Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeons
The spine is a highly complex and critical component of the human body, protecting the spinal cord while offering strength, structure, and flexibility. The spine’s ability to provide support and mobility simultaneously makes it more susceptible to injury.
Since spine conditions can affect virtually any body part, it can be very difficult to identify the problem without an examination from a medical professional.
How Do I Know If I Need Orthopedic Spine Care?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of spine pain, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible before your spine injury or condition worsens.
Symptoms
- Sharp pain in the lower back
- A popping noise or feeling in the back after straining or heavy lifting
- Numbness, tingling, or cramping in one or both legs
- Weakness in the leg or arm
- Loss of balance when walking
- Incontinence
How Can I Schedule An Orthopedic Consultation?
If not properly treated, a spine injury or condition can have a serious impact on your life. Call us at (319) 338-3606 to schedule an appointment with one of our spine specialists.
Common Spine Conditions
Degenerative Disc Disease
Whether it is from age or years of heavy lifting, the cartilage of the spine can wear out and cause problems. The pain can range from your neck down to your buttocks and may cause numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Treatments can include icing and heat pads, physical therapy, steroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery.
Herniated Discs
Rubbery spinal discs are located between each of the spinal bones. A herniated disc occurs when a disc ruptures and the soft center begins to push out. This herniation can compress a nerve, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in a portion of the back and nearby limbs. Herniated discs can often be treated by modifying your daily activities, medications, physical therapy, or cortisone injections. In severe cases, these non-surgical methods may not be effective and will require surgery to treat.
Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
Sciatica occurs when part of the sciatic nerve becomes compressed, possibly due to a herniated disc or bone overgrowth. This often results in varying levels of pain, ranging from the lower back to the thigh. Sciatica symptoms may be treatable with medication, physical therapy, or steroid injections. If sciatica symptoms are severe and aren’t improved with non-surgical methods, surgery may be required to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
Myelopathy & Spinal Stenosis
Several conditions can cause the spinal cord or nerves to become compressed, including myelopathy and spinal stenosis. This compression can be caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, an injury, or a tumor. The symptoms can include back and limb pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder control. Treatments may include medication, physical therapy, and non-surgical procedures. If these treatments do not provide relief, surgery could be an option to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a spine bone (vertebra) slips out of position. This can happen anywhere in the spine, but commonly occurs in the lower (lumbar) portion of the spine. Symptoms could include lower back pain, difficulty walking or standing for an extended duration, and tightness or spasms in the hamstrings. Rest, medication, physical therapy, or steroid injections can provide relief. If these methods prove ineffective, surgery may be performed to relieve pressure on compressed nerves and potentially connect two vertebrae.
Appointment Resources
Once you have scheduled your appointment with one of our specialty-trained spine doctors, please use the links below to obtain our new patient forms and browse through our tips and suggestions on preparing for your appointment.
