Spine Care
Providing Dynamic Spine Care Support
“There’s no one pathway for any given spinal problem. Our plan of care is specific to each individual patient. Based on your symptoms, exam, and imaging, we’ll create a plan aligned with your goals.” – Dr. Wade Jensen
Whether you’re leaning over your laptop all day, or you stretched just a bit too enthusiastically at the gym, we all experience back pain at one point or another. But when does back pain indicate something more serious?
Spine health is incredibly important, as your spine provides support for your entire frame. Our orthopedic specialists can treat a host of spine conditions, helping to relieve pain and get you moving again.
Causes of Back Pain
From injuries to chronic conditions, back pain can develop for many reasons. Common causes of back pain include:
- Muscle strain
- Herniated disk
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Osteoarthritis
Because your spinal cord contains nerves that affect your whole body, know that injuries to your back may also cause arm, leg, or neck pain. Minor back pain may heal with the help of OTC pain relievers or ice and heat application. But if the pain persists or spreads, it’s time to see a doctor.
If you experience an emergency like a car accident, fall, or injury, or if your back pain is accompanied by fever or changes in bowel control, seek emergency care immediately.
Back Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment
To treat your back pain, first we’ll need to lock in on what’s causing it. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and may order an imaging test like an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. An electromyography test – or EMG – may also be helpful. Your nerves send electrical pulses throughout your body that affect a host of functions, including muscle movement. EMG uses electrodes to help determine nerve compression or muscle and nerve damage.
“EMG provides information regarding the true health of your nerves. If you’re experiencing low back pain, weakness in your legs, or pain that radiates down your legs, an EMG can help determine the source of your pain.” – Korry Wheeler, PT, DPT, ECS
There are various nonsurgical treatments for chronic back pain, like epidural steroid injections. However, in some cases surgery may provide the fullest recovery. We provide surgical solutions for many spine conditions and injuries, including but not limited to:
- Cervical Disk Replacement: This procedure replaces damaged disks in the cervical area of your spine (near your neck) with an artificial disk. This can restore the protective cushioning between your vertebrae, helping to relieve pain.
- Lumbar Microdiscectomy: If you’re experiencing pain from a herniated disk in your lower back, this procedure can bring great gains. A lumbar microdiscectomy uses minimally-invasive techniques – and smaller incisions may reduce pain and quicken recovery time.
- Lumbar Fusion: A lumbar fusion can offer relief from various conditions in your lower back, including scoliosis and degenerative disk disease. The goal of this procedure is to fuse one or more vertebrae to help stabilize your spine.
A Comprehensive Approach to Spine Care
Along with our pain management and surgical offerings, we also provide extensive physical therapy services. We know that when your back is aching, exercising might be the last thing on your mind. But movement can actually help relieve pain and strengthen mobility, if it’s done properly.
At Star Valley Physical Therapy we offer physical therapy services tailored to your needs. Our PTs will design a program specifically for you, from stretching exercises to balance training and fall prevention. You’ll receive expert guidance on how to safely manage your back pain or post-op recovery, so you can implement those techniques beyond your sessions.
Your spine plays an essential role in keeping you in motion. Contact our team to schedule an appointment.
