Blog Archive

Don't Rest an Achy Back! May 1st, 2024

Doctors used to prescribe bed rest for back pain. But now we know that lying still is one of the worst things you can do. It can make back pain worse and lead to other complications. Don't rest for more than a day or two. It's important to get up...

Basics of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Apr 17th, 2024

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery? Using innovative techniques, cutting-edge technology, and evidence-based medicine, minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) may be a treatment option for your spinal disorder or chronic back and neck pain. Compared to traditional open spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery utilizes the knowledge of important anatomy,...

What causes back pain? Apr 3rd, 2024

Lower back pain may feel like aching, burning or sharp or dull pain that fluctuates in intensity from mild to severe. It can be due to a sports injury, from twisting or lifting something heavy or from working in your yard. Dr. Spencer says back pain can happen to anyone,...

When to see a spine specialist for chronic back pain Mar 20th, 2024

Sometimes back pain comes on quick, and you know exactly what caused it. After some stretching, resting and pain relievers, you'll remember to bend with your knees next time. But, other times, people experiencing back pain are often left thinking: I don't even remember when the pain started or what...

Your posture could be causing you back pain! Mar 6th, 2024

Your grandma was right! Slouching is bad for you, specifically for your spine. And poor posture can make back pain worse, especially if you sit for long periods. Don't slump over your keyboard. Sit upright, with your shoulders relaxed and your body supported against the back of your chair. Try...

Back Pain can cause poor sleeping habits Feb 21st, 2024

When you have back pain, sleeping can be hard. It can be a vicious cycle because when you don't get enough sleep, your back pain may feel worse. A poor sleep position can also aggravate back pain. Try lying on your side. Place a pillow between your knees to keep...

New Minimally Invasive Spine Procedure! Feb 7th, 2024

Here at Greater Michigan Spine & Neurosurgery, Dr. Timothy Spencer is always looking for ways to treat patients that are less invasive and have better outcomes.   Now for the treatmenat of some cervical spine disorders (disorders of the neck) we have a new procedure that is far less recovery...

MIS Spine Surgery Jan 26th, 2024

In general, the goal of minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery is to stabilize the vertebral bones and spinal joints and/or relieve pressure being applied to the spinal nerves — often a result of conditions such as spinal instability, bone spurs, herniated discs, scoliosis or spinal tumors. As opposed to open...

How Long Is Too Long to Suffer From Back Pain? Jan 10th, 2024

Nothing makes a long day even longer than having to deal with back pain. If you're suffering from lower back pain, even simple tasks like picking up a bag of groceries can feel overwhelming. What's more, the cause of your lower back pain may be more complicated than the actual...

Dysfunction in the Sacroiliac Joint Dec 27th, 2023

Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint (also called the SI joint) can produce significant lower back pain, as well as pelvic, groin, and hip pain. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be the result of too much motion, too little motion, or inflammation of the joint. Several studies have found that 15% to...

Do you have holiday back pain? Dec 13th, 2023

https://www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/tips-relieving-holiday-back-pain

Are you tired of back pain? Nov 29th, 2023

Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) therapy works by interrupting pain signals before they reach your brain. This can help with pain relief—even when other therapies have failed.  SCS may sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple. SCS systems have a small implanted pulse generator, called a stimulator, and thin wires called...

Spinal Decompression with Stabilization through a tiny incision Nov 15th, 2023

  After your surgeon has performed a direct decompression, the coflex device can be inserted through a minimal incision to keep that area of the spine open and stable. Decompression procedures are more durable and sustainable when coflex is added on for treatment. In fact, patients that receive decompression alone...

Fix your broken back without an incision! Nov 1st, 2023

Conservative therapy for vertebral commpression fractures  includes bed rest, pain medication, muscle relaxants, external back braces, and physical therapy. If there is little or no pain relief, Dr. Spencer may recommend vertebral augmentation. This minimally invasive procedure is done on an outpatient basis and usually requires only local anesthetic and...

What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Aug 2nd, 2023

What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery The mere thought of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS ) may evoke images of the latest sci-fi thriller. Perhaps a space-age healer with abilities to fix defects with new replacement parts or perhaps even without touch to heal with rays of light. As exciting...

Greater Michigan Spine & Neurosurgery Jul 19th, 2023

Michigan neurosurgeon Dr. Timothy Spencer. offers the most advanced back and spinal care in Greater Michigan. If you suffer from new or chronic spine problems, neurologic or orthopedic complaints whether from an accident, disease, spinal deformity or just from a lifetime of wear and tear, Dr. Spencer can help. He...

Your back pain could be coming from your hips! Jun 30th, 2023

The Purpose of the SI Joint The function of the SI joint is to transfer weight and forces due to movement from your upper body through the pelvis to your legs and vice versa. The SI joint is an essential component for shock absorption to prevent impact forces from reaching...

Home treatment for back or neck pain. Mar 28th, 2023

Regular applications of ice to the painful areas on your back may help reduce pain and inflammation from an injury. Try this several times a day for up to 20 minutes each time. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel to protect your skin. After a few days, switch...

Dr. Spencer is now offering service at Hillsdale Hospital May 6th, 2022

Patients in and around the Hillsdale community who want to experience the best in minimally invasive treatment of back and neck pain should call our office for an appointment today. Hillsdale Hospital is dedicated to excellence in healthcare community service, continued improvement, and respect for human life. We manage the...

Our office is taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Apr 17th, 2021

Greater Michigan Spine and Neurosurgery is taking all of the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These include multiple daily disinfecting of surfaces, spreading out patient appointments, and even offering virtual appointments where you can see and talk to Dr. Spencer from the comfort of your...

New Alternative to Spinal Fusion Dec 11th, 2020

  What is coflex? The coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization® device is a single-piece titanium implant that goes in the back of your spine to treat moderate to severe spinal stenosis. It’s amazingly simple, very strong, and flexible enough to support your spine without having to fuse your bones together. The coflex...

Advances in Spinal Care through Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques Apr 7th, 2020

Advances in Spinal Care through Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Regenerative Technologies Apr 18th, 2014

Once again, I have been blessed to work with some absolutely incredible scientists and physicians in order that we may practically apply these technologies safely to the public. The limitations of this science is set by our imaginations. To help people where we simply could not offer any assistance to...

Minimally Invasive –Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery – MISS Apr 15th, 2014

Minimally Invasive inimally Invasive Spine Surgery – MISS Traditional open spine surgeries are performed through a long incision. Over the recent years, a minimally invasive approach has emerged as an alternative to open spine surgery. The main difference between the minimally invasive spine surgery and the traditional spine surgery is...

Advances in Spinal Care through Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique Apr 14th, 2014

Advances in Spinal Care through Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique Dr. Timothy E. Spencer has the expertise to care for and manage neck, arm, back and leg pain. He uses minimally invasive approaches to spinal disease from ruptured disks, bone spurs, tumors, spinal trauma and disabling back pain. Surgical approaches for...

Oaklawn Hospital Ranked # 2 in the Nation, #1 in the State for Safety Apr 11th, 2014

Oaklawn Hospital Ranked # 2 in the Nation, #1 in the State for Safety Congratulations to Oaklawn Hospital for its tremendous staff and community for all of the outstanding accomplishments.