Back and Spine Specialists

Everyone with back problems will agree: the pain and discomfort are not only excruciating, but these issues can take a toll on every area of your life. If you are living with back pain, then it’s time to talk to our spine specialists at Orthopedic Associates about potential treatment options.

Our goal is to help restore your health as safely and quickly as possible so that you can return to the activities that you previously enjoyed.

Back injuries can be complicated, but an experienced spine surgeon can help you understand your injury and explain different treatment options. In addition, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan designed to address your unique condition and recovery goals.

What Makes Orthopedic Associates Unique?

When searching for spine specialists in the area, why choose Orthopedic Associates? We have an excellent reputation in the local industry and offer the hands-on care you deserve.

Whether you are suffering from a herniated disc, scoliosis, a compression fracture, or any other painful spine condition, we guide you through treatment and recovery in a personalized way.

Our team of doctors includes spine specialists who each bring different expertise to the table. In addition to thorough education and training, we are always working to stay up-to-date in the industry, ensuring our patients have access to the best treatments available.

Non-Surgical Treatments from a Local Spine Surgeon

Our goal is to prioritize minimally-invasive treatments whenever possible. Just because you meet with a spine surgeon doesn’t mean you will go under the knife. Back surgery is typically the last resort when other non-surgical treatments aren’t working.

These non-invasive treatments might include:

• Physical Therapy: Exercise to strengthen core muscles, improve mobility, and retrain your posture. In addition to strengthening and stretching exercises during your appointment, the physical therapist will also give you at-home exercises to speed up your recovery time.

• Lifestyle Modifications: What activities are irritating your back? Pay attention when your pain flares so you can identify the things that are making the pain worse, then avoid these whenever possible. Other changes might help, such as investing in a quality mattress or changing exercise routines.

• Injection Treatments: Different types of injection treatments can help to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Options for chronic back pain include steroid injections, nerve blocks, nerve ablations, and more.

• Alternative Treatments: Some patients find it beneficial to incorporate alternative treatments as part of their recovery plans, such as electrical nerve stimulation, massage, or acupuncture. Talk to your spine specialists about how you might benefit from these other treatments.

• Medications: Most patients don’t want to rely on pain medications to get through each day. But certain medications can be helpful, especially in the early stages of your recovery. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs help to reduce inflammation so your back can heal more effectively.

Surgical Treatments from a Spine Surgeon

If these minimally-invasive treatments aren’t working, then it’s time to talk to a spine surgeon about potential surgical interventions. The specific type of surgery varies, depending on your back condition and the severity of your pain.

Each type of back surgery comes with its own benefits and risks. So, it’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with your back surgeon to understand the possible outcomes of the treatment.

At Orthopedic Associates, we offer a full range of back surgery treatments, including:

• Spinal Fusion: This spinal surgery is quite common when patients have degenerative changes in their spine. The vertebrae are joined together to limit the motion between bones and nerves.

• Diskectomy: When a disc (the cushion located between the vertebrae) slips out of place, it can press on a spinal nerve and result in back pain. The spinal surgeon removes all or part of the affected disk during this procedure.

• Disk Replacement: During this treatment, the spinal surgeon removes one or more damaged spinal disks. Then, an artificial disk is placed between the vertebrae. This surgery is preferred over a spinal fusion because it allows continued movement in the spine, depending on each patient’s unique condition.

• Laminectomy: A laminectomy might be helpful if a patient has spinal stenosis. During this procedure, the spine surgeon removes parts of the ligaments, bone spurs, and/or bone to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

• Foraminotomy: This treatment might be considered when there is a compressed nerve in the spine. During the surgery, the doctor widens the space where the nerves exit the spine by removing parts of the bone.

Sometimes, multiple procedures are necessary at the same time. For example, a laminectomy or foraminotomy can make the spine less stable, so the spine surgeon might also recommend a spinal fusion to protect the spine. Or a diskectomy might be paired with any of the other treatments.

Advice from Spine Specialists: Should You Have Back Surgery?

Ideally, a minimally-invasive treatment plan will alleviate the pain and symptoms to avoid the need for surgery. But if you have specific symptoms or red flags, the spine surgeon might recommend back surgery.

• Weakness in the limbs

• Severe pain that is disrupting your life

• Increasing pain that isn’t responding to minimally-invasive treatments

• Balance and gait problems

• Bladder or bowel issues

Surgery might be recommended if there is a clear diagnosis and imaging to confirm the issues that need to be corrected.

We understand that it can be overwhelming or scary to have back surgery, which is why these treatments are only used as a last resort. At Orthopedic Associates, we always use conservative treatments before moving forward with more invasive treatments.

Talk to Our Spine Specialists for a Back Pain Evaluation

If your pain is severe or chronic, it’s time to reach out to our spine specialists for help. Acute injuries can help relatively quickly (within one to two weeks), but sometimes back pain turns into a long-term condition.

Our team at Orthopedic Associates is here to help you rethink back pain treatments. You don’t need to live with severe pain when treatments are available to alleviate your symptoms. Contact us to learn more about our full-service approach to treating everything from chronic pain to sports injuries and more. Book an appointment or call our office if you have questions: (972) 420-1776.