Dr. Robert Talac, a board-certified spine surgeon, founded Advanced Spine Institute, PLLC, in Jackson in December 2010.
Aging common cause of back, neck pain
 |
| Dr. Robert Talac, above right, specializes in the spine. |
In our lifetimes, 90 percent of us will experience neck or back pain. An unlucky eight percent of us will have chronic, debilitating pain.
Dr. Robert Talac, the only orthopedic spine surgeon between Memphis and Nashville and between Kentucky and Mississippi, specializes in finding the cause and then treating that back or neck condition. "At any given time," he says, "thirty-five million people are suffering from agony in the neck or back. Without treatment, this can really put your life on hold."
Back and neck pain actually is a broad topic, he says. The spine starts at the base of the head and finishes at the tailbone. It is a complicated structure of bony material (vertebrae that provides support and protects the nerves), moving parts (discs between vertebrae that cushion and facet joints that provide flexibility), the spinal chord and nerves (the wiring from our brain); and finally muscles and tendons.
Any of these could be the cause of your neck or back pain, says Dr. Talac. The most common cause of back pain is aging as discs or the facet joints degenerate or wear down.
Obesity, smoking, lack of exercise
"We lose a lot of water from the discs. As they settle, the sides will bulge. That's inconsequential unless that bulge pushes on a nerve." Obesity, smoking and lack of exercise can aggravate that aging process, he says.
Aging also can cause ruptured discs, which can manifest themselves with shooting, lightning pain down your leg, and narrowing of the spinal canal, which can make it difficult to walk a few steps.
Treatment begins with a thorough history and examination on that first visit, he says, to start on the road to identifying the cause of the pain. What happens next depends on the cause, your situation and your expectations.
"We try to get you moving as soon as we can," he says. "We try to devise the safest and simplest way for you to get there." The first treatment options are nearly always non-surgical. They could be physical therapy or home exercises or pain management options like muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatories.
Most don't need surgery
"Ninety percent of my patients never make it to surgery and have good outcomes," says Dr. Talac. But, when surgery is necessary, he looks for the best surgical option that is the least invasive to minimize long-term effects on the patient and to speed recovery.
Any discussion about health with Dr. Talac usually drifts to a discussion about his philosophy on patient care and quality of service, much of which he developed during his training at the Mayo Clinic.
"We don't only treat backs here," he says. "We treat people." That's why his clinic always keeps nine appointment slots open each day so they can see people within 24 hours, if necessary. It's why he gives his patients his cell phone number. That's why, on most days, a patient is called back to an exam room within seven minutes of checking in by a member of his clinic team.
His clinic team includes one nurse practitioner, two registered nurses, one licensed practical nurse, one clinic manager and other office staff. Each person on his team, he says, has a specific role.
He believes in being a good listener and in giving his patients options for treatment. "This is where the patient's plans come into play," he says. "I believe in having a personal relationship with every patient and for me to spend quality time with that patient."