Back Pain Treatment from Fellowship-Trained Specialists
Spine Specialist
Back pain, spinal degeneration, and spinal injury can be extremely painful, and in some cases, completely debilitating. If you're struggling with any type of spinal condition, the Fort Myers orthopedic doctors at Orthopedic Specialists of Southwest Florida (OSSWF) can help.
Orthopedic Specialists of SWFL is a renowned Southwest Florida-based medical practice specializing in comprehensive spinal care. Our Fort Myers orthopedic surgeons specialize in non-operative and operative treatment of spinal conditions. Our spine surgeons are all fellowship trained and have experience in dealing with the full spectrum of spinal disorders. Spine and other orthopedic conditions frequently overlap.
Whether you’re looking for the best treatment for osteoporosis or need relief from a herniated disc, the best orthopedic surgeons Fort Myers has to offer can help. If you're ready to get your life back by putting an end to your spine pain, contact Orthopedic Specialists of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, FL today. We look forward to helping you recover and live pain-free.
Osteoporosis Treatment, Sciatica Treatment & More
Cutting-Edge Treatment & Diagnosis of Spinal Conditions
Being one of the most comprehensive musculoskeletal centers in the region allows our spine team to collaborate with other orthopedic specialists to provide our patients with a holistic and seamless treatment experience. We practice evidence-based medicine, use cutting-edge technology and employ minimally-invasive techniques to provide our patients with exceptional spinal care.
Some of the most common spinal conditions we treat include:
- Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when a disc in the spine is injured or wears down, and bulges into the spinal canal. Obesity and a history of smoking increase the risk of bulging discs. The damaged disc may be removed in a procedure called a discectomy.
- Sciatica: Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve in the low back, due to spinal stenosis, degenerative disease, and when a muscle deep in the buttocks pinches the nerve.
- Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses the spinal cord and nerves. Compression results in myelopathy, a condition that causes gait disturbances, and muscle spasticity, weakness and numbness. It is usually caused by osteoarthritis of the spine, a slowly progressive degeneration. The most common procedure to decompress the spine is a laminectomy.
- Spinal Compression Fractures: Osteoporotic fractures of the spine and hip are due to Osteoporosis, a disease that causes weak, brittle, fragile bones that are easily broken. Medications for pain and to treat bone density are employed, along with a back brace. Chronic pain may require surgery.
- Degenerative disc disease: This is a natural breakdown of the discs between the vertebrae due to trauma, genetics and previous surgery. It causes debilitating pain and muscle spasms, and in the worst case drastically affects quality of life. In that case, spinal fusion or disc replacement surgery may provide relief.
- Neck Pain (Cervical Spine): Neck pain is often due to degenerative or aging conditions of the spine that put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
- Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched or compressed nerve. There are three types of radiculopathy, named for the region where the nerve is being pinched; cervical, thoracic, and lumbar radiculopathy.
At OSSWF, we don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach to any patient, including those who are in need of spinal care. Each one of our patients gets a unique treatment plan designed for their needs.
Our Spine Specialists
Paul Fuchs, DORole: Surgical Treatment of Spinal Disorders
Dale Segal, MDRole: Surgical Treatment: Spinal Disorders
Allen Tafel, MDRole: Non-Surgical Treatments of Spinal Disorders
Frequently Asked Questions
How is spinal pain diagnosed?
Your spine expert at Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order imaging studies such as X-Rays for bone fractures and arthritis, and MRIs for soft tissue injuries.
Your spine specialist will evaluate your symptoms, physical findings, imaging studies, and lab tests to make a diagnosis. You will be provided with an explanation of your pain, and create a personalized program for your success.
Will I need physical therapy following my spinal procedure?
Yes. Physical therapy isn’t an optional step after your surgery – it’s a vital part of your recovery process that ensures that your body will return to full function. At OSSWF, our physical therapists will guide your rehabilitation safely and effectively after surgery.
Does your back specialist near me accept health insurance?
Yes! At OSSWF, we want premium orthopedic care to be available to as many patients as possible. That’s why we’re proud to accept insurance from a variety of providers across the Southwest Florida region. Visit our Insurance page to learn more about our providers, and feel free to reach out to our friendly and compassionate staff with any questions.
How can I get started with the best back surgeons near me?
If you or a loved one suffers from an injury, trauma or degenerative disease that affects the function of their spine, call the well-respected and specialized orthopedic surgeons in SW Florida.
OSSWF makes it easy to get started on your road to a complete recovery. Just use our online scheduling tool to request your first consultation with us. We can’t wait to get started.