Dr. Sabareesh Natarajan and his team treat various types of spinal diseases. With over 20 years of experience in neurosurgery and neurointerventional treatments, Dr. Natarajan adopts a multidisciplinary approach. He collaborates with other healthcare providers, like physical therapists, occupational therapists, pain specialists, rehabilitation teams, and medical or radiation oncologists, to ensure patients receive comprehensive and integrated care.
Learn more about the different types of spinal disease and treatment options below. For more information about spinal disease and treatment options, or to schedule a visit, call our office at (619)-984-6969.
Types of Spinal Disease
There are four broad categories of spinal disease, including:
- Degenerative conditions – Caused by aging of the spine
- Trauma – Caused by an injury to the bone or spinal cord
- Spinal tumors – Can occur on the bone or the spinal cord
- Spinal deformity – When the spine is crooked or not properly aligned
In most cases, spinal disease requires treatment because it often causes nerve compression, leading to pain in the neck, back, arms, and/or legs. Additionally, patients may develop neurological issues, such as:
- Decreased function of the hand or leg
- Issues with balance, gait, or coordination
- Inability to grasp or hold objects
- Inability to feel pain, temperature, or sensation
- Issues with bladder or bowel control
- Issues with sexual function
Treatment Options for Spinal Disease
Dr. Natarajan starts with the most conservative options and advances the treatment only as necessary. The aim is to explore all possibilities before moving on to more aggressive interventions surgery.
The typical course of treatment for spinal disease includes:
Medication
Initially, patients usually undergo a short course of steroids to reduce swelling around pinched nerves. They may also receive medications that modify pain perception to help alleviate nerve pain.
Physical Therapy
Patients are often referred to physical therapy to prevent further progression of the spinal disease and to strengthen their core muscles, which support the spine. Physical therapy also enhances posture and movement, providing additional benefits.
EMG and Nerve Conduction Study
An electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction test are performed to locate nerve compression more precisely. These tests use electrodes to assess nerve electrical activity, and measure the speed and strength of nerve signals.
By pinpointing the site of nerve compression, Dr. Natarajan can target treatments such as nerve blocks or steroid injections directly to those areas to ease pain.
Surgery
Surgery is considered only if non-surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms. The main goals of spinal surgery include:
- Decompressing the spinal cord and nerves to reduce pain and neurological issues
- Stabilizing the spine in cases of abnormal movement, fractures, or dislocation
- Realigning the spine to restore its natural curve and balance
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Spinal Disease
Dr. Natarajan mainly uses minimally invasive methods for spine surgeries, including computerized navigation guided by AI-powered software. Pre-planning helps him select the right hardware and identify necessary corrections beforehand, as well as assess spine flexibility and stiffness. This planning makes procedures more efficient.
He also employs advanced technologies, like 3D printed cages and rods tailored to the patient’s anatomy, surgical robots that enhance precision and reduce surgery time and blood loss, and
artificial discs for younger patients to maintain motion without fusion.
Additionally, carbon fiber rods are used for cancer or infection patients, as they offer clearer imaging for radiation and tumor assessment compared to traditional titanium.
Overall, minimally invasive spine surgery typically results in quicker recovery and earlier discharge than open surgeries.
Surgery for Spinal Tumors
Dr. Natarajan employs pre-operative embolization to cut down the blood supply to spinal tumors. For complex surgeries involving spinal cord tumors and vascular conditions, he uses neuromonitoring and high-resolution microscopes to ensure accurate tumor removal while protecting spinal cord function.
He collaborates with medical and radiation oncology teams to develop treatment plans through a multidisciplinary approach. Additionally, the rehabilitation team is actively involved to support patients’ recovery and help them lead active, pain-free lives post-treatment surgery.
Recovering from Spine Surgery
After spine surgery, Dr. Natarajan generally does not need patients to wear heavy braces or limit their movement. He advises walking on the same day, often with physical therapy support.
Most patients can go home within 2 to 5 days after the procedure. There is a follow-up visit at the office two weeks later to remove the staples from their back. By four weeks, patients usually resume normal activities without restrictions.
Spinal Disease Treatment in the San Diego Bay Area
Dr. Sabareesh Natarajan has more than 20 years of experience in spinal disease treatment. He prefers conservative methods whenever feasible, turning to surgery only after exploring other options. When surgery is necessary, he employs advanced techniques such as computerized planning, minimally invasive robotic procedures, motion-preserving surgeries, and new hardware innovations.
To book an appointment at one of our four San Diego locations, call (619)-984-6969 or fill out our appointment request form.
