Back and Neck Pain
You know back and neck pain. We know how to fix it. WashU Medicine and BJC HealthCare spine specialists diagnose and treat common to complex conditions, such as bulging and slipped disks, compressed nerves, and strains. With advanced imaging and a range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments, we help you understand what is causing your pain and find care that fits your needs.
Why choose us for back and neck pain care?
WashU Medicine and BJC HealthCare spine specialists start by listening. Then, we help find the cause of your pain and collaborate to build a research-informed care plan using the widest variety of treatment options in the region.
What you can expect:
- Nationally recognized expertise: Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine neurosurgery and orthopedic programs are consistently recognized among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report. Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Missouri Baptist Medical Center are also recognized as High Performing in spinal fusion.
- Clinical care excellence: Our leading specialists deliver proven patient outcomes and access to WashU Medicine research and clinical trials if they are right for you.
- Fast access near you: Our BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine spine specialists can see you for your first visit within two weeks at more than 30 locations across the region, including at conveniently located hospitals and clinics.
- Clear diagnosis sooner: The most advanced imaging technology available helps diagnose the root cause of your pain, so your care is guided with precision.
- Effective nonsurgical options: Innovative treatment and therapy options include spinal cord stimulation and regenerative medicine from specialists in pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and lifestyle medicine.
- Leading-edge surgical care: If surgery is the right option for you, we offer minimally to ultra-minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures, which can help speed up recovery.
- Comprehensive care: Our care team includes orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain specialists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists who work together to find the best plan for you.
Take a back and neck pain assessment
Back and neck pain can affect how you work, sleep, move, and spend time with your loved ones. This short assessment reviews your symptoms and helps you understand what step to take next.
Nonsurgical spine care options
Many people find relief without surgery. Your spine specialist will explain your options and help you choose care that fits your needs and goals.
Pain management
Therapy and rehabilitation
Advanced surgical solutions and technology
When surgery is the right next step, WashU Medicine and BJC HealthCare spine specialists use advanced tools and methods to plan and perform your procedure. Depending on your condition, these options may mean smaller incisions, less pain after surgery, less time in the hospital, and a faster return to daily life.
Robotic-assisted surgery
Meet our patients
Ultra-Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Helps Debbi Get Back to Her Life
Before ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery, pain in Debbi's back, hips, and lower body put her busy schedule on pause. The right care helped her get back to doing what she loves.
Disk Replacement Gives Linda Lasting Neck Pain Relief
Linda first thought she had pulled a muscle while lifting weights. Intense pain and arm weakness followed. She sought care, and disk replacement helped her find lasting relief and return to her active life.
Before Life-Changing Spine Surgery, William Answered Doctor's Challenge
William is back to playing with his grandchildren and riding his motorcycle after working with his doctor to prepare his body for the spinal fusion surgery that freed him from pain.
Frequently asked questions
What are common symptoms of back pain?
Back pain can feel different for each person. Symptoms may include:
- An ache in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for a long time
- Dull, burning, or sharp pain in one area or across the back
- Numbness or tingling in a leg, above or below the knee
- Sharp, shooting pain that moves from the lower back into the buttocks, thigh, calf, or toes
- Stiffness or aching anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the tailbone
Get medical help right away if you lose bladder or bowel control and have weakness in either leg.
What are common symptoms of neck pain?
Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling in an arm
- Headaches
- Sharp, shooting pain or a dull ache in the neck
- Shoulder pain
How are neck and back pain diagnosed?
A spine specialist will ask about your health and do a physical exam. You may also need an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or another test. These images help your care team find what is causing your pain and decide which treatments may help.
What back and neck pain conditions do spine specialists treat?
WashU Medicine and BJC HealthCare spine specialists treat many common and complex conditions, including:
- Degenerative back and neck conditions
- Herniated, ruptured, bulging, or slipped disks
- Myelopathy
- Nerve pressure linked to lower back pain
- Radiculopathy
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spine deformities
- Spine tumors
How are back and neck pain treated?
The right treatment depends on what is causing your pain and how severe it is. Many people improve with physical therapy, medicine, injections, exercise, or support for healthy habits. If these options do not provide enough relief, your specialist may suggest surgery.
WashU Medicine and BJC HealthCare spine specialists will explain your options and provide you with the right care. Together, you will decide whether nonsurgical care, surgery, or a combination of both best supports your goals.
When should I ask for help?
Contact your health care provider if your pain is severe, starts after an injury or fall, or does not improve with medicine and rest. You should also seek care if you have weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs. Other warning signs include a fever of 100.4°F or higher or weight loss without trying.
Get medical help right away if you lose bladder or bowel control and have weakness in either leg.
If you need a spine specialist, find one who listens, explains your options, and helps you take the next step toward lasting relief. Call 557-747-9186 or find BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine spine specialists online.
Get a Free Spine Journey Guide
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