Des Plaines Orthopedic Spine Surgeons

It’s important to understand pain and spine issues are among the most common reasons for doctor visits and for missing work. Back pain is, without doubt, the major cause of disability in the world. It can affect every element of your daily life, from doing household chores, walking your dog, or even just driving to work.

Spine surgeon examining x-rays

If you have muscle ache on a regular basis, a “shooting” pain, or pain that extends down your leg, it’s time to make that appointment. If the pain gets worse when you lift, bend, stand, and walk during normal activities, this could indicate a serious medical problem. The pain could be caused by:

Muscle strain
Ligament strain
Bulging disk
Ruptured disk
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Scoliosis

If the pain is severe, extends down both legs, you experience numbness or weakness, or if you have concerns about any of these, it’s time to contact your spine surgeon of Des Plaines, Illinois.

Treating Spine Disorders in Des Plaines, IL

One thing you definitely shouldn’t do when you experience back or spine problems is try to “just live with it.”

You may be asking, “But, how do you treat a spinal disorder?” The answer is not the same for every individual. When you work with your medical professional at The Spine Center, you will determine, with expert input, whether your issue requires surgery, can be treated with a non-invasive method, or even with an exercise program.

Your doctor will discuss such services as:

You’ll always receive accurate and honest answers to your questions, with guidance based on decades of experience as trusted, board-certified surgeons. When you search for a spine surgeon in Des Plaines, Illinois, you can be sure you’re working with specialists who always focus on patient education as part of your treatment plan.

When Should You See a Doctor for Back Pain?

Back pain may sometimes be prevented by a program of regular exercise, maintaining good posture and body weight, and by bending and lifting correctly. But, there are times when you should seek expert help for more serious back pain.

Don’t hesitate to contact your specialist if you experience:

Constant aching or stiffness
Lumber-region pain after sitting for an extended period
A sudden, sharp, localized pain
Back pain that keeps you from maintaining good posture
Pain that radiates down your arm or leg
Weakness, loss of feeling in the extremities

Sciatica Surgery

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “If you suddenly start feeling pain in your lower back or hip that radiates to the back of your thigh and into your leg, you may have a protruding (herniated) disk in your spinal column that is pressing on the nerve roots in the lumbar spine. This condition is known as sciatica.”

When you experience this, you should contact your back pain/spine specialist to discuss options such as nonsurgical treatment and surgical treatment.

The Spine Center may determine surgery is necessary, especially if you have leg pain that prevents your regular activities after several months or more of treatment using nonsurgical methods. This surgery is quite successful at relieving pain.

Scoliosis Treatment

You may not be familiar with the term “scoliosis” but you may have heard the phrase “curved spine.” Abnormal curvature of the spine varies from one individual to another, and in some situations may be managed without surgery. The Spine Center uses minimally invasive techniques when surgical intervention is necessary.

The goal is to keep the curvature at less than 40 degrees. Bracing can help, but may be uncomfortable because they’re worn for many hours each day. Curves of the spine above the 50-degree mark are usually best treated with surgery. You should discuss your specific situation with your spine surgeon before making a final decision on which path is best for you.

Spinal Fusion

As mentioned, no two cases are identical, so it’s essential to discuss your specific case with your back pain/spine specialist. The first step always involves careful examination, discussion, and a thorough diagnosis. When your medical professional determines the underlying cause of your symptoms, you’ll be presented with treatment options.

Options for spinal fusion include posterior, anterior, and lateral fusion, each of which is used to produce maximum positive results in the least-invasive manner. Benefits of spinal fusion include reduction of pressure on nerve roots and spinal cord, relief from weakness, pain, and numbness.

Back Pain Relief for Des Plaines IL Patients

The ultimate goal for every patient at The Spine Center is pain relief, of course. When you work closely with your specialist, you’ll not only restore the quality of your life in terms of activity, you’ll be able to live and work free of pain.

Not only will you have access to the most advanced surgical techniques for spinal issues and back pain, you’ll also get the help you need to prevent back pain. Don’t try to “just live with” back problems. Schedule an appointment to discuss your options with a specialist at The Spine Center today