Back and Spine Pain
If you’re experiencing acute or chronic back pain, Crozer Health's spine specialists can provide the specialized care you need.
Conditions We Treat
Bulging Disc
The vertebral column, or backbone, is made up of 33 vertebrae that are separated by spongy discs. As you age, these discs may lose fluid and dry out. As this happens, the spongy disk becomes compressed. This may lead to the breakdown of the tough outer ring. This lets the nucleus, or the inside of the ring, to bulge out.
Herniated Disc
As a bulging disk continues to break down, or with continued stress on the spine, the inner nucleus may actually rupture. The fragments of disc material can then press on the nerve roots located just behind the disk space. This can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation.
Sciatica
Sciatica, also called lumbar radiculopathy, is a pain that originates along your sciatic nerve. This nerve extends from the back of your pelvis down the back of your thigh. Your sciatic nerve is the main nerve in your leg. It is also the largest nerve in your entire body.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves. Symptoms of spinal stenosis include pain and difficulty walking, as well as numbness, tingling, a sensation of hot or cold, weakness or a heavy, tired feeling in the legs.
Scoliosis
A normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight. However, a spine affected by scoliosis shows a side-to-side curvature, with the spine looking like an "S" or "C." The backbones (vertebrae) may also be rotated. This makes it look like the person is leaning to one side. Scoliosis is defined as a curvature of the spine measuring 10° or greater.
Spondylosis
Spondylosis occurs when the discs between your vertebrae become compressed. When this happens, the cartilage that lines the vertebrae on each side of the disc, where they touch, can wear away. Once this protective cartilage is gone, spurs may develop on your vertebrae where they rub together. Nerves attached to your spinal cord may have less room to pass between the vertebrae on their way out of the spine.
Treating Back and Spine Pain
Before recommending surgery, we explore nonsurgical options such as pain management, aquatic therapy, physical therapy, bracing and the latest injection techniques.
If surgery becomes necessary, our specialists are trained in the latest advanced procedures, including:
- Kyphoplasty: Kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure used to treat painful compression fractures in the spine.
- Lumbar Discectomy: Lumbar discectomy is a type of surgery to fix a disc in the lower back.
- Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to join 2 or more bones of your spine together permanently.
- Laminectomy: Laminectomy is surgery to remove the lamina—part of the bone that makes up a vertebra, or bone spurs in your back.
We use a multidisciplinary team approach, bringing together primary care physicians and surgeons as well as a clinical team of professionals to help you return to maximum function as quickly and safely as possible.
Medical services range from medication or assistive devices that help improve daily activities to diverse therapies such as heat and cold, electrotherapies, massage, biofeedback, acupuncture, traction, therapeutic exercise and manipulation.
Request an Appointment
To request an appointment for orthopedic services at Crozer Health, complete our secure appointment form below or call 1-877-256-6846.