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 have seen Dr. Bede since 1984. His thoroughness has always been a strong point." - Aaron
"Dr. Vaughan gave me lots of great information on exercises I can do at home for my knees. I will absolutely recommend him." - Andrea
"Dr. Gray replaced both of my knees. He did an excellent job surgically as well as preparing me for this surgery through his staff and the joint class and preoperative meeting with Sarah PA-C. I was standing the day of surgery and walking within 24 hours. I was back at work and driving within 3 weeks. Physical therapy and a successful surgery made all the difference. Dr. Gray and his staff have been great answering questions and support. I would highly recommend Dr. Gray and I am very glad that I did a double knee replacement." - Francea
"Staff are very courteous and efficient. Dr. Martin did superior work on my back surgery. I have my life back now. Thank you so much." - John
“What a friendly, charming, helpful doctor. I was surprised at how many of my friends have been to Dr. Yearian, and all of them had only positive things to say. Now, I see why.” - Anonymous
“Dr. Blair explained my condition to me with ease and care. I felt like he really cares about me and helping make my life better! He took his time and answered all my questions.” - Karin
"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
"Very impressed with Dr. Arroyo - he was highly recommended by many of my friends." - Sharon
"I have always gotten great care at Puget Sound Orthopaedics. The doctors I’ve experienced have been medically knowledgeable, willing to share information, are compassionate and caring about me as a patient and not just a surgical prospect." - Barbara
"Gratefulness fills my heart and soul for how I feel with this new life free from the deep throbbing chronic pain inside my hip. This is an organization of experts from front desk, support staff, and doctors. Very proud to be cared for by Puget Sound Orthopaedics." - Richard
"Dr. Yearian has provided me with exceptional care for nearly 20 years." - Roger
“Everyone was great. I would definitely recommend this facility and Dr. Ghidella.” - Anonymous
“I go to Dr. Blair first regarding my back. I had surgery with him 11 years ago, and he gave me my life back.” - Judith
"I have every confidence in Dr. Arroyo. He comes with the highest recommendations. His personality is superb!" - Don
"I was impressed by Dr. Coray's listening skills and genuine concern for my issues." - Carolyn
"Dr. Hassan has saved my hands and eliminated a great deal of pain from my life. His knowledge and his professional manner is superior. He has also done my rotator cuff. I recommend him to people all the time. Your office staff is very efficient and always informative and kind." - Marla
"Dr. Blair spent a good deal of time with me and was clearly confident in his assessment and treatment options for my condition." - Peter
"Dr. Bede explained my condition and showed me the x-rays, explaining what he was doing in a manner that I understood." - Jerry
"Dr. Vaughn has done knee replacement on both of my knees. He is very courteous and has answered every question I have ever had. I would recommend him to everyone." - Elaine
“Working at Puget Sound Orthopaedics is like working for a big family: everyone cares.” - Kristin C.
"Dr. Blair has always made me feel as if we were family." - Jonathan
"I was so pleased with my appointment. So impressed with the promptness. The staff was pleasant and nice. Meeting Dr. Gray was an enjoyable experience. He was pleasant and explained how my knee replacement after 7 yrs presented in the X-rays. It was good news. What a great surprise and lovely experience to meet the doctor and staff. I am happy!"
"I was greatly impressed by Dr. Smith's competence and friendliness. He always addressed me by my first name and carefully listened to what I had to say." - Joan
"Dr. Jenkins always explains my injury in terms that I can understand and answers all my questions, taking the extra time with me." - Warren
"I was so impressed by the staff. Everyone was professional and made me feel safe. I was impressed by Dr. Ghidella and felt fortunate to be able to have found him."
"Love Puget Sound Orthopaedics. Dr. Hassan is amazing!! Great attitude, friendly, compassionate, empathetic and he is always smiling!! Those girls at the front desk are also always smiling, no matter what is going on. When checking in patients, they greet each and every patient with a smile. Huge kudos to this clinic. Everyone is so welcoming, kind, friendly, and smiley. Great job everyone!!" - Anonymous
"Dr. Jenkins is a superb physician who is always up-to-date with my condition and helpful in explaining my problem." - George
"Dr. Bargren is a really good and smart doctor. He knows what he is talking about. You can tell he cares about his patients' well-being." - Dashawn
"When Dr. Krumins saw me, he took as much time as was needed to discuss my case. He did not rush at all and was exceptionally thorough." - Gregg
"I have to say that I am totally glad that I saw Dr. Vaughan and Puget Sound Orthopaedics for my knee. Everyone that I interacted with for my treatment was kind, warm and professional. All of the clinic staff at all three locations were wonderful. I will definitely use you again if I need any future treatments, hopefully not though. Thank you again for taking such great care of me." - Art