It is estimated that as many as 80% of Americans will experience a back problem at some point in their lives. Some problems can be addressed by exercise or physical therapy. Others may require medication to relieve the pain. In some cases, surgery may be the only effective option.

Back specialists throughout Conemaugh Health System care for patients with one goal in mind – to relieve the physical and emotional symptoms of back pain so that individuals can get back to doing the things they enjoy.

Diagnosing Back Pain
Back pain can be challenging to diagnose. As a result, our team conducts an in-depth assessment related to pain, neurological function and physical motion to determine its cause and treatment methods. This can include a detailed medical history, electromyogram (EMG) and first-hand reports from the patient detailing the frequency, location and severity of pain.  Other tests, such as MRIs or CT scans, may also be ordered.  These tests are performed at Laurel Highlands Advanced Imaging, located on the campus of Conemaugh East Hills, or at  Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.

Medical Management
Most back conditions can be successfully treated thanks to a multi-discipline approach that includes physical therapy, nerve blocks, trigger point injections and/or medication that is prescribed for specific periods of time.

Surgery
Our neurosurgical team uses the latest surgical techniques and technologies to treat a range of spinal conditions, including degenerative, congenital, traumatic, vascular or cancer-related disorders. 

All aspects of spinal decompression, fusion and instrumentation are used to treat back conditions.  Minimally invasive spinal procedures, including kyphoplasty and vertebrosplasty, which use cement-like substances to stabilize spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis, falls or traumatic injury, are also common. Patients who are eligible for this type of surgery tend to experience shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries and fewer complications.

Using new and sophisticated computerized imaging technology, neurosurgeons can pinpoint the problem, and just as importantly, its relationship to vascular structures or veins. Repairing the condition while keeping vascular structures intact significantly reduces complications and speeds the recovery process.

Physician Team
Our neurologists, physiatrists and neurosurgeons work together to diagnose back conditions and develop the best course of treatment for each individual. The team includes:

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