Many patients experience lower back pain at one time or another and require a visit to a spine clinic. You might be busy going about your daily activities and then notice a sudden and painful interruption in your quality of life when debilitating pain causes you to completely slow down.

Truthfully, many experiences with back pain are caused by everyday activities such as:

• Prolonged bending while gardening, mopping floors, working under the hood of a vehicle
• Poor posture while standing, walking, and sitting
• Sitting at a computer for extended periods without taking a break to stretch
• Wearing high heels often, which leads to lower back strain
• Skipping a warm up session before exercising
• Exercising with heavy weights or without proper form
• Lifting heavy objects with the back instead of with the legs
• Playing sports that involve quick shifting or hard landing on the feet
• Smoking, which contributes to spinal tissues not receiving the oxygen that they need

There are many home remedies for back pain that patients typically attempt before visiting a spine clinic. This includes over the counter pain relievers (be sure to read the packaging carefully for allergy information and dosage instructions) to relieve pain and swelling. Ice and heat packs are also often used for soreness.

If pain continues, or is so severe that it interferes with your daily life, it is beneficial to visit a spine care professional, such as a neurosurgeon. In addition to the brain and spinal cord, neurosurgeons are also experienced and educated in treating all aspects of the spine. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you return to your best possible quality of life with reduced pain.

When should I visit a neurosurgeon?

There are many nerves located all along your spine, which means that it can be easy to tell when you are experiencing back pain. You should visit a spine clinic if:

• You have mild or sharp back pain that does not go away
• Your pain extends down your legs or arms
• Your pain is worsening daily
• Your movement is impaired
• You have numbness or weakness located anywhere in your body, especially the limbs
• You have been in an accident or had a hard fall

Our spine clinic is staffed and integrated with dedicated and passionate medical care professionals who are specialists in neurology. They are fellowship trained and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools that can treat both minor and severe spinal problems, and everything in between. Our step by step surgical, non-surgical, and rehabilitation programs focus on treating the whole patient.

What does your center specialize in?

Our neurosurgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological injuries and disease and the nervous system. Their surgical talents allow them to perform procedures that include the spine, brain, and peripheral nerves, including endoscopy, radio surgery, laser surgery, and spinal fusion. Some of the conditions seen by our office include:

• Chronic neck or back pain
• Spinal deformities
• Spinal infections
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal cord injuries
• Spine and brain tumors
• Epilepsy and other movement disorders
• Aneurysms
• Carotid vascular diseases

What does a consultation entail?

The consultation at our spine clinic is the most important visit. It is the first interaction with your doctor. Prior to your consultation and initial visit, you should make a list of anything you might want to remember to ask the doctor. You can also make a list of your symptoms and any other information that might be helpful to the doctor, like your medical history and any recent changes in your life.

During your consultation, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and family history. In most cases, diagnostic tests are necessary. This can include x-rays, CT scans, and more. These tests help to rule out certain conditions and can also paint a full picture of what you are experiencing. After reviewing all of the information, your doctor will be able to make a confident recommendation about your treatment options. Once you decide together on the best treatment for you, your doctor will help you to understand what you can expect from your symptoms, the treatment itself, and your recovery.

At our spine clinic, our doctors treat all sorts of back problems, including genetic ailments and conditions caused by injuries. Our doctors have proven techniques for treating injuries and also for providing preventative care. Contact our office today for an evaluation so that we can put together a treatment plan that will help you achieve a healthy spine.