If back or leg pain due to spinal issues are compromising your quality of life, you can count on the board-certified neurosurgeons at Emerson Health for expert care.
It is important to know, however, that surgery is rarely the first-line treatment for spinal issues. That is why Emerson has a comprehensive
spine program.
Our spine program provides complete diagnostic and management options, including conservative measures such as physical therapy. Only when appropriate non-surgical treatments have been exhausted is spinal surgery considered.
In addition, we offer comprehensive
pain management services through the Emerson Spine Center. Pain specialists from the Emerson Spine Center, in collaboration with Lahey Clinic neurosurgeons, perform interventional pain procedures in Emerson’s
Clough Surgical Center.
When spinal surgery is required, Emerson’s Spine Center works closely with neurosurgeons at the respected Lahey Clinic. Patients who require surgery for brain or peripheral nerve disorders also are referred to Lahey.
spinal conditions we see at Emerson
Our neurosurgeons have expertise in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions affecting the spine, including:
- Ruptured discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylosis
- Myelopathy
- Scoliosis
- Spinal instability
- Spinal trauma
- Spinal cord tumors
Sophisticated diagnostic resources
Effective treatment for back and leg pain starts with an accurate diagnosis. Emerson offers some of today’s most advanced diagnostic resources for spinal conditions, including:
Electromyogram (EMG)
A test that measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. This test can help evaluate pinched nerves and pinpoint the location of any nerve injury at the nerve roots, where nerves emerge from the spinal cord.
A diagnostic imaging test used to help diagnose — or rule out — spinal column damage
MRI scans are particularly useful for assessing spinal conditions by providing detail of the disc (in degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis, for example) and nerve roots (in herniated discs or spinal stenosis). MRI scans can also rule out tumors or spinal infections.
Support Services and Groups
Physiatry (a medical specialty that focuses on physical and rehabilitation medicine) plays an integral role in spinal care at Emerson Hospital.
In addition, Emerson has a robust spine rehabilitation program, staffed by physical therapists with advanced training in helping patients avoid — or recover from — spinal surgery.
Plus, Emerson's Steinberg Wellness Center for Mind and Body offers a wide range of exercise and movement classes.
