Spine Health

Why and When You Should See a Doctor and What You Should Know

Most Americans will endure some form of back pain in their life. Spine, back, and neck problems are one of the most common health problems that people experience, with neck and back being some of the most costly. 

Wear and tear are normal and that changes are necks and spine as we age. A lot of people may be dealing with similar experiences surrounding pain in their neck or back. The good news is that we can help improve discomfort or mobility with treatments or even surgery.

The more serious spinal conditions (i.e spinal stenosis, radiculopathy.) are mostly referred to spine specialists for treatment. Some of these conditions are specifically referred to a spine surgeon when applicable for follow up care.

 Because pain can disrupt everyday life, the goal is to treat the problem effectively but in the most conservative way possible. This means less invasive procedures before recommending surgery will be suggested first. Generally, we will meet patients where they’re at in their pain journey. Whether this is done with physical therapy, through education, or utilizing medication or even surgery, if necessary,

Patients are often seen by another provider, generally their primary care physician, before seeing a spine surgeon.

If a patient is to see a spine surgeon, they can anticipate their initial visit to go over diagnostic studies (MRI, CAT Scan, x-ray) they received prior to their appointment, so their condition and treatment plan can be explained. If these studies haven’t taken place yet, this is where these options would be discussed to further diagnose and get to the root of the concern.

Here are some tips to enhance your spine health:

• Don’t smoke. Smoking can damage discs in the spinal column over time.
• Exercise Regularly. This helps especially with core strength. Use proper lifting techniques if you’re lifting.
• Stretch and strengthen your back.
• Eat well to help reduce inflammation. Eat less foods that cause inflammation such as high sugar, processed, and refined foods.
• Follow your primary care physician’s recommendations for overall good health.

At some point in their lives nearly all of us will experience some form of neck or back pain. We want people to know they aren’t left alone with these conditions. Your medical providers are here to support you along your journey.

For more information about spine care, go to https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/orthopedics/spinal-care 

Dr. Ben Braun, Spine Surgeon, Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital 

More from the Experts at St. Vincent Regional Hospital

About St. Vincent Regional Hospital

Founded on our mission of compassionate care 125 years ago, St. Vincent Regional Hospital, part of Intermountain Health, has grown into one of Montana’s largest comprehensive hospitals, serving the healthcare needs of over 400,000 people in our four-state area. Continuing to respond to the needs of our community, we have been recognized as an innovator in trauma, heart, neurological and cancer care. At St. Vincent and Intermountain Health, our 12 primary care clinics, and specialty clinics in and around the Billings area, our goal is to help you live the healthiest lives possible. This also includes caring for the region's youngest patients. We opened the region's first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staffed 24/7 by Pediatric Intensivists and the only Pediatric Surgery program serving eastern Montana, northern Wyoming, and the western Dakotas.