Mobile’s leader in spine surgery
Living with chronic neck and back pain can affect your overall health — physically and emotionally. At Ascension Providence, our care teams specialize in diagnosing and treating many types of neck and back pain. This pain can radiate down your arms or legs, and can cause numbness, making even simple tasks difficult. Your doctor starts by listening to you, to better understand you and the pain you are feeling. Then, we work together to create a care plan that’s right for you.
Surgery is rarely the first option. But when it is recommended as part of your care plan, spine surgeons use advanced technology, including 3D image guidance and the latest minimally invasive surgery techniques. Your spine surgeon delivers surgical care to help treat your condition and improve your overall health.
Physical rehabilitation is part of your care plan after your spine surgery. Proper spine and nerve recovery can help lead to a greater quality of life. And we help you understand how to prevent future back injuries. Our approach focuses on neuro-rehabilitation therapies to help safely increase your muscular strength and flexibility.
Get a second opinion for your neck and back pain
There’s a lot to think about when you’re dealing with neck and back pain and deciding on a care plan including surgery. Getting a second opinion not only provides more information about your condition, but it may also increase your confidence in your care plan.
Our care team connects you with the right spine surgeon. Ask if an online visit is an option for your appointment.
Frequently asked questions about spine surgery
What is neck and back pain?
Neck and back pain can range from a mild, dull ache to persistent, severe and disabling pain that may radiate down your arms or legs. Pain in your neck and back can limit your ability to move and keep you from your everyday activities. Talk with a doctor if you have ongoing pain.
What causes neck and back pain?
There are many causes of neck and back pain. Neurologists and neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosis and surgical treatments for pain. By finding the cause of your pain, we can create a care plan that’s right for you. For many adults, the causes of neck and back pain include overuse, trauma or injury, infection, abnormal growth, obesity, muscle strain, muscle or ligament tears, joint problems, smoking, slipped disk, osteoporosis and other causes.
When should I talk to a doctor about neck and back pain?
You should talk to a doctor if you have:
- Pain after an injury or fall
- Severe pain that does not go away with rest and medication
- Weakness, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Unintentional weight loss
- A fever over 100.4°F
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
How is neck and back pain treated?
Rehabilitation therapies help you safely increase your muscular strength and flexibility. Certain exercises, anti-inflammatory medicines, braces or injections may help relieve pain. When surgery is recommended, we have advanced techniques and options to help deliver more precise surgical spine care.
When should I get spine surgery?
Your doctor may recommend spine surgery if you have neck or back pain that is not going away with other treatment. Doctors typically recommend spine surgery if you have a condition that surgery may help, such as:
- Herniated disk
- Spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal
- Scoliosis or other spinal deformities
- Spinal instability (spondylolisthesis)
- Spondylosis
- Broken vertebra
- A tumor in the spine
- An infection in the spine
How do I prepare for spine surgery?
Your surgeon will talk with you before your surgery to help you prepare for your procedure. You may need to stop taking some medications before the procedure, such as blood thinners and aspirin. If you smoke, you may need to stop smoking before surgery. You will need to follow any instructions given about eating and drinking before surgery. Also, you will likely be asked to have transportation set up to take you home from the hospital.
Read about Ascension Providence's state of the art O-Arm surgical technology.