Struggling with back or neck pain can be an isolating experience. The discomfort and limited mobility can make once-simple tasks feel like insurmountable challenges, stealing independence and joy from your daily life. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we specialize in all types of spine disorders, with a variety of treatment options that can bring long-lasting relief. We know you may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed about the prospect of undergoing a spinal procedure. With state-of-the-art diagnostics and the latest surgical techniques, you can rest assured you will receive superior care when you choose OIO as your partner in reclaiming your life from pain.
Back & Neck
The Anatomy and Function of Our Spine
The spine is the central support system of our body. It extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis and is made up of a series of small bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of one another and separated by intervertebral discs. We also have nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments that control sensation and movement.
The spine is divided into four regions:
- Cervical spine: the upper portion, consisting of 7 vertebrae in the neck
- Thoracic spine: the middle portion, consisting of 12 vertebrae in the middle back
- Lumbar spine: the lower portion, consisting of 5 vertebrae in the lower back
- Sacral spine: the bottom portion, consisting of 5 fused vertebrae that connect to the hip bones
Our spine helps us to stand upright, maintain balance and perform a wide range of movements. It’s unique design allows us to do things that require flexibility and mobility, like twisting and bending, while also providing natural “shock absorption” to reduce the impact of our activities.
Many issues can occur in the delicate vertebrae of the spine. Some may happen because of injury or trauma, while others are merely the result of normal wear and tear on the bones and discs.
“I had spinal surgery at OIO and I can’t say enough good things about them. I spent a few days on the surgery side, and every one of them, nurses and staff, was phenomenal!!!” – Tracy H.
Common Spine Injuries and Conditions
No matter what your diagnosis might be, we are prepared to offer the latest and most effective ways of treating the following conditions:
Spinal Fractures
Fractures of the vertebrae usually occur in the mid and lower back and are frequently due to trauma like a car crash, fall or sports accident. They can also be a result of osteoporosis, an age-related condition that causes the bones to become brittle and break more easily.
Spinal fractures often heal without any intervention, but when they don’t, surgical procedures like spinal fusion can stabilize the injured area of the spine for more efficient healing.
Instability of the Spine
While fractures are the most common cause of spinal instability, they are not the only one. Excessive motion in the spine, which is often due to arthritic conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can also be a culprit.
When instability leads to pain and reduced mobility, surgery can provide the support the spine needs to regain strength and function once again.
Spine Deformities
Spine deformities can be congenital (present at birth) or develop over time. Two of the most common types of abnormalities include scoliosis, where the spine has a sideways curvature, and kyphosis, which is an unusual outward curve of the upper spine. These deformities can lead to reduced function and persistent pain, affecting a person’s ability to perform daily tasks or participate in enjoyable activities.
While there are different treatment options for these conditions, some patients can benefit from surgical correction and stabilization, such as spinal fusion.
Herniated Disc
Between each vertebra of the spine lies a rubbery disc that protects the bones from damaging one another and ensuring painless movement of the back. Over time, the outer coating of the disc can become dry and start to crack, which allows the jelly-like substance inside to seep out. The escaping material can compress spinal nerves, causing pain, tingling and numbness.
Surgery to remove the damaged disc or a portion of it is often necessary to reverse the condition and eliminate the symptoms.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra moves forward over the one below. The movement can lead to pain and stiffness, which makes even routine daily tasks more challenging. Spondylolisthesis is often seen in athletes, due to the strain placed on the lower back during many sports. However, it can also develop as a result of an injury or the natural aging process.
Spinal fusion is one surgical treatment often recommended for spondylolisthesis.
Spinal Stenosis
Also known as narrowing of the spinal canal, spinal stenosis often occurs when bony overgrowths or a herniated disc form. The changes can place excessive pressure on nerves, leading to pain as well as tingling and numbness in the associated limbs. Weakness can also be a symptom of spinal stenosis, which can prevent you from performing daily chores.
There are different ways to address spinal stenosis, including spinal fusion or another surgical procedure known as lumbar laminectomy.
Scoliosis
In children and adolescents, an abnormal spinal curvature may develop. This may cause a variety of conditions like uneven shoulders or hips, the appearance of leaning when standing straight, a slanted waistline or one side of the ribcage appearing more prominent than the other.
There are mild and extreme cases of scoliosis, and some people with the condition are lucky enough to have hardly any noticeable symptoms. Regardless of the severity, scoliosis should be monitored to ensure it does not create long-term problems for the patient.
When to Seek Treatment for a Spine Issue
Symptoms of spine issues can vary widely. They may worsen in the morning, after you’ve been sitting for a while, or following intense activity. Severe pain might hinder your ability to perform basic movements like walking or bending.
It may be time to visit a specialist if you have:
- Chronic, mild to moderate back pain that persists for more than six weeks
- Recurrent pain that comes and goes but gradually worsens over time
- Increasing difficulty with activities that were previously manageable
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Numbness or tingling in your legs or arms
- Progressive weakness in your legs or arms
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden, intense back pain
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Noticeable changes in posture or spinal alignment
- Symptoms of infection, such as fever or chills
Early detection and intervention can prevent further complications and worsening of the condition. If you recognize any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with the spine experts at OIO today.
“If you have issues with your back this is the place to go. Very thorough with x-rays and doctor-patient discussions of what is happening. A great place for medical treatment. I recommend OIO Lima to anyone searching for orthopedic treatments.” – Mark M.
How We Diagnose Spine Conditions
Diagnosis of spinal conditions begins with a thorough review of your health history and a physical examination. Your OIO provider will ask questions to learn about your symptoms and when they started.
During the exam, they will assess your level of pain, muscle strength, spinal alignment, reflexes and range of motion. Diagnostic tests may include the following:
- X-rays to view the alignment of your bones
- MRI scans to look at your soft tissues, including discs, ligaments and nerves
- CT scans to provide a detailed view of bone and spinal structures for more complex cases
- Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing to assess nerve damage and dysfunction
- Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate how well a muscle responds when the nerves are stimulated
These diagnostic steps allow us to accurately identify the root causes of your spinal issues and craft a targeted treatment plan.
Surgical Treatments for Spine Injuries and Conditions
The Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio offers a variety of spine treatments, which allow us to tailor procedures to each of our patients. Some of the more common surgeries we offer include:
Spinal Fusion
During this operation, the surgeon fuses two or more of the small bones of the spine together to create stability and reduce associated discomfort. Different techniques can be used for this procedure, but all involve grafting in bone or a synthetic substance to “weld” the bone together.
Balloon Kyphoplasty
Used to treat some spinal fractures, balloon kyphoplasty uses a balloon to place the damaged vertebrae back into position before applying medical-grade cement into the bones to hold them in place and allow them to heal. Balloon kyphoplasty can be performed using less invasive techniques than traditional spinal surgery, which means less discomfort and quicker recovery for the patient.
Lumbar Laminectomy
A lumbar laminectomy involves removal of the back part of the vertebrae, known as the lamina, to reduce narrowing of the spinal column and the pressure and pain that often accompany it. This procedure is performed using a variety of techniques, depending on the cause of the spinal stenosis. In some cases, patients return home the same day as the surgery.
Lumbar Discectomy
Primarily recommended when a herniated disc is present, the lumbar discectomy removes some or all of the damaged disc to relieve pressure on the spine. Different techniques, including minimally-invasive methods, can be utilized during a lumbar discectomy depending on the level of injury that must be addressed. If the entire disc must be removed, spinal fusion may be performed at the same time to ensure the stability of the spine.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive techniques have replaced traditional methods in many patients because they offer comparable benefits with less discomfort and recovery time. Through the use of specialized tools and medical instruments, extensive spinal surgeries like decompression, fusion and discectomy are well suited for minimally invasive techniques.
OIO: the Trusted Choice for Comprehensive Spine Care
At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we understand the immense trust you place in your spine surgeon. Our team of board-certified orthopaedic surgeons and spine specialists brings decades of combined experience and expertise to the table.
We’ve helped countless patients reclaim their mobility, independence and quality of life through advanced spine surgery techniques and comprehensive, patient-centered care. From minimally invasive procedures to complex spinal reconstructions, our team is equipped to address a wide range of spinal conditions and injuries.
When you choose OIO, you’re not just choosing a surgeon or a facility. You’re choosing a partner who will be with you from your initial consultation to your final rehabilitation session. We also offer ongoing support and resources to help you maintain a healthy spine and prevent future injuries.
“They were so professional and helped me so much. I was in pain until they fixed my spine. No more pain and I feel fantastic. Thanks to all at OIO for all they did for me.” – Steven L.
Begin Your Journey Back to Spine Health Today
Spine conditions can lead to significant pain and restricted motion, making it difficult to enjoy even the most routine activities in your day. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we are committed to helping you pinpoint the cause of your back pain so that we can recommend the best treatment option for you.
To learn more, schedule your consultation at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio today at 419-963-4870.
FAQs
How long does it take to recover from spinal surgery?
Recovery time after spinal surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, the extent of the surgery and individual factors such as age and overall health. Generally, patients can expect to return to light activities within a few weeks, with a gradual return to more strenuous activities over several months. Full recovery may take anywhere from a few months to a year.
What post-operative support will I receive after spine surgery?
Our team provides comprehensive post-operative support. This includes:
- Detailed aftercare instructions
- Pain management and medication support
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress
- Ongoing communication and support from our care team
- Resources and education to help you maintain a healthy spine and prevent future issues
How do I relieve back pain?
To alleviate back pain on your own, try applying heat or cold packs to the painful area. Make sure to maintain good posture and ergonomics throughout the day, and experiment with incorporating gentle stretching and low-impact exercises into your routine. Use over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications as needed.
What are the nonsurgical alternatives to spine surgery?
Your options may include:
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Medication management
- Injections, such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss or posture improvement
- Mind-body techniques, such as tai chi or yoga
Can spine surgery alleviate lower back pain permanently?
Spine surgery provides significant and long-lasting relief from back pain in many cases. However, it is not always a permanent solution. The long-term success of a procedure depends on many different factors. It is possible to experience a recurrence of symptoms or develop new issues over time.
Despite this, many patients find that surgery significantly improves their quality of life, allowing them to return to many activities they enjoy with less discomfort.
Thanksgiving Hours
Thursday, 11/27/25 – Closed
Friday, 11/28/25 – Closed
Saturday, 11/29/25 – Open (Lima Sports)
Christmas Hours
Wednesday, 12/24/25 – Closing at noon
Thursday, 12/25/25 – Closed
Friday, 12/26/25 – Closed
Saturday, 12/27/25 – Closed
New Year’s Hours
Wednesday, 12/31/25 – Closing at noon
Thursday, 1/1/26 – Closed
Friday, 1/2/26 – Open
Saturday, 1/3/26 – Open (Lima Sports)