The Spine and Back

Your Center physician can pinpoint the nature of your back problem through your medical history, physical examination and, potentially, X-ray or MRI.

Back problems or pain may involve not only the bones of the spine, called the vertebrae, but also the discs that separate the vertebrae, the muscles and ligaments that hold the spine together, and the surrounding joints that help move the spine. A problem, injury or overuse of any of these body parts may result in back pain. Back pain is one of the most common types of pain, and most people experience back pain at some point in their lives.

Common Conditions and Treatments

Your Center physician can pinpoint the nature of your back problem through your medical history, physical examination and, potentially, X-ray or MRI.

Back injuries may result from overuse, a sudden injury, or a condition of the spine, such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or a spinal deformity such as scoliosis. Injuries include tears or ruptures to the discs in the spine. For either condition, immediate medical attention is imperative. (With a sudden or severe injury to the spine, it is important that the patient be immobilized and transported correctly to reduce the risk of permanent paralysis.)

A qualified physician will diagnose the cause of the back pain using physical examination, X-ray and MRI, and electro diagnostic testing as appropriate. In an emergency, physicians at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence are on call to diagnose injuries at the emergency room.

Treatment for back pain depends on the cause, and may include medication, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. Physicians of the Ohio Spine Institute, at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence, are experts in the proper diagnosis and treatment of back pain through both surgical and non-surgical therapies.