South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Spine Center - Neck & Back Specialists

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The Most Comprehensive Spine Care Available

Injuries to the spine (neck & back), and the intervertebral discs that help make up the spine, can cause a great deal of pain. In fact, it is not uncommon for an injury to the spine to cause discomfort to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs. Left untreated, damage can become worse and lead to long-term loss of function. Orthopaedic Spine Doctors are best equipped to diagnose and treat the many issues and conditions affecting the neck and back.

If you’re dealing with back or neck pain or loss of functionality, our expert team of Spine Doctors can help you feel better faster.

Treasure Coast's Top Rated Orthopaedic Spine Doctors

We Are The Most Experienced Spine Doctors in Stuart & Port St. Lucie

Providing The Most Advanced Treatments for Neck And Back Pain

Specialized Medical Training for Treatment of Neck and Back
Comprehensive Spine Evaluation
Surgical & Non-Surgical Options Including Minimally Invasive treatments
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Meet Our Orthopaedic Spine Team

Daniel S. Husted, MD

Daniel S. Husted, MD

Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

Anuj Prasher, MD

Anuj Prasher, MD

Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

Shivam Upadhyaya, MD

Shivam Upadhyaya, MD

Board-Eligible Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

Gregory M. Benedict, MD

Gregory M. Benedict, MD

Fellowship-Trained Pain Management Specialist

Juan A. Ramos, MD

Juan A. Ramos, MD

Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Spine & Neck FAQs

The spine, also known as the vertebral column or backbone, is a crucial structure that provides support, stability, and protection for the central nervous system. It is a complex and intricate assembly of bones, discs, ligaments, and muscles, enabling movement, flexibility, and weight-bearing functions. Understanding the anatomy of the spine is essential for recognizing its role in maintaining overall health and addressing various spinal issues.

The spine is divided into five regions, each with distinct characteristics and functions:

1. Cervical Spine: The cervical spine is the uppermost region, comprising seven vertebrae labeled C1 to C7. This section supports the head and allows for a wide range of movement, including nodding, rotation, and tilting of the neck.

2. Thoracic Spine: The thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae (T1 to T12) and connects to the ribcage. It provides stability to the upper body and protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

3. Lumbar Spine: Located in the lower back, the lumbar spine includes five vertebrae (L1 to L5). It bears most of the body's weight and facilitates movements like bending, twisting, and lifting.

4. Sacral Spine: The sacral spine is a fused triangular structure formed by five sacral vertebrae (S1 to S5) that are connected to the pelvis. It stabilizes the pelvis and transfers weight to the hips and legs.

5. Coccygeal Spine: The coccygeal spine, also known as the tailbone, comprises four small fused vertebrae. It is a remnant of our evolutionary past and supports certain ligaments and muscles.

Between each pair of vertebrae, there are intervertebral discs composed of a fibrous outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). These discs act as shock absorbers, allowing for flexibility and preventing the vertebrae from grinding against each other.

The spine is held together by various ligaments, bands of tough, elastic tissue that connect bones to each other. Ligaments provide stability and limit excessive movement to protect the spine from injury.

Surrounding the spine are layers of muscles, including the erector spinae muscles that run along the length of the spine and help maintain posture and facilitate movement.

The spinal cord runs within the vertebral canal, a hollow space formed by the stacked vertebrae. It serves as the main communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body, transmitting sensory and motor signals that control movement and bodily functions.

The spine's anatomy is a remarkable and intricate arrangement of bones, discs, ligaments, and muscles that together form a flexible and stable structure. Understanding the spine's anatomy is crucial for diagnosing and treating various spinal conditions and ensuring optimal spine health for overall well-being.

Back and neck pain are prevalent health issues that affect millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort, reduced mobility, and a significant impact on the quality of life. In the United States, back and neck pain are among the most common medical complaints, with a substantial number of Americans experiencing these conditions.

Common Causes of Back and Neck Pain:

1. Muscle Strain: One of the most common causes of back and neck pain is muscle strain. Strained muscles can result from lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or poor posture, leading to localized pain and stiffness.

2. Herniated Disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft gel-like center of an intervertebral disc protrudes through its outer fibrous ring. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain and sometimes tingling or numbness in the arms or legs.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease: As people age, the intervertebral discs lose their water content and cushioning properties, leading to degenerative disc disease. This condition can cause chronic back and neck pain, especially during movement.

4. Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina, compressing the spinal cord or nerves. This can cause pain, weakness, and numbness, typically affecting older adults.

5. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the facet joints in the spine, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility.

6. Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. In some cases, scoliosis can cause back pain, especially as the curvature progresses.

7. Trauma and Injuries: Accidents, falls, and sports-related injuries can cause fractures, sprains, and other damage to the spine, resulting in acute or chronic pain.

8. Poor Posture and Ergonomics: Prolonged sitting, improper lifting techniques, and poor ergonomics in the workplace can strain the back and neck muscles, leading to pain over time.

Statistics on Back and Neck Pain in America:

Back and neck pain are highly prevalent in the United States, affecting a significant portion of the population. Back pain is one of the leading reasons for missed workdays, with an estimated 80% of Americans experiencing back pain at some point in their lives. Additionally, neck pain is a common complaint, and it is estimated that approximately 20% of Americans report neck pain annually.

The economic impact of back and neck pain is also substantial. Direct medical costs, lost productivity, and disability related to these conditions amount to billions of dollars annually.

Given the widespread prevalence and potential impact on daily life and the economy, addressing and managing back and neck pain is of utmost importance. Proper diagnosis, early intervention, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve the outcomes for individuals suffering from these conditions and help enhance overall spinal health.

Orthopaedic Spine Doctors play a vital role in diagnosing and treating back issues, using their specialized training and expertise to identify the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. Diagnosing back problems involves a comprehensive approach that includes a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and often advanced imaging studies.

1. Medical History: The first step in diagnosing back issues is taking a detailed medical history from the patient. The doctor will ask questions about the nature and location of the pain, when it started, any triggering events or activities, and any other associated symptoms. Additionally, the doctor will inquire about the patient's medical history, past injuries, and any family history of spine-related conditions.

2. Physical Examination: Orthopaedic doctors perform a comprehensive physical examination to assess the patient's posture, gait, range of motion, and muscle strength. They may also conduct specific tests to identify the source of pain or neurological symptoms, such as testing reflexes, sensation, and muscle function.

3. Imaging Studies: To get a detailed view of the spine's structures, orthopaedic doctors may order imaging studies, including X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans. X-rays provide information about the alignment of the vertebrae, while MRI and CT scans offer more detailed images of soft tissues, discs, and nerves, helping to identify herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other abnormalities.

4. Diagnostic Injections: In some cases, diagnostic injections may be used to determine the specific source of pain. For example, a selective nerve root block can help identify if a particular nerve is causing the pain.

5. Bone Scans: Bone scans may be recommended in certain situations to detect infections, tumors, or stress fractures in the spine.

6. Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): These tests assess the electrical activity of muscles and nerves, helping to identify nerve compression or damage.

7. Patient Observation and Feedback: Besides medical tests, Orthopaedic Spine doctors pay close attention to patients' descriptions of their symptoms and how the pain impacts their daily activities. This information is crucial in formulating an accurate diagnosis and developing a personalized treatment plan.

Once the Orthopaedic Spine Doctor has gathered all relevant information from the various diagnostic tools, they will interpret the findings and arrive at a specific diagnosis. With this diagnosis, they can create a tailored treatment plan that may include physical therapy, medication, injections, or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention.

In conclusion, diagnosing back issues requires a systematic and comprehensive approach, integrating patient history, physical examination, and advanced medical imaging. Orthopaedic Spine Doctors' specialized training equips them to accurately diagnose and effectively treat a wide range of back problems, ultimately providing patients with the best possible care and helping them find relief from back pain and related issues.

Nonsurgical orthopaedic spine  treatment options for back and neck pain focus on relieving symptoms, improving function, and promoting healing without the need for surgical intervention. These non-invasive approaches aim to address the underlying causes of pain and help patients regain their quality of life. Some of those noninvasive back pain treatment options may include:

1. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a central role in the management of back and neck pain. Therapists design customized exercise programs to strengthen the core muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture. This helps alleviate pain, enhance spinal stability, and prevent future issues.

2. Pain Management: Pain management specialists offer various non-surgical interventions, such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation, to target specific sources of pain and provide relief.

3. Medication: Medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and analgesics may be prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation in the affected areas.

4. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation, providing temporary relief.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Orthopaedic Spine Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged sitting, and practicing good ergonomics, to prevent or manage back and neck pain.

These nonsurgical treatment options for back and neck pain are often the first line of defense, and they have shown significant success in alleviating symptoms and improving the overall well-being of patients. However, the effectiveness of each treatment varies depending on the individual's condition and response to therapy. Patients are encouraged to work closely with their Orthopaedic Spine Doctors to find the most suitable treatment plan for their specific needs.

Orthopaedic Spine & Neck Videos

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Spine Patient Video Testimonials

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