Spine Treatment in New Orleans
At Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans, we have spine doctors ready to provide patients with the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques to reach the most favorable outcomes. Our team of spine specialists, led by Felipe Ramirez, MD, and Ashlyn Harris, PA-C, is devoted to the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
The main objective is to get our patients from spine pain and limited function to recovery as fast as possible without ordering any unnecessary medical tests or performing any unwarranted procedures. Our spine specialists are ready to apply their expertise to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Cervical and thoracic myelopathy
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated discs
- Kyphosis
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal infections
- Spinal trauma
- Spine fractures
- Spondylolisthesis
- Thoracic radiculopathy
- Vertebral compression fractures
Our back doctor uses a variety of techniques to treat these conditions, including:
- Back pain treatment therapy
- Neck pain treatment
- Sports medicine techniques
- Surgical options
Our team of specialists includes a back surgeon, herniated disc specialists, neck specialists, and spine specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain can have many causes, including muscle strains, arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other conditions affecting the spine. An evaluation can help determine what is causing your pain and which treatment is appropriate.
What is sciatica and what does it feel like?
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of a nerve in the lower back. It can cause sharp, shooting, or burning pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the leg. Numbness, tingling, or weakness may also occur.
How do I know if I have a herniated disc?
A herniated disc can cause back pain as well as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels into the leg or arm, depending on where the disc is located. A physical examination and, when appropriate, imaging such as an MRI can help determine whether a herniated disc is causing your symptoms.
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Yes. Many herniated discs can be treated without surgery. Treatment may include activity modification, medications, physical therapy, or injections. Surgery may be considered when symptoms do not improve with nonsurgical treatment or when significant nerve problems develop.
What is the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?
A bulging disc occurs when the outer portion of a spinal disc extends outward. A herniated disc occurs when the inner material pushes through a weakened or damaged area of the outer portion of the disc. Both can occur without symptoms, but either may cause pain or nerve symptoms if nearby nerves are affected.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve in the back?
A pinched nerve in the back can cause pain that travels into the buttock or leg, along with numbness, tingling, or weakness. A herniated disc, bone spurs, or narrowing around the nerves can put pressure on a spinal nerve.
What is spinal stenosis and what are the symptoms?
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces around the spinal cord or nerves become narrowed. This can put pressure on the nerves and cause back or leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Symptoms may become worse with standing or walking.
Do I need an MRI for back pain?
Not always. Your spine specialist will first review your symptoms and perform an examination. An MRI or other imaging may be recommended when needed to identify problems involving the discs, nerves, or other structures of the spine.
Most spine conditions can be treated with conservative care such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. An MRI will be recommended after failing 6 weeks of conservative care or if symptoms are worsening such weakness, numbness or tingling.
When should I see a spine specialist for back pain?
Consider seeing a spine specialist if your back pain persists, gets worse, limits your daily activities, or causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs. An evaluation can help identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment.
Does back pain always require surgery?
No. Many back and spine conditions can improve with nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, activity modification, and injections. Surgery may be considered when symptoms do not improve with other treatments or when significant nerve compression or other problems require surgical treatment.