Neck and back pain can happen at home, at work or to just about anyone who sits too long or moves without proper body mechanics. In fact, experts estimate that nearly 80 percent of U.S. men and women will be affected by spine-related pain at some point in their lives.
Neck pain is frequently caused from the facet joints and from the discs, which are deep in the spine. The pain you’re experiencing may originate from these areas and affect the surrounding nerves.
Back pain is a more complicated and personal experience due to the overlap of nerves in the structures of the spine. This makes it difficult for the brain to distinguish between injury in one structure versus another, which is why scans and X-rays are often used to determine the root cause of the pain.
Relief Starts Here
Whether you’re struggling with recent or chronic pain, the board-certified orthopedic experts at the Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) can help. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan, whether that’s physical therapy, a minimally invasive treatment or the latest, minimally invasive surgical options.
Conditions We Treat
Just some of our specialties include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Disc compression
- Herniated discs
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
Helping Put Your Back Pain Behind You
We always begin by listening, to understand exactly what you’re dealing with and how it’s impacting your life. Then together, we’ll find the best solution for your pain, which may include:
Nonsurgical treatments: Whenever possible, your OICM spine surgeon will recommend non-invasive options, which can bring complete relief. One common treatment is therapy services and an exercise program, often supplemented with medication. We also offer quick in-office procedures such as injections or nerve blocks.
Surgical options: When non-invasive treatments are not enough to manage or solve your neck and back pain, you may need surgery to eliminate pain and restore mobility. Our skilled surgeons perform many types of complex procedures with excellent outcomes, including laminectomy, foraminotomy, disc replacement, kyphoplasty, and discectomy. We use the latest, minimally invasive techniques, which often offer significantly less pain and fewer complications, while minimizing damage to healthy tissue and helping promote a fast recovery.
Orthopedic Excellence, Close to Home
The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:
- Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
- Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
- Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine