people who can afford the operation would like to maintain range of motion and activity over fusion or sedation.

I have many thanks for each of you.
Kind Regards,
Louis

Person to Person Consults with Surgeons

Upcoming Spine Pain Intervention Consults:

• Philadelphia – January 25 ~ 26

• New York City – January 27 ~ 28

• Houston – February 3 

This is an opportunity to meet with our German Surgeons personally and review your personal Spine Solution. 45 minute consults w/your MRI & X-rays.

Contact: Ken@myspinesolution.com for more information and appointment bookings

New Look and updates

We have a new look with added videos from our surgeons at ONZ. 

Videos of Dr. Bierstedt and Dr. Illerhaus - 2 of my favorite people ~ saving one patients motion preservation at a time!


The look of our GermanSpineSpecialists.com site is now very similar in color and feel of MySpineSolution.com   – because we are one and the same. Why both sites? We started out as German Spine Specialists because that is what we are Specialists in Germany working on the Spine. Then we added the My Spine Solution site, for those that automatically were not interested in traveling for surgery. The reason for this was because it is SO IMPORTANT to let people know they do NOT have to settle for a fusion. That they CAN enjoy life again with a motion preservation solution (ADR = Artificial Disc Replacement).

Take a gander at out site. 
Call a liaison if you have questions or concerns. We are past patients now living happily again. We have been to the edge of what we thought we could tolerate, almost give up and yet we fought to not have a fusion. Where there is a will there is a way, and we are helping open the gate so that you may find the same way we did.

The world needs to know there are amazing possibilities for help and relief from spine pain. There are options! 


~ Thank you for taking time to learn what is available.

ADR Patient Experience – Don't Wait!

Hi,

My name is Christopher Card and I want to share my experience of recently having two cervical disc replacements using the M6 - Cervical Implant (by Spinal Kinetics) replacements on both C5/6 & C6/7 by anterior approach.

I tried conservative nerve block therapy via epidural injection which offered temporary relief from the pain I was experiencing in the right forearm and hand. I had been living with this discomfort for a number of years and the relief was a blessing. The downside is that the pain returned with a vengeance and with different symptoms after 3 months, which included severe weakening of my right arm and total numbness in my right hand forefinger.

It was time to look at a long term solution. I started researching alternatives to fusion as this was not an option for me and my lifestyle, plus this solution transpired to be a dead end!, If the pain remained I would have to live with it. I looked into various sites on the internet and comments from patients just like me which had had a disc replacement.. I still did not feel happy with what was on offer. I was looking for the Rolls Royce solution [I am a perfectionist].

I arrived home one evening in early February 2013, and my lovely wife advised me she had found the perfect solution for me. She sat me down and told me to read what she had found. Not only had she found the best surgeon but the place and technology is where I knew I wanted to be treated. http://www.germanspinespecialists.com/best_spine_surgen.html. The surgeon of Dr. Thomas Bierstedt really fitted my bill of prerequisites. I have a phobia of my throat area and after reading how pedantic Dr. Bierstedt is I knew in myself he was the person I wanted to perform the operation.

I work for an international company and have been involved in customer liaisons for the past 20 years, and I was extremely impressed with the communication I received to my online query.  If I could have a person like Mr. Malte Petersen on my team we would be world class, which is where I rate him as a person and in his professional position, a real compliment to Dr. Bierstedt’s team. The communication and information transfer from Thailand to Germany under the care of Malte was phenomenal to say the least. It really supported my decision 100 fold that my wife had found the “Best in the West”.

I was scheduled in for surgery on the 26^th February 2013, and for serious surgery I was completely relaxed, and I attribute this to the communication; the immediate review of my MRI by Dr. Bierstedt and his team and the feedback of the plan. I would be lying if I was not a little anxious as every surgical procedure carries its own risks.

Arrival in Dusseldorf Germany was hassel free. The transportation was waiting for my wife and I and we arrived some 35 minutes later at the hotel Avantgarde in Hattingen. Monday a taxi collected us from the hotel and drove us to our planned consultation with Dr. Bierstedt. The appointment went very well and again I was really impressed with the professional approach, the detail of the explanation of the procedure, the risks etc, etc. I walked out of Dr. Bierstedt’s office knowing I had made the right choice. His demeanor just further endorsed that I had made the right choice.

From the meeting it was directly to the EV Krankenhaus to check into my place of rest for the upcoming days. My experience was getting better at every turn. The hospital staff were really friendly and helpful and really made you feel at home.[To me it was more like a 5 star hotel than a hospital]. Choice of menu for the week that I was booked in for and beverages on tap with snacks 24/7. Later in the afternoon after the hospitals protocol of pre-surgery checks and tests, I was taken to meet another fine gentleman that was going to look after me during the procedure  Dr schlosser anesthetist . I could not fault any person that was going to be involved in my procedure. I was actually beginning to look forward to the surgery knowing I was in such competent hands along with being pain free and being able to live again.

Tuesday 26^th day of surgery, I knew I was not going to get past the premed [Experience from a past surgery], well as anticipated I recall the bed moving and my wife giving me a peck on the forehead and lights out. I woke in recovery. Time to do personal flight check, 1) Swallow, yes I can, 2) Talk, asked the nurse on duty to take off the blood pressure monitor as it was uncomfortable, yes I can talk. Guess I was still groggy but I arranged my drip pipe into a tidy coil and with that I was advised I could return to my room.

When I arrived I felt really good and wanted to get out of bed to see my new Friend Greg who had had Lumbar surgery and flown all the way from the USA to have it done on Dr. Bierstedt’s watch. No, not allowed until the drip was finished. I remember counting the drops and when the last one made it down the tube I was on the buzzer to summon help to have the drip removed. Drip was removed, followed by me out of bed and on the move.

I still had company in the form of the wound drain that I carried in my hand and had no problems walking to Greg’s room, [next door] and seeing if all had gone well for him. He was somewhat surprised to see me up and about so soon. Well I never stopped, walking around that is. My wife was somewhat taken back that I was up and about. I really felt good; no pain in my arm, feeling back in my finger and the only discomfort was the wound drain that impeded swallowing solids. The soup was great!!

Dr. Bierstedt and Dr. Schlosser came in the next day to advise that all had gone to plan and that they were satisfied with the placement of the discs. Dr. Schlosser to advise I had behaved well and the tube delivering the anesthetic was removed before I woke up [This was my only stipulation/prerequisite, I had asked for during our earlier interview]

Malte came in on the Thursday to ensure all was still on plan, which it was and as I was up and about I was allowed to leave my residence at the hospital and spend the remainder of our time in Germany at the hotel with my best friend.

I am now 4 weeks post Op and feel 100%, still a little muscle stiffness in the neck area, I however attribute this to me being over cautious in how I move. In all a really great experience, which would not have been so without the professionalism; care and world class communication shown throughout the duration.

Dr. Bierstedt; Dr. Schlosser; Malte and all the staff at the EV Krankenhaus and my new friends Greg ; Lucy and Katie, thank you so much for a new lease on life, it was truly an experience I will not forget and the results to date are flawless.

To the most important person that made this all happen and supported and cared for me and still does today, my soul mate and wife Samantha. Thank you my darling for everything!

For all those that are suffering, don’t wait the link is there, and if my experience helps or I can assist feel free to email me at chriscard23@gmail.com.

Christopher Card

To Your Health March, 2013 (Vol. 07, Issue 03)

Another Reason to Avoid Epidural Steroids

By Editorial Staff

While the uproar surrounding tainted steroid injections causing fungal meningitis has left the mainstream news after months on the front pages, hundreds of reported illnesses and far too many deaths, it's high time for a reminder of why epidural steroids – tainted or not – shouldn't be so commonly prescribed for back pain.

 

According to a study in the research journal Spine, which compared spine patients who received epidural injections to patients who did not receive injections, steroids "were associated with significantly less improvement at 4 years among all patients with spinal stenosis." In other words, patients who received the injections were in worse shape after four years than patients who did not receive injections – regardless of whether either type of patient ultimately underwent surgery to "relieve" their pain. Not exactly an endorsement of epidural steroid injections or surgery. What's more, patients in both groups had similar initial symptoms / pain scores, dispelling the notion that patients who received injections had worse initial pain or a worse condition than non-injected patients.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the open spaces in the spine. As you might expect, this can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to neck or back pain. It is most commonly caused by wear and tear over time, which puts you at higher risk as you get older (particularly over age 50 or so).

Spinal stenosis and other conditions that cause back pain and related symptoms often don't require medication, injections or surgery. 

So what should you do?

The above article is re-posted from To Your Health, they suggest starting with seeing a Chiropractor. That is a good place to start and access the severity of your spinal condition. For many this will help manage the pain by relieving some of the pressure on the nerves. However, when the condition continues to degenerate as part of the progressive process, and pain and/or symptoms such as radiating nerve pain or loss of sensation is becoming more prevalent - that is when it is time to look into other options such as those provided by My Spine Solution and German Spine Specialists. Solutions that are non-fusion interventions but more than discectomies, these are permanent nerve compression relieving solutions that restore the spine to proper biomechanics and pain relief.

For more information go to our web site:  MySpineSolution.com

Surgery in Germany

Medical solutions Germany:

Currently many more people are seeking surgery or medical solutions in Europe. In the past this was a luxury allowed only for the rich, famous and wealthy. However, now due to more advanced treatment solutions Germany is among the TOP "Medical Tourism" Destinations.

Surgery Treatment Options in Germany:

Currently Germany leads the world in Solutions for Artificial Disc Replacement for the Lumbar and Cervical. For those suffering with chronic pain due to a herniation or collapsed disc, or degenerative disc disease, Germany may be your best solution for treatment in order to avoid prolonged pain and suffering and avoid FUSION.

Fusion will among many things leave you with NO MOTION at the level fused and more stressed motion at levels adjacent. Once fused there is no going back, just forward down the cascade of domino effects that surmount.

Myself, prior to my surgery selection for ADR of the Cervical in Germany, was told by my doctor upon investigating how many patients come back within 2-5 years after a fusion for a second or third due to the added stress: "Well, that is 2-5 years down the road, you will be fine. When we get to 2-5 years and there is added issues, maybe then we can do an M6 disc replacement at that time on those levels."

Does anyone see the irony here? 

WHY would I want another 2 surgeries, if I could have ONE and that ONE at that restored my motion pain free! HELLO Dr. XXXXX!

Does the staff speak English?

Yes, the staff on call 24/7 at our hospital in Hattingen – Germany, is always available to help and speaks English. This is our premier hospital with the Top State of the Art Medical Treatment, Emergency Treatment, and full Diagnostics. We are prepared for even the most extreme cases and prepared for Success with each surgical outcome!

• All spine surgeries are principally supported by a vascular surgeon
• Complete diagnostics - MRI, CAT scan, ultrasound
• Doctors attention on-site 24/7
• Neurology department
• Urology department
• Single, private rooms for each patient

To learn more about Surgical Treatment Options for your Spine Pain:

We offer a no obligation - FREE Second Opinion of your case for best Medical Treatment, please fill out the form below or call one of our Liaisons (all former patients).

Research on Back Pain

Through the course of my study, there is continued debate on how to best relieve back pain. 

Back Pain is so individual and it is relative to the level of pain tolerance of the individual. M.D.'s will prescribe some exercises maybe and pain relieving medications. Those medications are now showing to actually enhance the degeneration at the joints. Latest research is now showing even in cases of arthritis, that taking NSAIDS (Non-Steroid Anti-inflamitory Drugs) is actually causing arthritis to get worse.

Discectomy and "Failed Back Surgery Syndrom"

This is a case of attempting to relieve pain in the back or neck via cutting off the protruding disc. As in later blogs you will read, I'm not a big fan. Discectomy / Laminectomy are both procedures of temporary relief, and potentially enhanced issues over a very short period of time.

Fusion - "The Gold Standard"

Fusion is considered the Gold Standard only because it has been around for a very long time. A friend once quoted to me, "The body is the only machine that degenerates more without use." How true! So think about a fusion. This is going to completely stop movement at a level(s) of the spine. What happens now? The body has to compensate and thus causes undue stress on adjacent levels and stress that the body was not designed for.

Yesterday I spoke with a 27 year old man that has excessive lower back pain. He has quit working out in order to preserve the rest of his back, but mainly because it hurts so much to do anything.

So what do you do?

1) A recommendation is seeing a Chiropractor that also does Acupuncture. This could help reduce pressure on nerves and reduce pain without NSAIDS and surgical intervention, at least to a certain level of relief.

2) Stay as active as possible. Moving is always going to be better than sitting! The healthier an individual the better the bodies recovery mechanisms.

3) Chronic pain beyond these measures may mean it is time to look into ADR surgery (Artificial Disc Replacement). This means having a new prothesis placed in the spine at the level(s) of degeneration in order to restore the movement of the spine and the individual as well as relieve compression on nerves related to a collapsed spinal disc. Such procedures are not covered by many insurance companies. However, who are you going to let tell you what you should do with your body? The insurance company or you?

We have come to a time now that many are going overseas in order to achieve more advanced treatments. My Spine Solution is here to help those in a state of chronic back pain find that very solution at a reasonable cost and most importantly achieve a life without pain and suffering, without NSAIDS, or other strong narcotic drugs, a life of living again with freedom of movement and enjoyment.

If you or someone you know is suffering, take the first step in contacting us to learn more about our Artificial Disk Replacement techniques and superior standards in treatment. Together with ONZ, My Spine Solution is helping a growing population of back pain sufferers achieve happiness once again.

Pain is like a cancer, it affects all aspects of an individual. Once pain is removed from the body the body and the mind can return to a state of homeostasis once again!

In better health ~ My Spine Solution

Spinal Stenosis Help and Healing

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Wikipedia defines Spinal Stenosis:

Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal that may occur in any of the regions of the spine. This narrowing causes a restriction to the spinal canal, resulting in a neurological deficit. Symptoms include pain, numbness, paraesthesia, and loss of motor control. The location of the stenosis determines which area of the body is affected.^[1] With spinal stenosis, the spinal canal is narrowed at the vertebral canal, which is a foramen between the vertebrae where the spinal cord (in the cervical or thoracic spine) or nerve roots (in the lumbar spine) pass through.^[2] There are several types of spinal stenosis: lumbar stenosis and cervical stenosis being the most frequent. While lumbar spinal stenosis is more common, cervical spinal stenosis is more dangerous because it involves compression of the spinal cord.

The most common forms are cervical spinal stenosis, at the level of the neck, and lumbar spinal stenosis, at the level of the lower back. Thoracic spinal stenosis, at the level of the mid-back, is much less common.^[1]

In lumbar stenosis, the spinal nerve roots in the lower back are compressed which can lead to symptoms of sciatica (tingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the low back and into the buttocks and legs).

Cervical spinal stenosis can be far more dangerous by compressing the spinal cord. Cervical canal stenosis may lead to serious symptoms such as major body weakness and paralysis. Such severe spinal stenosis symptoms are virtually absent in lumbar stenosis, however, as the spinal cord is not present in the adult lumbar spine.^{[citation needed]} Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition involving narrowing of the spinal canal at the level of the neck. It is frequently due to chronic degeneration,^[3] but may also be congenital or traumatic. Treatment frequently is surgical.^[3]

^{Many surgeons in the U.S. and Canada recommend a laminectomy or discectomy to patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis. A past patient here recently said, "laminectomy and discectomy surgery should be considered a crime!" Why would one say that?}

^{Well, the problem with laminectomy and discectomy surgery is the removal of the part of a "bulge" in the disc may take pressure off a nerve that the bulge was impinging, however, that disc is now going to continue to degenerate and lose disc height. When that happens the canal the nerves leave the spine to go to body parts becomes impinged and thus the patient is many times in even worse condition!} 

^{Sadly insurance pays for such a procedure. Part of that keeping you ill and in the cycle process.}

^{My Spine Solution offers a REAL LIFE-TIME SOLUTION to spinal stenosis. We offer procedures to replace disc height to normal levels and the use of Artificial Disc Replacement with the best technology on the market. Yes, insurance may or may not pay for the procedure, but it is a lasting solution and a future of pain free living again!}

^{For a free consultation visit one of our web sites to learn more and get stop living in pain!}

 ^{• MySpineSolution.com}

 ^{• GermanSpineSpecialists.com}

TOPS Spine Motion Preserving Device in Germany

TOPS™ System Launches in Germany

Motion Preserving Spine Device Eliminates Need for Fusion in Patients with Severe Lumbar Spine Stenosis

Press Release Source: Premia Spine Ltd.

RAMAT POLEG, Israel, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Premia Spine, Ltd. announced today that the company has commercially launched the TOPS™ System and its adjunct Versalink™ Fixation System in Germany.

"We are excited about the opportunity to provide German patients with a clinically-proven, superior solution to lumbar spinal fusion," stated Ron Sacher, CEO of Premia Spine. "The TOPS™ System has demonstrated its immediate and sustained benefit for patients suffering from severe spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis."

First cases in Germany were performed by Dr. Thomas Bierstedt, a neurosurgeon with the Orthopädisch-Neurochirurgisches Zentrum (ONZ), which serves the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.  The ONZ sees patients from Köln, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Essen, Duisburg, Bochum, Recklinghausen, and Hattingen as well as a high number of international patients from North and South America and the Middle East.  Dr. Bierstedt is a leading spine surgeon with strong command of the latest minimally invasive, posterior arthroplasty and artificial disc technologies.

“I am very pleased with what I have seen so far with my first four patients,” explains Dr. Bierstedt.  “Patients are very mobile and free from the pain of spinal stenosis and spondylolithesis.” 

Traditional spine surgery for lumbar stenosis involves removing tissue elements pressing on the nerve roots and stabilizing the spine with rigid metal rods. There is usually a long convalescence after such procedures.

The TOPS™ System is a dynamic spinal implant designed to replace the extracted skeletal structures and stabilize the spine without permanently locking the adjacent vertebrae.  Instead, clinicians allow the vertebrae to continue moving normally with the assistance of the TOPS™ implant. The TOPS™ System allows full motion at the operative level, while prohibiting excessive twists and turns.  It recreates the physiologic motion in flexion, extension, lateral bending, axial rotation and translation.  No other device performs this range of function.   

As no fusion is taking place in the lower back, there are no restrictions placed on patients and their activity after the TOPS™ System surgery.  Premia Spine’s TOPS System has been demonstrated to provide better outcomes than lumbar spinal fusion surgery in clinical studies conducted around the globe since 2005. 

   Contact:
    Ron Sacher
    ronsacher@premiaspine.com
    http://www.besseralswirbelfusion.de or www.betterthanspinalfusion.com

My Spine Solution

Due to our merger with ONZ – Orthopedic Neurology Zenter ("Center" in english) our new name is "My Spine Solution". Offering STATE OF THE ART spine solutions based on a case by case attention to detail of needs and success.

No only are our solutions to spine and disc disease specific to the patient in need, but the very LATEST STATE OF THE ART technology is at our fingertips for implamentation of the spine. 

For more take a look at our newly revamped website currently in construction, but updating quickly:  MySpineSolution.com 

A Leap of Faith – Spine Surgery!

I was emailing a potential patient with my thoughts and felt it best to just share:

The whole point of both Fargo Days and Denver Days is to give assurance to those not quite ready to make the "JUMP". Obviously I don't know each of your experiences.... for many the "Jump" to take a medical concern overseas is a last resort and extremely scary, many won't even consider it (sadly they will chose to suffer instead). I will admit, for me it was both of the prior mentioned! I had no real other options I was willing to entertain (such as fusion - NOT an option for me!), for me it was a leap of faith, and to many of the people around me considered it "CRAZY to go to Germany for a M6 ADR!" (family included, although they also didn't know what to do with me and my situation as they watched and/or heard it continue to degrade)

The Fargo Days and Denver Days are designed to help alieviate that feeling.

•     Meet the Doctor.
•     Meet the Team.
•     Hear other successful stories.
•     Learn what really happens from those that have had the surgery.
•     Hear what the doctor really believes about your case.
•     Hear what can possibly be done for you!

I personally cannot be at Fargo days as I am currently in Medical School.

I will be at Denver Days as I am on break at that time. If you would like to set up a time for Denver days call us! There are still slots available for scheduling!

Ultimately it is what you feel best about when seeking a surgery for a disk replacement.

I know for me, it was all very scary, I didn't know what was really the right thing to do. My life was ending one day at a time right before my eyes. Nobody wanted to be around me because of my mental disintegration (a.k.a. depression and anger). I took Malte's advice (Malte is AMAZING) and I went full force to Germany for surgery, still scared, but what did I have to lose at that point is how I felt.

My friends were more scared for me than I was by the time I got to Germany.

I think if you need reassurance, Fargo Days or Denver Days would be excellent!

Otherwise I full-on will tell you to just DO IT!!

My life would be Nothing without the surgery and M6 implant for my cervical herniation. I have a second chance now and am currently going to medical school so I can further help as many people as possible.

That is my stand and my story, "sticking to it", as they say and trying to spread the word and help as many as I can to find a better option available for spinal disk replacement or spinal fusion surgery.

Press Release - Better Disk Replacement

Recent Press:

July 8, 2012, – German Spine Specialists is not and in no way a representative for Stenum Hospital and all of the bad press and unsuccessful surgeries related to Stenum Hospital.

Seems reps from Stenum, Sue Hart in particular, have taken it upon themselves to do as much bad press against German Spine Specialists as possible. One must ask why do they see us as such a threat? Answers are, Stenum Hospitial has filed insolvency (bankruptcy) and is now attempting to get patients by bad mouthing other organizations and pressuring new patients into rushed procedures.

Facts are facts... The German Spine Specialists team is designed to HELP people, help people with spine pain due to herniations and various degenerative disk problems achieve a level of success in relief of their pain. We have searched and searched to find a Dr. in Germany we could truly stand behind as the team at Stenum Hospital was not what we wanted to be related to and for good reason.

Unlike our "competition" we will not go into more bad mouthing, lets just say, we have more integrity than that. And we do believe the good guy wins.

Our doctor is specific to the number of patients he will operate on in one day. He does this so each patient gets his undivided attention to detail. He also does this because spine surgery and artificial disk replacement (M6 ADR) should not be treated like an assembly line. Each patients anatomy can vary, and definitely the issues they are experiencing may vary. Each patient that German Spine Specialists helps is on an individual case basis. Our team knows that others need to know there are better solutions to disk replacement (the M6 ADR) and that without this knowledge these people will continue to suffer needlessly.

Our team is comprised of past M6 ADR patients that know how great the M6 ADR is and what it can due to successfully give back one's life. This is important for the public to know.

German Spine Specialists is a team dedicated to helping the world achieve a life without debilitating spine pain.

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