Norridge Spine Specialists
Back pain and general spinal discomfort are some of the most common ailments afflicting people in the United States. Just consider the factoids compiled by market-data company Statista. It explains that:
- 54 percent of adults have suffered with back or neck pain for five or more years
- 49 percent of adults consider themselves prone to back pain
- 55.1 percent of adults have tried to treat their own back pain
- 26 percent of adults have suffered from back pain every day or multiple times per week
If you recognize yourself in these statistics and live in Norridge, IL, nearby Harwood Heights, or Chicago itself, you may want to consult with a Norridge Spine Surgeon.
Treating Spine Disorders in Norridge, IL
Having to consult with a spinal surgeon can seem more than a little intimidating. After all, the spine is one of the most complex parts of the human body — and seemingly one of the hardest to heal when something goes wrong. Fortunately, the fellowship trained surgeons at The Spine Center have more than half a century of combined experience when it comes to dealing with spinal issues.
You may wonder, “How do you treat a spinal disorder?” There’s no easy answer to that question. In fact, there are almost as many treatments as there are types of back and next pain, some requiring surgical intervention and some not. Many of our patients find that time, exercise, and lifestyle changes can minimize or even eliminate their pain. No matter your situation, we remain committed to educating and informing all of our patients about their available options.
Common Spine Ailments
As we’ve already mentioned, spine ailments can run the gamut, and your discomfort may owe to:
- Muscle strain
- Ligament strain
- Bulging disk
- Ruptured disk
- Congenital deformity
- Osteoporosis
- Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
- Arthritis
- Scoliosis
- Physical trauma
- Tumors
After an appointment with one of our Norridge spine surgeons, you should have a better idea what you’re suffering from and how to address it.
When You Should See a Doctor for Back Pain?
Not all spine problems are created equal. Some can cause significant discomfort — and others can lead to permanent injury, paralysis, or even death. If you are experiencing any of the following, please seek immediate medical attention:
- Inability to control your bowels or bladder
- Fever
- Inexplicable weight loss
- Severe abdominal discomfort
- Sudden loss of sensation or difficulty walking
Sciatica Surgery
Sciatica is less a specific medical condition and more of a symptom. Any number of underlying conditions can lead to that distinctive sensation of tingling and burning that tends to travel down the buttocks and one leg. Your Norridge spine surgeons will start with conservative treatment for sciatica, beginning with addressing your lifestyle and physical fitness. They may also order specific diagnostic tests to determine if you’re dealing with a more serious condition.
Scoliosis Treatment
If your spine curves to the side (i.e., toward either shoulder) by 10-or-more degrees, you have scoliosis, a condition that normally affects adolescents and the elderly. Scoliosis can occur due to:
- Genetic factors
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Injuries
- Birth defects
- Disc degeneration
Our Norridge spine surgeons may suggest wearing a brace for scoliosis cases where the spine deviates less than 40 degrees. For cases with a 50-degree-or-higher deviation, we may recommend surgery in order to avoid damage to internal organs.
Spinal Fusion
Sometimes the best way to eliminate spinal pain is with spinal fusion, a surgical procedure that permanently connects multiple vertebrae into a single unit. This helps stabilize the spine, reducing or eliminating many negative symptoms. Our surgeons perform posterior, anterior, and lateral fusions in the most minimally invasive way possible.
How Orthopedic Surgeons Can Help You
At The Spine Center, our ultimate goal is to minimize your discomfort and restore as much of your normal functioning as possible. Our Norridge, IL spine surgeons will work with you to ensure your ultimate comfort. Schedule an appointment today to learn about all the options available to you (including the most advanced surgical procedures) at The Spine Center.