Spine

At Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, our specialty-trained spine doctors are the experts in assessing, diagnosing, and treating spine injuries and conditions.

The spine is a highly complex and crucial structure in the human body, comprised of muscles, bones (or vertebrae), tendons, ligaments, and sensitive nerves. The spine protects the spinal cord while providing support, strength, and flexibility.

Maintaining a healthy spine is vital to living an active lifestyle. However, the spine’s ability to offer support and flexibility simultaneously introduces an increased risk for injury.

Due to its unique structure and its proximity to the spinal cord, injuries of the spine can affect any appendage of the human body. Symptoms that may indicate the presence of a spine injury are wide-ranging and may seem unexpected or seemingly unrelated. Causes of spine conditions are also wide-ranging and abundant, as they can affect the bones, nerves, muscles, or tendons.

For this reason, an accurate diagnosis made by a spine specialist is a crucial prerequisite to determining a course of treatment.

Additionally, many spine conditions worsen over time, often exacerbating pain and causing further damage. Therefore, it is imperative to seek immediate treatment with a spine specialist if you suspect you are suffering from a spine condition or injury.

You may be suffering from a spine condition or injury if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Radiating pain from the neck to the arm/hand
• Radiating pain from the back to the leg/foot
• Back, leg, or foot pain that worsens while standing or walking and is relieved by sitting
• Nagging pain after episodes of heavy lifting
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
• Nerve or dexterity problems in the arms and hands
• Numbness or tingling in one or both legs
• Weakness localized to a specific area of the leg or arm

Go to the emergency room if these symptoms accompany incontinence.

Our spine doctors at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists understand that damage to the spinal cord is not only extremely painful and disruptive to your active lifestyle, but also potentially devastating, as it often restricts mobility and significantly reduces your quality of life.