McLean County Orthopedics has a busy spine center that is otherwise known as the Downstate Illinois Spine Center (DISC). Back pain and neck pain are very common. Back pain is the second most common cause for doctor visits (the common cold is first) and is the leading cause of disability. Spine surgeon Dr. Atwater and physiatrist Dr. Carmichael have almost a decade of experience in working together in the treatment of neck pain and back pain.
Everyone experiences some aging of the spine over time. Some tears and aging of the wall of our intervertebral discs is unavoidable over time (this is partly why we lose height as we age). Even in the course a day we lose some height as our discs lose water content which is gained back when we sleep. But for most people, this should amount to mild, tolerable, occasional discomfort. When it amounts to pain, especially pain that disrupts our quality of life and our ability to function or sleep normally - then intervention is required.
There are many potential pain generators in the spine: discogenic pain (annular tear or bulge), herniated disc (slipped disc or radiculopathy), joint pain (facet arthritis), nerve compromise (spinal stenosis), deformity (scoliosis, spondylolisthesis), bone disruption (vertebral compression fracture), and infection (discitis). Treatments available at MCO are numerous and include therapy, injection (epidural, facet, discogram, radiofrequency ablation), spinal cord stimulator, and surgery (microdiscectomy, laminectomy, fusion, ACDF). MCO specializes in less invasive treatements such as XLIF (extreme lateral interbody fusion). The vast majority of care can be provided on location. The Center For Outpatient Medicine, which is the surgery center located within our building, is even equipped for overnight stay if required.
Visit the MCO articles blog. It doesn't have many articles yet, but will grow soon.
For AppointmentCall (309) 664-2683