Patient Story
Spine, Back and Neck Specialists
Our Approach to Back & Neck Care
Neck and lower back pain commonly affect the general population. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 80% of the population will experience pain in the low back and/or neck at some point in their life. Fortunately, most of these issues resolve without surgical treatment. In the small subset of patients who have persistent neck and back pain, seeking care from a physician who specializes in the back, neck, and spine can help ensure that the pain is properly addressed and the patient can quickly return to an active life.
What We Do
- Bulging disks
- Degenerative disk disease
- Fractures
- Herniated disks
- Pinched nerves
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
Excellence in Back and Neck Care
The back and neck doctors at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) are among the very best in the Chicago area — and in the nation. Our team is made up of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, physician assistants, registered orthopedic nurse specialists, and licensed physical therapists. Together, our leading experts diagnose, evaluate, and treat patients with varying degrees of back pain, neck pain, and spinal issues. We can help relieve your pain and get you back to feeling your best again.
When is Surgery the Best Option?
Surgical intervention is typically only recommended after conservative treatment has failed. When considering surgery, several factors can influence the decision of whether to proceed, including the location and severity of the pain, the response to any nonoperative measures to treat the pain, and crucially, if (and in what way) the nerves in the neck, back, or spine are affected. When these nerves are not functioning properly, surgery can be the best way forward.
If you’ve been told you need spine surgery, it’s best to find an experienced and highly skilled surgeon. Before making a decision on a surgeon, it’s smart to seek a second opinion. At MOR, many of the patients who come in expecting surgery find lasting relief through non-surgical means. And if surgery is ultimately needed, the experienced spine surgeons at MOR specialize in minimally invasive procedures and have some of the highest success rates in the country.
Leaders in Minimally Invasive Surgery
MOR is home to Illinois’ first health center dedicated exclusively to minimally invasive outpatient spine surgery. Our spine-fellowship-trained surgeons have conducted extensive research into the latest procedures, and we are leaders in the use of both cutting-edge and well-established spine surgery techniques. Opting for a minimally invasive procedure can have many benefits, including less disruption to muscles, less pain, and faster return to normal activities.
Learn more about the benefits of choosing MOR for minimally invasive spine surgery and the advantages of spine surgery in an outpatient setting.
Renowned for Endoscopic Spine Surgery
The surgeons at MOR were among the first in the U.S. to perform endoscopic spine surgery, which involves using a flexible tube with a high-definition camera to treat disc herniations, bulges, bone spurs, and stenosis through a small, suture-less incision. Using this innovative technique, the surgeon is able to see and access the diseased tissue without cutting muscles, which means virtually no bleeding or scarring. Endoscopic spine procedures can be performed as same-day outpatient surgery, using mostly local anesthesia. Patients who choose endoscopic surgery preserve their spinal mobility, recover almost immediately, and require little to no pain medication. Experiences spine surgeons who perform these procedures regularly see high success rates and help patients dramatically improve their quality of life.
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Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
A bulging disc extends outward uniformly and often causes little to no nerve irritation, while a herniated disc ruptures through the outer wall and can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Many bulging discs are age-related and asymptomatic, but herniated discs with nerve involvement may require targeted treatment. Imaging alone doesn't dictate treatment — symptoms and exam findings matter more.
Many cases of sciatica improve within 6 to 12 weeks with physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatories, and time. Cases that don't improve, or that involve progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder function, or severe pain, should be evaluated promptly. Epidural steroid injections and, in some cases, minimally invasive surgery can help when conservative care fails.
Spinal fusion is typically recommended for instability, deformity, severe degenerative conditions, or specific cases of spondylolisthesis where other treatments have not relieved pain or neurologic symptoms. It is not the first option for most back pain. Our spine surgeons evaluate whether non-fusion alternatives — such as decompression alone or disc replacement — may be more appropriate for the patient.
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions, tubular retractors, and microscopes or endoscopes to access the spine with less muscle disruption than traditional open surgery. Benefits can include shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and faster recovery. Not every spine condition is suited to a minimally invasive approach; our surgeons determine eligibility case by case.
Most back pain resolves with conservative care — physical therapy, medication, injections, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is typically considered when imaging confirms a structural problem that matches the patient's symptoms and when nonsurgical treatment has failed. Red flags like progressive weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel function warrant faster evaluation.
Yes. Our spine team treats the full range of cervical (neck) conditions, including herniated discs, cervical radiculopathy, stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. Treatment options range from physical therapy and injections to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disc replacement when surgery is needed.
Yes. Spine surgeons at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush are board-certified and fellowship-trained, with academic appointments at Rush University Medical Center. Many are actively involved in teaching and spine research, which helps inform the treatment approaches used in patient care.