CHRISTUS Health
Spine Care
Get Back to Life with Compassionate Spine Care
Spine pain can turn the simplest daily tasks into challenges. At CHRISTUS Health, we understand how much back, and neck pain can keep you from living the life you love.
Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you overcome pain and regain your freedom of movement.
We combine advanced medical treatments with heartfelt support, so you feel cared for every step of the way.
No one should have to live in constant pain – and we’re here to make sure you don’t have to.
Spine Care Close to Home
You shouldn’t have to travel far to get quality spine care. CHRISTUS Health has spine specialists at multiple locations, so you can find help nearby when you need it. We serve communities across Texas and Louisiana, with expert spine care available in many of our hospitals and clinics. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, our network brings top-notch back and neck care right to your area.
Why Choose CHRISTUS Health for Spine Care?
- Expertise: Board-certified specialists with extensive experience.
- Comprehensive Care: Integrated treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Focus on compassionate, holistic care.
- Convenient Locations: Multiple facilities across Texas for accessible care.
How We Treat Your Back and Neck Pain
We believe in treating more than just your symptoms – we treat you as a whole person.
At CHRISTUS Health, our spine care team takes the time to listen to your concerns and understand how your pain affects your life. We start with the most gentle, effective treatments possible before considering surgery.
Your personalized care plan might include physical therapy, medications, or other therapies to manage pain and improve movement. If those steps don’t provide enough relief, our skilled surgeons will discuss surgical options with you, focusing on minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate.
Throughout your care, our neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, and pain specialists work together, so you get the benefit of a full team of experts. Our goal is simple: to reduce your pain, restore your ability to do the things you enjoy, and keep you comfortable and informed at every step.
Conditions We Treat
At CHRISTUS Health, our spine specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of spinal conditions, including:
- Back Pain: Chronic or acute discomfort affecting the lower, middle, or upper back.
- Neck Pain: Pain originating from cervical spine issues or muscular strain.
- Herniated Discs: Displacement of disc material causing nerve compression.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to nerve pressure.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related disc wear causes pain and reduced mobility.
- Sciatica: Radiating pain along the sciatic nerve pathway.
- Scoliosis:Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.
- Osteoarthritis & Osteoporosis: Joint degeneration and bone density loss affecting spinal integrity.
- Spinal Fractures: Breaks or cracks in the vertebrae due to trauma or osteoporosis.
- Spondylolisthesis: Forward displacement of a vertebra over the one beneath it.
Understanding Back and Neck Pain
Back and neck pain are extremely common. They can result from everyday wear and tear, sudden injuries, or ongoing conditions like arthritis or disc problems.
If a nerve is pinched, you might feel dull aches, sharp nerve pain (sciatica), or even tingling and weakness. It’s important to know when pain is more than just an ache.
You should see a specialist if:
- Your pain lasts more than a few weeks
- It keeps you from your normal activities
- You feel numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
The spine is your body’s main support structure, and problems with the spine can worsen without proper care.
By pinpointing what’s causing your pain, we can find the best way to treat it.
Wondering Where Your Back Pain is Coming From?
Knowing if the pain is muscular or spinal will help your doctor identify the issue so the best treatment can be provided.
What to Expect During Your Spine Care Journey
- Initial Consultation: Comprehensive evaluation and discussion of symptoms.
- Diagnostic Testing: Utilization of advanced imaging and assessments.
- Treatment Planning: Development of a personalized care plan.
- Intervention: Implementation of non-surgical or surgical treatments.
- Rehabilitation: Ongoing support through physical therapy and follow-up care.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatments
Our non-invasive approaches aim to alleviate pain and restore function:
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
- Pain Management Injections: Epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks to reduce inflammation.
- Chiropractic Care: Manual adjustments to correct spinal alignment.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Comprehensive plans combining therapies for optimal recovery.
Surgical Treatments
When surgery is necessary, we offer advanced procedures:
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Techniques involving smaller incisions for quicker recovery.
- Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
- Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve nerve pressure.
- Disc Replacement: Replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one.
- Kyphoplasty: Minimally invasive procedure to treat spinal compression fractures.
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Our collaborative team approach ensures comprehensive care:
- Neurosurgeons: Experts in surgical treatment of neurological disorders.
- Physiatrists: Physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Physical Therapists: Professionals focusing on movement and function restoration.
- Pain Management Specialists: Doctors dedicated to alleviating chronic pain.
Advanced Diagnostic Technologies
We utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools to accurately assess spinal conditions:
- MRI and CT Scans: Detailed imaging to visualize soft tissues and bones.
- Digital X-rays: Quick imaging to detect structural abnormalities.
- Electromyography (EMG): Tests to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
- Nerve Conduction Studies: Assessments to measure nerve signal strength and speed.
Relieving Pain Without Surgery
Often, back and neck pain can be improved with treatments that don’t require an operation. CHRISTUS Health offers many nonsurgical therapies to ease your discomfort and help your spine heal. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend:
- Physical therapy and exercise: Guided exercises to strengthen your back and improve flexibility
- Medications: Such as anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxers to reduce pain and swelling
- Injections: Targeted steroid injections or nerve blocks to relieve pain at the source
- Bracing: Temporary use of a brace to support your spine and limit painful movement
- Lifestyle guidance: Advice on posture, daily habits, and gentle activities to reduce strain on your back
By starting with these conservative options, we aim to relieve your pain and improve your function while avoiding unnecessary surgery. Many patients find significant relief through one or a combination of these treatments, getting them back to work, family, and daily life without invasive procedures.
Supporting You Through Recovery
Our care for you doesn’t end when your procedure is over. After treatment or surgery, we stay by your side as you heal. CHRISTUS Health provides comprehensive support to help you recover fully. This support may include:
- Working with physical therapists to rebuild your strength and flexibility
- Pain management techniques to keep you comfortable as you heal
- Regular check-ups with your care team to track progress and answer questions
We’ll also guide you on how to protect your spine as you return to your daily routine, helping to prevent future injuries. And whenever you have concerns during recovery, our team is here to help.
By focusing on your long-term well-being, we make sure you have the best chance at a pain-free life after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Persistent back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in limbs, and difficulty with mobility are indicators to consult a specialist.
Yes, many patients experience significant relief through physical therapy, medications, and injections without the need for surgery.
Recovery times vary based on the procedure and individual health, but minimally invasive surgeries often result in quicker recoveries.
Most insurance plans cover spine care services. It's advisable to check with your provider for specific coverage details.