For those living with chronic back pain, you know the toll it can take on your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Pain has a way of keeping you from the things you love—but thanks to advancements in medicine and spinal procedures, there are more treatment options available than ever before.
At Iowa Ortho, we know choosing the right path to relief can feel overwhelming. That’s why hearing from a trusted expert can make all the difference. Dr. Rosenthal, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, specializes in treating disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He completed advanced training through the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Spine Surgery Fellowship under world-renowned leaders in spine care.
Below, Dr. Rosenthal answers five of the most frequently asked questions about spine conditions and treatments.
- What is Vertebroplasty? Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure where special bone cement is injected into a fractured vertebra. This procedure is most commonly used to treat compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. While not every patient is a candidate, vertebroplasty can significantly relieve pain and restore mobility in the right cases.
- Why Am I Still in Pain After a Spinal Fusion? Persistent pain after a spinal fusion can have several causes. If the pain occurs long after surgery, it could mean that adjacent levels of the spine are wearing out (a condition called adjacent segment disease). Alternatively, the bones may not have fully fused—this is known as a nonunion. Even if the hardware looks stable, incomplete bone healing can cause significant pain. A CT scan can help determine whether the fusion was successful.
- What’s the Best Treatment for Spondylolisthesis? Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, potentially irritating nearby nerves. Initial treatment often includes:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Spinal injections
If these conservative treatments fail, surgery may be needed to stabilize the spine and fuse the affected vertebrae.
- What’s the Best Exercise to Strengthen the Lower Back? Strengthening your core is key to supporting the lower back. But not all exercises are created equal—traditional crunches can strain your spine due to repetitive bending. Dr. Rosenthal recommends plank-style exercises, including modified pushups, as a safer way to engage the core. Variations can be tailored to your fitness and pain level.
- How Do You Know Which Levels of the Spine Need Surgery for a Laminectomy? A laminectomy involves removing part of the bone (lamina) to decompress the spinal canal and make room for nerves. The decision on how many levels to treat is guided by:
- Your MRI results
- Your symptoms
- Your medical history
Dr. Rosenthal uses this information to build a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Compassionate Care and Leading-Edge Treatment
Facing spine surgery—or even just the possibility—can be daunting. At Iowa Ortho, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Dr. Rosenthal offers a full spectrum of treatments, from non-invasive therapies to advanced surgical solutions.
Call us at 515-247-8400 or schedule an appointment online to consult with one of our spine specialists.
Learn More About Dr. Rosenthal
To learn more about Dr. Rosenthal’s background and expertise, visit his provider page. Iowa Ortho is proud to offer cutting-edge orthopedic care with a focus on long-term results and compassionate support.