Sanford Health Spine Center

Back pain can be debilitating. A good way to start improving it is to visit with an expert.

When you come to our center for a back assessment, one of our physical therapists will briefly evaluate your spine health and make some initial recommendations. If your back needs more help, they will refer you to one of our spine surgeons for further evaluation.

Back assessments can be directly scheduled with our team. You can also walk into our center and request one.

If you are struggling with back, neck or spine pain and have been told you have to wait weeks to see a specialist, come visit our center. We can help you right away.

We offer same-day care to patients who walk in to our center. Our same-day clinic is staffed by physician assistants and nurse practitioners who are specially trained to work with patients who have spine conditions. They work closely with our spine surgeons to develop personalized care plans that prioritize the use of conservative care options.

Neck pain is commonly the result of one of these four causes:

• Trauma
• Poor posture
• Muscle strain
• Degenerative disc disease

If you experience any of the following symptoms, visit with an expert on our team as soon as possible:

• Persistent headaches
• Disruption of sleep due to pain
• Stiffness of the neck and shoulders, especially in the morning
• Sensory disturbance
• Sensitivity of the arms and legs
• Joint pain
• Swelling in the neck and shoulders
• Weakness, numbness and dizziness

When left untreated, a neck condition or injury can cause further damage, and you could be left dealing with chronic pain. In some cases, neck pain can be a sign of a serious medical condition.

The spine is a complex and critical component of the human body, protecting the spinal cord while offering strength, structure and flexibility. However, because of the varied role it plays, the spine is highly susceptible to injury.

Since spine injuries and conditions can affect any part of the body, there is a wide range of symptoms to look out for. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek treatment from a spine specialist as soon as possible:

• Sharp pain in the lower back
• A popping noise or feeling in the back after straining or lifting heavy objects
• Numbness, tingling or cramping in one or both legs
• Weakness in a specific area of a leg or arm
• Loss of balance when walking
• Incontinence