Spine Center at Northwest Hospital

The Northwest Hospital Spine Center, a program of the LifeBridge Health Brain & Spine Institute, is dedicated to the specialized, comprehensive management of degenerative and acute conditions of the spine.

Composed of a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, the Spine Center team has expertise in neck and back problems, as well as spinal disorders that affect the upper and lower extremities.

The medical staff at the Northwest Hospital Spine Center evaluates and treats spinal disorders that affect bones, muscles and nerves resulting from arthritis, illness or injury. Some of the spinal disorders treated include:

• Degenerative discs (cervical, thoracic and lumbar)
• Herniated discs (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
• Arthritis of the spine (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid)
• Spondylolisthesis (spinal instability)
• Osteoporosis
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis)
• Spinal injuries
• Myofascial pain (inflammation of muscles and ligaments)
• Pinched nerves

Treatment
Restoring maximum function to patients is the goal of the staff at the Spine Center. This is accomplished by minimizing pain, while creating a plan for long-range care. Initial treatment includes non-surgical measures, such as medication, physical therapy and injections. Emphasis on physical therapy includes achieving maximum function through various exercises with special equipment under the direction of certified physical and occupational therapists.

The most advanced surgical techniques are available when recommended as the best course of treatment. Spinal surgery is effective at managing and often resolving certain spinal conditions. Patients receive pre- and postoperative care at the Spine Center. Specially trained nurses provide instruction and support to patients to ensure ongoing benefit from treatment.

Our goal is to determine the underlying cause of the condition, and to manage or eliminate the problem, so that we may restore maximum function and ultimate quality of life in our patients.

Treatments include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Myofascial trigger point injections
• Sacroiliac injections
• Surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Disc replacement
• Kyphoplasty (minimally invasive treatment for osteoporotic compression fractures)
• Vertebroplasty
• Pre- and postoperative care

The Spine Center team includes physicians specializing in spinal surgery, neurosurgery and rehabilitative medicine, and a registered nurse. Staff consultants, including pain management specialists, physical and occupational therapists, neurologists, rheumatologists, radiologists, dietitians, and social workers, complement the team.

Diagnostics
The most advanced diagnostic procedures and equipment are used at the Spine Center. Tests are performed at Northwest Hospital and include EMGs, nerve condition studies, X-ray, MRI, myelography, CT scan and ultrasound. Referrals are welcome from physicians, other health professionals, employers and self-referrals.

For information about the Northwest Hospital Spine Center or to schedule an appointment, call 410-521-8383 or 1-888-747-8899.