Back and Spine: Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Care

Almost everyone will experience back pain at some point. CHI Franciscan orthopedic and spine specialists offer comprehensive therapy options and advanced surgeries to help you lead a healthy, pain-free life. We know through experience from treating people like you that personalized treatment plans yield the best results for both back injuries and chronic back pain. We take into account your lifestyle and health needs and recommend a comprehensive plan for your spine care that may include the latest in medications and injections, physical therapy, pain management and surgical intervention.

Together, our team has expertise in nearly every aspect of spine treatment, recovery and rehabilitation. Our team includes neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, physiatrists, physical therapists and advanced registered nurse practitioners, offering you excellent clinical care with a team approach.

When to contact a medical professional

Most back pain gets better within a few weeks without treatment. If you're very uncomfortable, you can rest in bed for a day or two, but longer than that does more harm than good. Over-the-counter pain medications often help reduce back pain, as does the application of cold or heat to the painful area.

Call your doctor if your back pain hasn't improved at all after three days of home treatment or if your back pain:

• Is constant or intense, especially at night or when you lie down
• Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below your knee
• Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
• Occurs with unintended weight loss
• Occurs with swelling or redness on your back

Spine surgery

From initial evaluation to nonsurgical or surgical treatment, our expert team of orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and other specialists provide a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plan that will keep you moving.

Our expert surgeons specialize in a range of spine surgical procedures:

Diskectomies

The most common surgical treatment for ruptured or herniated discs of the lumbar spine.

Fusion surgeries

Surgery to fuse portions of the spine to minimize pain often associated with conditions caused by degenerative changes in cervical discs.

Laminectomy

Typically performed to alleviate pain from spinal stenosis.

Decompression surgeries: Various surgical procedures intended to relieve symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots.

Take the first step

Schedule an appointment with a CHI Franciscan specialist. Find an orthopedic physician near you or attend a free health talk to meet a doctor on our team and have your questions answered.