Spine Health
Your spine is a marvel of evolution. It is an intricately balanced support system that provides the foundation for the entire body. It works to keep all parts of the body, from the neck to the lower back to the legs, in proper alignment. More than that, it acts as a protector to the command center of our nervous system the spinal cord. This vital part of our body has the strength to keep us upright while providing the flexibility for us to move in countless directions.
Spine health is essential to our overall health. However, the spine is often overlooked and taken for granted until we experience pain or lose range of motion. Several conditions can threaten the health of the spine. The Intent Medical Group (IMG) team of specialists can help with a variety of spine health services.
As bipedals, our spine strength and overall shape plays a vital role in our everyday lives. We are fortunate in the 21st century to expect longevities previously unheard of; however, the quality of years depends significantly on maintaining a spine that is strong, well balanced, and free of significant compression of the nerves and spinal cord that run within it.
Understanding your spinal condition
Our journey together begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your spinal health. Through advanced imaging techniques and a thorough physical examination, we will carefully assess the intricate structure of your spine and work to identify any abnormalities or deformities that may be causing you discomfort or limiting your mobility. This step is especially important since the symptoms of spine disease can take many forms, such as leg or arm pain, overall imbalance, or numbness and tingling in the body.
Tailoring a treatment plan
When you connect with the Spine and Pain Clinic at the Endeavor Health Advanced Neurosciences Center, you will be greeted by an experienced Nurse Navigator who will assist in directing you to the proper location and treatment expert depending on your symptoms. Our Navigators will help collect all pertinent studies and documents prior to your visit to make your diagnosis and subsequent treatment as seamless as possible. During your visit you will undergo a full history and physical examination, review of imaging, and diagnosis. Once we have a clear understanding of your condition, your physician will take the time to explain our findings to you in a way that is easy to comprehend. Together, we will explore all available treatment options, while weighing the benefits and potential risks of each approach.
Diagnosing a spine condition will depend on your symptoms. Your care team may do one or more of the following:
- Physical exam: Your doctor may check for tenderness or ask you to do specific movements to see how your range of motion is affected.
- Neurological exam: This assessment will test muscle strength and reflex responses.
- Imaging: Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, to look for abnormalities in the spine’s structure.
The Intent Medical Group team of specialists is highly skilled in treating spine conditions and will determine a diagnosis or provide you with a second opinion if you are experiencing symptoms of spinal disease.
For some patients, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, or medication may be sufficient to manage their condition. Patients without a need for surgery or those undergoing a trial of non-operative care may be asked to visit one of our board-certified pain specialists. The collaborative interaction between our pain service and surgeons allows each service to compliment the other. In cases of severe conditions in which neurologic function is at risk, surgical intervention may be the most effective solution.