For Musculoskeletal-based back and spine conditions, call:

• Anesthesia Pain Management: 734-615-7246
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: 734-936-7175 
• Orthopaedic Surgery: 734-936-5780
• Neurosurgery at 734-936-7010

We treat many simple and complex back conditions, including:

• Cervical degenerative disease
• Compression fractures
• Facet joint syndrome
• Failed back syndrome
• Herniated disc
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Lumbar strain
• Sacroiliac joint pain 
• Scarred nerves
• Sciatica (radiculopathy)
• Spondylolisthesis
• Vertebral body compression fractures

Depending upon the medical condition, typical back pain symptoms may include:

• Muscle ache
• Shooting or stabbing pain
• Pain that radiates down your leg
• Limited flexibility or range of motion 
• Inability to stand up straight 
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty with balance or coordination

To diagnose the source of back pain, we will take a medical history and conduct a medical exam. Based on our findings, we may use the following diagnostic tools:

• Imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans or an MRI 

To obtain more information, we may need: 

• An EMG (electromyogram) – a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles
• A bone scan 
• A bone density test 

Treatment for back pain will depend upon the cause and severity of the condition, your age, and whether or not you have additional health issues. At U-M Health, we have many treatments we can offer our patients. 

• General Spine Surgery – Pre-operative education video for all spinal procedures
• Lumbar Laminectomy – Pre-operative educational video for a lumbar laminectomy
• Cervical Fusion – Pre-operative educational video for anterior and posterior cervical fusion
• Patient Education Booklet: Spine Surgery Pre-operative Patient Education