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Spinal health is critical to overall wellness since the spine is a part of the body structure, which supports movement and protects the spinal cord. Injuries and degenerative conditions could seriously impair the quality of life, leading to chronic pain and limited motion. However, recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) now bring about revolutionary changes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of spinal conditions and new hope for millions suffering from spinal disorders.

Traditionally, healthcare professionals would manually read X-rays, MRIs, and CT images to diagnose spinal abnormalities. “While successful, this procedure is susceptible to human error since even the most experienced doctors may ignore tiny signs of spinal injury. Enter AI, a game-changer in the medical field,” says Dr SK Rajan, Chief of Neuro Spine Surgery and Additional Director in Neurosurgery at the Artemis Hospitals.

Imaging technologies based on AI can today scan spinal images with great accuracy. “AI can also analyse thousands of patient data points with different identifying patterns, and therefore the early prognosis of degenerative diseases, such as scoliosis or arthritis, is achieved before the symptoms are problematic,” says Dr Rajan.

It means faster diagnosis for patients, hence earlier intervention, and patients will not have to wait too long to be provided with the necessary treatment. He adds that doctors will be able to spend more time looking after patients with the assistance of AI, which can give a second opinion and increase the doctors' confidence level in making decisions.

Diagnosis is just the starting point. Most spinal conditions require treatments that include physical therapy, medication, and surgery. In this regard too, AI is leaving its imprint by providing customised treatment plans on the individual's requirement basis.

“AI systems analyse a patient's medical history, lifestyle, and genetics to recommend effective treatments. AI simulations of spinal surgery predict the complications that may arise in a particular surgical procedure and direct the technique. AI also optimises non-surgical treatments, such as physiotherapy and medication, presents tailored rehabilitation plans according to individualised needs, improves outcomes concerning recovery, and reduces the probability of further problems relating to the spine,” says Dr Rajan.

Recovery after spinal surgery or trauma can be extremely time-consuming and laborious. A patient would require constant follow-up and rehabilitation. Here, too, AI has stepped in with tools to help patients recover more effectively.

Dr Rajan says: “Sensors and movement-tracking devices watch the patient's movement under an AI-based rehabilitation program. It continuously monitors in real-time and gives feedback to the patient so that he or she can correct what he or she is doing. Some AI systems predict timelines for recovery based on a patient's progress and suggest changes in a patient's rehabilitation programs to quicken up healing time.”

Another boom for spinal health patients, he says, is virtual coaching through AI-driven platforms. “AI trainers track the performance and give the result back to them. This is not only reducing visits to the clinic but also keeping the patient working towards their recovery,” says Dr Rajan.

As AI continues to evolve, its ability to improve spinal health is evident. It's being developed into models that could predict the onset of spines of conditions years even before symptoms occur due to genetic markers and lifestyle factors. This can lead to developing preventive treatments that could prevent invasive surgeries from occurring in patients altogether.

“Integration of AI with other emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and regenerative medicine, could create a pathway for more sophisticated spinal surgeries, perhaps even personalised implants or bioengineered discs,” Dr Rajan says.

In a nutshell, from diagnosis to recovery, AI is revolutionising the future of spinal health. The capability of AI to provide accurate diagnoses enable personalised treatment, and help in rehabilitation now opens doors to new hopes for patients with spinal conditions.

As Dr Rajan says, where AI is allied with traditional medical expertise, the future of spinal care is not only more efficient but more patient-centric. As these technologies advance, they promise to enhance the quality of life for numerous people, resulting in faster recoveries, better results, and a more promising future for spinal health care.

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