Puget Sound Orthopaedics (PSO) back experts offer diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of spinal conditions. Surgical and nonsurgical options are available for treating painful back injuries that can be caused by aging, trauma and structural irregularities. PSO spine surgeons offer procedures enabling patients to return to their active lifestyles by restoring the support and flexibility of the spine.
Your spine is composed of three curved segments: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back/chest region) and lumbar (lower back). These naturally curved sections allow you to stand upright and maintain your balance. Twenty-four bones, collectively called vertebrae, are stacked atop one another to form these sections. Ligaments connect the vertebrae and help support the spine, while disks in between each vertebra give your spine flexibility. Your spinal cord is housed in the canal created by this column of vertebrae.
INJURIES TO THE BACK AND SPINE
Back pain has a number of causes. As we age, osteoarthritis of the spine becomes more common, especially in the lower back. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in between your vertebrae wears down over time causing painful friction and inflammation.
Muscle pain and soreness caused by overactivity (playing sports, an intense workout, heavy lifting, etc.) is also common and typically resolves within a few days. If the pain doesn’t resolve, you may want to call your primary care physician.
Injury or trauma to the back can sometimes cause disk herniation or fractures. Disk herniation occurs when a disk bulges outward from the vertebrae toward the spinal canal. This creates pressure on your spinal nerves, resulting in pain, often in the buttocks and legs. Spinal fractures are often caused by injury during a car accident, major fall or other traumatic event.
Other spinal fractures can be caused by underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis (which causes weak, brittle bones) without any additional trauma. Spinal fractures only affecting the vertebrae – not the spinal cord – can sometimes be treated without surgical intervention.
COMMON BACK AND SPINE CONDITIONS
Osteoarthritis – Breakdown of disks in between spinal vertebrae, causing painful inflammation.
Disk herniation – Disks bulge outward from between the vertebrae toward the spinal cord.
Cauda Equina Syndrome – Pressure and swelling of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord.
If you are experiencing back pain, or other symptoms related to a back injury, you may require treatment from a back specialist.
Seek treatment if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Pain radiating from your back to your leg/foot
Pain in your back, legs or feet that worsens while standing/walking and is relieved by sitting
Persistent pain after heavy lifting
Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs
Loss of coordination in your arms and hands
Be sure to call our office if:
You are referred by your primary care physician or other specialist
Current, conservative treatments including physical therapy are not helpful or make your condition worse
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Your doctor will discuss all treatment options with you. The best treatment for your injury or condition will be determined in combination with your overall health.
There are several nonoperative treatment options for back pain. These might include physical therapy, epidural cortisone injections, pain medication or anti-inflammatories. If surgery is necessary, PSO spinal specialists can perform a wide variety of procedures ranging from minimally invasive to major reconstruction.
An epidural injection, or spinal injection, is a procedure with a focus of alleviating pain in the body. It is a therapeutic procedure that applies anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, and steroids to nerves and joints. If pain is coming from the arms or legs this will require a different kind of injection than if it were coming […]
See what our patients and their families have to say. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopedic care in a compassionate and caring environment.
"I was very impressed with Dr. Ghidella's knowledge, honesty, and confidence in his ability to assist me with my hand." - Deborah
"I had a very good experience. Everyone was very helpful. Lindsay was exceptionally helpful." - Mary
"Dr. Yearian and his surgical team were amazing! All my questions were answered and I felt very comfortable throughout my procedure. Every need was taken care of before I even asked! Compassion and commitment is evident!!"
"Dr. Coray is an excellent doctor. I have total trust in him!" - Larry
"We have always had wonderful care from Dr. Smith. He is kind, caring and very knowledgeable. We have referred many patients to him. - Anonymous
"I have been going to this office for a couple of years now. Everyone on the team has been absolutely wonderful to me. They are warm and friendly, but retain their professionalism. They do try to make my life easier." - Sherie
“Dr. Ghidella is always informative, shows concern, and speaks in a language in which I can understand. I would definitely recommend him to others.” - Kristina
"Very impressed with Dr. Arroyo - he was highly recommended by many of my friends." - Sharon
"Dr. Gray was amazing! He listened to my concerns and came up with a treatment plan that addresses my lifestyle and injuries as well." - Anonymous
“Dr. Jenkins has a genuine concern for his patients and I just can’t say enough good things about him. He’s a wonderful surgeon.” - Mikki
"I think Dr. Gray is the best doctor. I recommend him to everyone that needs his service." - Verlin
"Dr. Vaughan and his staff have always been the most courteous and professional. I have nothing but good things to say." - Anonymous
"Dr. Bargren is extremely caring and thorough. He listens to what I say." - Gerry
"Thank you for my shoulder surgery and rehabilitation. Before my surgery, I was unable to sleep and the use of my right arm was painful. After 6 weeks in a sling and 2 1/2 months of physical therapy I am pain free...sleeping in comfort and using my arm with ease and no pain. Although Dr. Jenkins said I still have a couple of months to go for full recovery (so I should not be moving couches around), I can perform most activities I used to do...swimming breaststroke, running, hiking, paddle boarding, etc. New lease on life! At 72 much more fun to be had!!!" - Anonymous
"Dr. Krumins listened to me, reviewed x-rays , clearly explained to me what he saw, and described short and long term options to manage my knee arthritis." - Anonymous
"Dr. Ghidella was very informative and answered all my questions. He explained the process of surgery, should that be necessary. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for answers that have the same problems I have experienced."
"I have been at this center several times and I am met with the most professional staff each time. They show that they care about each patient and you feel that at that moment no one is more important than you. Hats off to my nurse Sharon. She was awesome. Thank you." - Anonymous
"He saw my problems and even researched dates of things I had forgotten. He saw that I needed a more updated EMG done and referred me back to my rheumatologist." - Carolyn
"This was my first visit with Dr. Ghidella. He was very professional and explained thoroughly what the issue was with my thumb. We went over the possibilities of treatment. I was very satisfied with the procedures recommended."
"Your staff were very courteous and welcoming! Dr. Blair answered all my questions in a very thorough and patient manner." - Michael
"I would recommend Dr. Hassan and Puget Sound Orthopaedics to anyone with hand injuries or shoulder problems." - Cheryl
"Dr. Yearian is the best! And Joyce, his medical assistant, makes every appointment an enjoyable experience. Thank you for taking care of me!"
"Angie Baker was really amazing. I can't say enough good things about her." - Anonymous
"Overall, I have been very satisfied with my care and promptness of all my appointments, prior to and after my surgery." - Diane
"Dr. Gray is a very empathetic man and has genuine concern for his patients." - Dave
"I have seen Dr. Bede since 1984. His thoroughness has always been a strong point." - Aaron
"Words can’t express how grateful I am for Dr. Peter Krumins and his fantastic surgical team at Puget Sound Orthopaedics. Thank you for taking care of me! I can’t believe how great I feel after the surgery! I know it will take some time but I will be back dancing, working out and doing all the things I love!!! My deepest gratitude to you all!" - Silvia
"Dr. Hassan is always polite, understands my problems, and explains treatment in a way I can understand." - Dennis
"The office staff were very friendly. Dr. Gray was very nice and was a good listener. We did not feel rushed. He gave us good information and follow up plan laid out well."
“Working at Puget Sound Orthopaedics is like working for a big family: everyone cares.” - Kristin C.