Spine Care
Orthopedic care for back pain and spinal injury
A sudden fall or heavy lifting may cause a back or spinal injury that results in acute pain lasting up to six weeks. Back pain that lasts more than three months is considered chronic and can be caused by several conditions of the spine: sciatica, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or a herniated disk. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for visits to an orthopedic surgeon, also known as a back or spine doctor.
Diagnosing back pain and conditions
Most acute back pain will improve with a few weeks of at-home treatment using over-the-counter pain relievers and heat or ice. Severe injuries may require surgery, occupational therapy, and lifestyle changes.
If you have unrelenting chronic pain, surgery may be necessary. This is true with radiating leg pain or progressive muscle weakness caused by nerve compression or pain related to structural problems such as narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) or lumbar disk disease (herniated disk).
In addition to a complete history and physical exam, your orthopedic surgeon may suggest a diagnostic study to evaluate your condition: x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, imaging, and electrical studies.
Services
- Occupational Therapy Evaluation
-
Occupational Therapy Evaluation
Occupational therapy is a form of treatment that helps you learn new ways of doing everyday tasks in spite of physical limitations.
Learn More
- Spinal Cord Surgery
-
Spinal Cord Surgery
Spinal cord surgery can be an option for several different spinal conditions. Spinal stenosis is the most common reason for spinal cord surgery, which is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves, resulting in back and leg pain. Spinal stenosis often occurs in older adults, although younger people who are born with a small spinal canal may also develop symptoms.
- Spinal Fusion
-
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to join 2 or more bones (vertebrae) of your spine together permanently.
Learn More
- Spinal Surgery
-
Spinal Surgery
Your healthcare provider might advise spine surgery if you have a back problem that hasn't gotten better with another treatment, such as medicine, chiropractic care, or physical therapy. If you still have a lot of pain, surgery on your spine might fix the problem. Surgery may help conditions such as herniated disk, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities (like scoliosis), or spinal instability.
-
Conditions
- Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
-
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Intervertebral disc disease is a common condition characterized by the breakdown (degeneration) of one or more of the discs that separate the bones of the spine (vertebrae), causing pain in the back or neck and frequently in the legs and arms. The intervertebral discs provide cushioning between vertebrae and absorb pressure put on the spine.
- Lumbar Disk Disease (Herniated Disk)
-
Lumbar Disk Disease (Herniated Disk)
Lumbar disk disease (herniated disk) is caused by a change in the structure of the normal disk in the lower back area, which can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation.
Learn More
- Osteoarthritis
-
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It's a long-term (chronic) degenerative joint disease.
Learn More
- Osteoporosis
-
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes thinning of bones. Over time, this weakens the bones and can make them more likely to break. It can affect any bone, but the hip, spine, and wrist are most often involved.
Learn More
- Sciatica
-
Sciatica
Sciatica, also called lumbar radiculopathy, is a pain that originates along your sciatic nerve that extends from the back of your pelvis down the back of your thigh. It's usually caused by a herniated (or bulging) disk in your spine that presses on your sciatic nerve.
Learn More
- Scoliosis
-
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. It can develop during childhood or adolescence and can range from mild to severe.
Learn More
- Spinal Stenosis
-
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves, resulting in back and leg pain. Spinal stenosis often occurs in older adults, although younger people who are born with a small spinal canal may also develop symptoms.
Learn More
- Spondylolisthesis
-
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is caused by excessive extension of the low back in which a part of 1 vertebra in the low back slips forward on the vertebrae below it.
Learn More
-
Resources
ARC Orthopedic Health Library
Orthopedic health and wellness resources to help provide additional information on common Orthopedic disorders or conditions.
Learn More