Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 12, 2009
Patient Lives Pain-Free After Spinal Stenosis Treatment At Silver Cross
“I lived in excruciating pain for 9 months. The pain extended from the left side of my body below my back all the way down my leg,” said Sugar Grove resident Robert Yarbrough. “After being able to barely function due to the terrible pain I encountered daily, I went to see Dr. Gryfinski and had a series of tests done. It was then determined that I had a kidney-bean size cyst attached to my fourth and fifth vertebrae. After trying pain shots and medications, I decided to seek relief through spinal stenosis surgery. To my amazement, I was able to walk pain-free after a couple of weeks. My life has returned to normal and I can now enjoy the simple pleasures of walking and bending!”
Spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal causing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves, affects a large number of people over age 50. These changes might create minor aches and pains in some patients. Although in more severe cases, spine and neck pain can significantly impact a person's quality of life. However, new advances in medical treatment can relieve discomfort and restore function.
“I urge others who are suffering to see Dr. Gryfinski who is an excellent surgeon, said Yarbrough. “I received wonderful care from Dr. Gryfinski and the entire staff at Silver Cross Hospital, and now live without any pain.”
Join Dr. Martin Gryfinski, board certified neurosurgeon, for a discussion about the available treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis, which is a common problem associated with leg, buttock, groin and back pain. This free program will be held on Monday, November 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, 1200 Maple Rd., Joliet. To register, call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325) or visit www.silvercross.org.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
“A variety of things can cause spinal stenosis,” says Dr. Gryfinski.
With age, the body's ligaments (tough connective tissues between the bones in the spine) can thicken. Spurs (small growths) may develop on the bones and into the spinal canal. Also the cushioning disks between the vertebrae may begin to deteriorate.
Other causes include:
Arthritis: Two forms of arthritis that may affect the spine are osteoarthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis.
Heredity: If the spinal canal is too small at birth, symptoms of spinal stenosis may show up in a relatively young person.
Instability of the Spine, or Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward on another that can narrow the spinal canal.
Tumors of the spine: Abnormal growths of soft tissue may affect the spinal canal directly by causing inflammation or by growth of tissue into the canal.
Trauma: Accidents and injuries may either dislocate the spine and the spinal canal or cause burst fractures that produce fragments of bone that penetrate the canal.
How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?
Spinal stenosis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be caused
by other conditions. Often, unusual leg symptoms are a clue to the presence of
spinal stenosis.
If simple treatments, such as postural changes or anti-inflammatory drugs, do not relieve the problem, special imaging studies can determine the cause of the problem. An MRI (magnetic resonance image) or CAT (computed tomography) scan may be requested. A myelogram (an X-ray taken after a dye is injected into the spine) may be performed. These studies can offer details about the bones and tissues and help with diagnosis.
How Is Spinal Stenosis Treated?
Spinal stenosis can be treated several ways. Treatment options include:
Changes in posture: People with spinal stenosis may find that flexing the spine by leaning forward while walking relieves their symptoms.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help relieve symptoms.
Rest: Rest, followed by a gradual resumption of activity, can help. Aerobic activity such as bicycling is often recommended.
Surgery: If other treatments do not ease the pain, surgery may be recommended to relieve the pressure on affected nerves.
About Dr. Martin Gryfinski
Before coming to Silver Cross in 2009, Dr. Gryfinski practiced medicine for the past 7 years in Sycamore, IL. As the only active spine surgeon at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, he led the hospital to earn a HealthGrades Five Star Rating for Spine Surgery in 2008. Dr. Gryfinski has over 25 years of experience specializing in spine and neurosurgery. Most of his work includes tumors and injuries to the spine. He is extremely conservative in his treatment methods and stays current on the latest advances including same day and micro-invasive spine procedures. Dr. Gryfinski is a member of several professional organizations including the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Dr. Gryfinski’s office is located with Southwest Suburban Neurological Surgery. Along with his partner, Dr. Hurley, he sees patients in the Specialty Care Pavilion on the Silver Cross Hospital campus, 1300 Copperfield Ave., Suite 4030, Joliet. To schedule an appointment, call (815) 723-4387.
About Silver Cross Hospital
Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for the last five consecutive years and as one of America’s Most Customer Friendly Hospitals by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. With over 2,500 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 304-bed acute care hospital and eight satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. Construction has begun to build a state-of-the-art replacement hospital opening in 2012 in New Lenox. To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital or a referral to a physician on staff, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).
