Back and Neck

Our Approach to Back & Neck Care

Neck and lower back pain commonly affect the general population. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 80% of the population will experience pain in the low back and/or neck at some point in their life. Fortunately, most of these issues resolve without surgical treatment. In the small subset of patients who have persistent neck and back pain, seeking care from a physician who specializes in the back, neck, and spine can help ensure that the pain is properly addressed and the patient can quickly return to an active life.

What We Do

Back & Neck Conditions We Treat

Bulging disks
Degenerative disk disease
Fractures
Herniated disks
Pinched nerves
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis

Excellence in Back and Neck Care

The back and neck doctors at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) are among the very best in the Chicago area — and in the nation. Our team is made up of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, physician assistants, registered orthopedic nurse specialists, and licensed physical therapists. Together, our leading experts diagnose, evaluate, and treat patients with varying degrees of back pain, neck pain, and spinal issues. We can help relieve your pain and get you back to feeling your best again.

When is Surgery the Best Option?

Surgical intervention is typically only recommended after conservative treatment has failed. When considering surgery, several factors can influence the decision of whether to proceed, including the location and severity of the pain, the response to any nonoperative measures to treat the pain, and crucially, if (and in what way) the nerves in the neck, back, or spine are affected. When these nerves are not functioning properly, surgery can be the best way forward.

If you’ve been told you need spine surgery, it’s best to find an experienced and highly skilled surgeon. Before making a decision on a surgeon, it’s smart to seek a second opinion. At MOR, many of the patients who come in expecting surgery find lasting relief through non-surgical means. And if surgery is ultimately needed, the experienced spine surgeons at MOR specialize in minimally invasive procedures and have some of the highest success rates in the country.

Leaders in Minimally Invasive Surgery

MOR is home to Illinois’ first health center dedicated exclusively to minimally invasive outpatient spine surgery. Our spine-fellowship-trained surgeons have conducted extensive research into the latest procedures, and we are leaders in the use of both cutting-edge and well-established spine surgery techniques. Opting for a minimally invasive procedure can have many benefits, including less disruption to muscles, less pain, and faster return to normal activities.

Learn more about the benefits of choosing MOR for minimally invasive spine surgery and the advantages of spine surgery in an outpatient setting.

Renowned for Endoscopic Spine Surgery

The surgeons at MOR were among the first in the U.S. to perform endoscopic spine surgery, which involves using a flexible tube with a high-definition camera to treat disc herniations, bulges, bone spurs, and stenosis through a small, suture-less incision. Using this innovative technique, the surgeon is able to see and access the diseased tissue without cutting muscles, which means virtually no bleeding or scarring. Endoscopic spine procedures can be performed as same-day outpatient surgery, using mostly local anesthesia. Patients who choose endoscopic surgery preserve their spinal mobility, recover almost immediately, and require little to no pain medication. Experiences spine surgeons who perform these procedures regularly see high success rates and help patients dramatically improve their quality of life.