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Spine Care

From alleviating mild neck and back discomfort to performing minimally invasive spinal surgery, our spine care specialists are dedicated to helping you return to enjoying life free from persistent spinal pain.

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Compassionate care is the backbone of what we do

Almost everything becomes a little more difficult when living with a condition affecting the spine. Simple tasks that feel like second nature — walking, standing and lying down comfortably —suddenly feel more like a chore.

When you need spine care, our team will be there for you every step of the way, from your first symptoms and screenings to treatments and ongoing care. We'll empower you with strategies like stretching as well as cold and heat therapy to treat your discomfort at home. And should the pain become too much to bear, we can help you find relief through physical therapy or minimally invasive surgery.

Todd Haynes, Physical Therapist at MelroseWakefield Hospital's 888 Main rehabilitation office, massages shoulder of patient on table.
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Conditions

We treat the full spectrum of spine-related conditions, including:

Back and neck pain
Back trauma and spinal cord injury
Bulging disc
Compression fractures of the spine
Herniated discs
Lumbar degenerative disc disease
Neuropathy
Pinched nerves
Sacroiliac joint pain
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Skeletal irregularity
Spinal cord diseases
Spinal deformities
Spinal stenosis
Spine arthritis
Spine fracture
Spine tumors
Spondylolisthesis

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to back, neck or spinal pain, please see your doctor right away:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Trouble urinating 
  • Unexplained weight loss 
  • Weakness

Back + neck pain

Did you know that 31 million Americans are living with lower back pain at any given time? Whether it’s a dull ache or a shooting pain, back and neck discomfort makes important everyday tasks like sitting, exercising and working much more difficult.

The good news is that you can treat most back and neck issues from the comfort of your home. But if your pain persists after trying stretching exercises and over-the-counter medications, we can connect you with a physical therapist or surgeon to help you find a lasting solution.

Herniated discs

Your spinal discs are like shock absorbers. They provide a cushion between the bones that make up your spine (vertebrae) and soak up the impact from activities like jumping, lifting or even walking. A herniated disc occurs when that cushion ruptures.

Fortunately, most herniated discs go away without major treatments. But it’s important to give your body rest so it can start the healing process.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down to the feet. If pressure, damage or an injury takes a toll on your spine, you can experience sciatica — a sharp, burning and tingling sensation that typically runs down one side of your buttock and leg. Sciatica can make everyday tasks like standing, sitting or sleeping feel like a greater challenge.

Thanks to the body’s incredible ability to heal itself, most sciatica discomfort will resolve on its own. Having patience is an important part of the healing process because it can take weeks or months before you feel improvement or make a full recovery.

Spinal stenosis

Do you ever experience back or leg pain while walking or standing that seems to disappear when you sit or lie down? If so, you may be living with spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis occurs when your spinal discs shrink, which narrows the spinal canal.

While this condition can't be cured, we’ll help you develop a treatment plan based on your age, type of pain and mobility levels.

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Treatments

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for back pain and other spinal conditions. On a positive note, many conditions are treatable with at-home remedies and lifestyle changes like:

  • Cold and heat therapy
  • Over-the-counter medication (NSAIDs, topical rubs, gels and ointments) 
  • Rest
  • Stretching exercises 

If your pain persists after several weeks of at-home treatment, we may connect you with a physical therapist. For more rare cases, our doctors can coordinate care with an orthopedic spine surgeon or neurosurgeon. In fact, only 1 out of 10 people who are referred to a surgeon for back and spinal conditions eventually need surgery.

Rehabilitation + physical therapy

The type of specialist we refer you to depends on your unique health needs. For people living with mild-to-moderate discomfort, physical therapy may be the right treatment for you. Your physical therapist will work with you to stretch and strengthen your spinal area and teach you how to keep up with your regimen at home.

If you’re living with severe pain, limited mobility or difficulty communicating, our physical medicine and rehabilitation team can help you rediscover a sense of comfort and quality of life.

Spine surgery

Should your condition require surgery, you can feel confident knowing that you're in good hands with our spine surgery team. Our doctors specialize in minimally invasive techniques that sometimes call for incisions as small as your fingertip. What does that mean for you? Safer procedures, less pain and a shorter recovery time.

Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.

Family physician Sarwada Tuladhar Jha, MD talking to patient during exam at a clinic appointment and inputting health information at the computer.
Our doctors + care team

Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.

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