Spine & Back Pain in Skokie, IL
Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and the most-cited reason for missing work. Back pain can affect every element of your daily life, from doing household chores, walking your dog, or even just driving to work.
The list of causes for back pain includes muscle strain and ligament strain, as well as bulging or ruptured disks, osteoporosis, scoliosis, and arthritis. These serious spine disorders may completely change your quality of life. However, with experienced, professional help, it’s possible to return to a previous level of activity and comfort.
Treating spine disorders in Skokie, IL
If you’ve asked the question, “How do you treat a spinal disorder,” the best place to start gathering information is with a spine surgeon. You’ll find doctors with decades of experience in this special area who carefully gather information about your individual problem and determine if your spinal disorder can be treated with exercise and physical therapy.
They will work with you to decide whether surgery is required, or if there are non-invasive treatment options for you. When you work closely with these experts, you’ll soon discover their sincere commitment to patient education, an important part of treating health problems correctly. You are most at risk for back pain when:
- You work at a job requiring lifting and bending on a regular basis
- You twist your body while lifting and carrying
- You hurry during these activities
You also have a higher risk of back and spinal injury if:
- You are overweight
- You smoke
- You don’t exercise on a regular basis
- You don’t take part in recreational activities
It’s also very important for you to be aware of the added risk of back pain and spinal problems if you are a caregiver for someone, and you must lift and transfer that individual. When lifting and moving a person or heavy object, plan ahead, take your time, and use the larger, stronger leg muscles. Use assistive devices like a transfer belt, or ask someone for help.
When You Should See a Doctor for Back Pain?
This is one of the most important questions you’ll answer if you are experiencing back pain. Injuries and spinal deformities are often the source of back pain. You may be able to reduce pain and decrease the frequency of painful incidents with techniques such as improving your posture, but the condition can also get worse without treatment.
Contact a spine surgeon today if you are experiencing:
- Continuous aching or stiffness
- Pain in the lumbar region (lower back) after sitting for an extended period
- Back pain that impedes your posture
- Sudden, sharp pain in a specific area
- Numbness, weakness in arms, legs, hands, feet
Sciatica Surgery
The pain associated with sciatica can be severe, but some cases can be resolved with non-operative treatments. However, people who have severe sciatica that’s associated with significant leg weakness or bowel or bladder changes might be candidates for surgery.
You should contact your back pain/spine specialist to discuss options such as nonsurgical treatment and surgical treatment. If you have leg pain that prevents your regular activities after three months of treatment using nonsurgical methods, your Skokie spine surgeon may determine surgery is necessary.
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. Curves of the spine above the 50-degree mark are usually best treated with surgery. Discuss your situation with your spine surgeon before making a final decision.
Spinal Fusion
No two individuals are the same, so it’s important to discuss your case with your spine surgeon. The first step involves examination, discussion, and a thorough diagnosis. Once the underlying cause of your symptoms is determined, you’ll discuss treatment options.
Each method of spinal fusion is designed to produce the best results in the least-invasive manner. This procedure can reduce pressure on nerve roots and the spinal cord, giving you relief from weakness, pain, and numbness.
Pain Relief for Skokie IL Patients
Pain relief is the goal for everyone who works with specialists at The Spine Center. You can not only restore the quality of your life in terms of activity, you can live and work free of pain.
It’s important to understand that the term “back pain” covers a lot of causes and symptoms, so you should discuss your pain with your medical professional. You and your Skokie spine surgeon must determine what’s causing your problem before proper steps can be taken to relieve your pain.
Schedule an appointment to discuss your options with a specialist at The Spine Center today.