Whenever you find yourself facing the possibility of surgery — even a minimally invasive procedure such as a microdiscectomy — you can experience some anxiety. Not only do many patients wonder about what to expect from a microdiscectomy surgery, they also worry about just how long spine operation recovery may take. Surgical procedures sound daunting, and missing work can also seem every bit as unpleasant as physical pain and uncertain recovery outcomes. Read More »
Articles under General
Is it Normal to Have a Curved Spine?
“Idiopathic” is a big word that describes a very simple concept. Merriam-Webster notes that it combines the Greek word “idios” (i.e. “one’s own”) and the suffix “-pathic” (a root that suggests disease or dysfunction). In short, an idiopathic disease is one that springs up spontaneously — one for which medical science and professionals have no agreement on its origins. Read More »
COVID-19 Update
The Spine Center has been actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our patient care and office protocols. We are committed to continuing to provide excellent care for our patients in an environment that is safe for both patients and our staff. In conjunction with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, we have created and implemented a strategic plan using best practices to minimize the risk of person-to-person COVID-19 exposure in our practice. Our offices will remain open and we are committed to making our offices one of the safest places you can visit outside your home. Additionally, we are offering Tele-Health appointments for those who would like to be seen by one of our Providers in the comfort of their own home.
Reasons to Think You Suffer from Scoliosis
We do not generally spend much time examining others’ spines. It’s one of the parts of the human body consistently covered by clothing. Yet that ingrained modesty can cause problems when it comes to one of the most common spinal deformities: scoliosis. Read More »
In Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Telemedicine Visits
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the need for social distancing, The Spine Center will be offering telemedicine visits to patients through a HIPPA compliant platform, Doxy. Please call The Spine Center at 847.628.8147 to initiate the request, or email us at info@chicagospine.net. After patients initiation and consent to the telemedicine visit our team can schedule an appointment. At the time of your appointment you will receive a link by email or text. Click this link at the time of your appointment to enter the virtual waiting room where a doctor will answer you. To schedule your visit please call The Spine Center at 847.628.8147 or email us at info@chicagospine.net.Christopher J. Bergin, MD
Sciatic Nerve Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Sciatic nerve pain presents as a kind of discomfort that’s unmistakable. Often a combination of numbness and piercing pain, it torments a surprisingly large number of people. This type of pain starts as what some colloquially call lumbago, that is an ache in the lumbar region of the back. Unfortunately, it usually doesn’t stop there. Sciatic nerve pain often proceeds to radiate down the lower extremities, through the buttocks, into the back of the thigh, and down the leg. Sometimes these sensations shift. Pain gets replaced by a burning sensation, and even moving or bending over can increase the agony. Walking can become impossible for some. Read More »
Adult Deformity
Adult spinal deformity is a common medical issue in the United States. Specialists find themselves increasingly facing large numbers of older patients with spinal problems. As Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine stated, “Spinal deformity is becoming more common as adults 55–64 years of age are the fastest growing proportion of the U.S. population. As the percentage of elderly in the United States accelerates, more patients are expected to present with painful spinal conditions, potentially requiring spinal surgery.” Read More »
Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery: What You Should Know
It is normal to wonder what you should expect when recovering from Lumbar Fusion Surgery. While every surgery is different, there are recovery milestones that you can expect as you heal. Knowing what to expect can help relieve some of the nervousness you feel and help you relax so you can heal. Read More »
New Spine Specialist Now Accepting Patients at Spine Center
A fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Steven Fineberg is the newest surgeon to join The Spine Center team. An accomplished physician and researcher, he brings a depth of both practical and academic knowledge to the practice. Read More »
Causes of Cervical Disc Disease
Cervical disc damage has many different causes. It can be caused by an injury or due to the natural processes of aging and daily wear and tear. In this article, we will discuss the main causes of cervical disc damage: spinal degeneration and herniated discs. Read More »