Back, Neck and Spine

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Back, Neck and Spinal Care at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?

Our team includes neurologists with advanced (fellowship) training in complex spine care. This expertise is not widely available in Southeast and West Michigan. Spine experts work alongside physical medicine doctors, orthopedic surgeons and therapists to discuss complex cases and deliver comprehensive care that helps you get moving again.

Our concern for the community’s well-being extends beyond the walls of our facilities. Trinity Health Michigan is an active partner in the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative. This group is improving surgical quality and outcomes for patients throughout the state.

Nationally Recognized Back, Neck and Spine Care in Southeast and West Michigan

Our back, neck and spine team holds itself to the highest standards. Whether it’s imaging, therapies or a procedure, we deliver an exceptional level of care.

These efforts help many of our hospitals maintain prestigious recognition from:

• U.S. News & World Report: High-Performing Spinal Fusion Program
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan: Blue Distinction^® Center+ Spine Surgery
• American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine: Accredited Laboratory with Exemplary Status

Back Pain, Neck Pain and Spinal Disorder Diagnosis

Our experts start with a thorough assessment that may include sophisticated imaging studies. You have timely access to CT scans and MRIs when necessary. We also offer an accredited electromyography (EMG) lab where we assess the extent of nerve involvement. Find out more about neurodiagnostics.

Treatments for Back Pain, Neck Pain and Spinal Disorders

Our conservative approach means we typically try noninvasive therapies, like physical therapy and lifestyle changes, before recommending surgery. Our team includes a nurse navigator who ensures your treatments keep moving forward, including timely surgical consults when necessary.

Your personalized care plan may include:

Medications and Injections

If over-the-counter pain medications are not successful, we may give you a prescription. For severe pain, muscle relaxants can help for a short period. Antidepressants and antiseizure drugs also relieve some forms of back pain. We use these medications even if you do not have depression or seizures.

For stubborn pain, care may include injections. We use a needle to deliver steroids, pain medications and nerve blocks into the spine or nearby nerves. These treatments disrupt pain signals and promote the body’s natural healing abilities. Our experts often use real-time X-ray (fluoroscopy) to deliver these substances to precisely the right spot.

Spinal Manipulation

Specially trained providers apply a quick thrust of pressure to specific spine joints to improve alignment. Optimizing joint alignment reduces muscle strain so you can move with less pain. You may hear a popping sound during treatment, but manipulation is not painful.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can delay or prevent the need for surgery. If you are recovering from spine surgery, therapy helps you safely return to daily activities. Read more about physical therapy.

Physical medicine doctors specializing in spine care develop a personalized care plan that improves strength and stability. Our expertise draws patients from all over the state.

Physical therapists with special training (MacKenzie credentialing) guide you through gentle stretches and exercises that help you achieve your goals.

Surgery for Back Pain

Our experience treating a high volume of back pain patients leads to safe, precise care. We perform minimally invasive surgery for many conditions to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, repair compression fractures and stabilize the spine. Surgeons use small incisions that cause less trauma to healthy tissue and ensure a more comfortable recovery.

We also offer spinal cord stimulators and pain pumps if you cannot have or do not want spine surgery. These implantable devices deliver a mild electrical current or pain medications directly to the spine.

Surgery may include sophisticated procedures to correct spinal curvatures, such as scoliosis. Complex spine surgery also includes removing tumors and performing revisions if a previous procedure was not successful.

Back, Neck and Spinal Disorders We Treat

We treat a broad range of back and spine issues, including:

• Arthritis: Unusual wear and tear in the cartilage that cushions your spine bones
• Herniated discs: A gel-filled disc between spine bones (vertebrae) that tears and leaks, putting pressure on nearby tissue and nerves.
• Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections in other areas of the body that spread to tissue in or near the spine
• Low back pain: Muscle sprains or strains that cause aches, spasms and jolts of pain
• Osteoporosis: Bone tissue becomes weak and brittle, increasing the risk of vertebral fractures
• Pinched nerves: Tissue around the spine puts pressure on the nerves, causing pain, tingling and numbness
• Scoliosis: Condition that causes an S- or C-shaped curve in the spine
• Spine fractures: Trauma from a bad fall or car accident that causes small breaks in one or more spine bones
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing in the space inside your spine that puts pressure on nearby nerves
• Spine tumors: Abnormal, fast-growing cells in the spinal cord or nearby bones