Spine & Back
Our spine specialists treat neck and back conditions with both non-operative and surgical options when needed. The goal is clarity, a plan that fits your life, and next steps you understand.
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Why does my back hurt?
Back pain is common and often comes from muscle strain or irritated joints/discs. Many cases improve with time and simple care, but persistent pain or pain that limits sleep, work, or daily life is worth evaluating.
Why is my back stiff?
Back stiffness is often related to muscle tightness, reduced movement, or irritated joints/discs. It can be worse after sitting, first thing in the morning, or after overdoing activity. If stiffness is worsening or not improving, a focused evaluation can help.
Why do I have pain that shoots down my leg from the back?
Pain that radiates into the buttock or leg can happen when a spinal nerve is irritated (often called sciatica). Many cases improve with conservative care, but symptoms that are severe, progressive, or persistent should be evaluated.
What causes a numbness or tingling sensation that radiates through my leg?
Numbness or tingling can occur when a nerve is irritated or compressed in the spine. If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or associated with weakness, it’s a good reason to be evaluated.
What are the most common treatments for back pain?
Many people improve with a combination of activity modification, gentle movement, anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications when appropriate, heat/ice, and physical therapy. If symptoms persist, imaging or targeted treatments may help clarify the next step.
Clarity First
Meet with an orthopedic specialist and leave with a clear plan—often starting with the simplest effective options.
Convenient Outpatient Options
When surgery is the right step, we offer accredited outpatient surgery center options designed for efficiency and patient comfort at lower cost than hospital settings.
What To Expect
- Focused evaluation: history + targeted exam
- Imaging review when helpful: X-rays/MRI/CT reviewed together when available
- Clear plan: options explained, usually starting non-operative when appropriate
If you’d like to hear what care is like here, these short stories may help.
Patient Success Stories
These short stories share what visits are like—clear explanations, thoughtful care, and a plan for what’s next.
Surgical consults are available when needed.
Take The Next Step
If back or neck symptoms are limiting your life, schedule an appointment and we’ll help you get clarity and a sensible next step.
Treatment Options
Back and neck symptoms can come from several different causes, and the right plan depends on your exam, your imaging (when helpful), and what you’re trying to get back to. Many patients improve with non-operative care. When procedures or surgery are appropriate, we’ll explain why, what the options are, and what to expect—so you can make a confident decision.
Common conditions we evaluate and treate include:
- Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
- Cervical Disc Herniation
- Cervical Spine Stenosis
- Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
- Lumbar Spine Stenosis
- Sciatica
- Spondylolisthesis
- Scoliosis
- Spine fractures
Most patients start with non-operative options; procedures or surgery are considered when they’re the best next step.
Non-operative options
(Often First)
Epidural steroid injection
Physical Therapy
NSAIDs
Other medications when appropriate
Home Exercise
Acupuncture
Manual Therapy
Procedures & Surgery
(when needed)
Cervical decompression
Cervical disk replacement
ACDF
Lumbar decompression (laminectomy)
Lumbar microdiskectomy
Minimally-Invasive Surgery
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
Posterior Lumbar Fusion (TLIF)
Kyphoplasty
Lumbar lateral interbody fusion (LLIF)
Lumbar disc replacement
Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion
Ready to talk through your options? Choose a spine specialist below to get started.
Spine & Back Doctors
Andrew Chrisman, MD
David Nelles, MD
Patient Education
Explore these topics if you’d like to learn more before or after your visit.
Spine - General
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
- Anterior Lumbar Fusion with Cages
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- Back Care Boot Camp
- Low Back Pain
- Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement
- Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
- Lumbar Discectomy
- Lumbar Facet Joint Arthritis
- Lumbar Laminectomy
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Lumbar Spine Anatomy
- Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
- Lumbar Spondylolysis
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Posterior Lumbar Fusion
- Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Related Services
Helpful next steps if you’re exploring care options.
