Back Pain & Injury

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. It can develop suddenly after lifting, twisting, or injury, or gradually over time due to repetitive stress, poor posture, or degenerative changes within the spine. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort and stiffness to severe pain that limits daily activities.

While many cases involve muscle strains or ligament sprains, back pain can also result from spinal conditions affecting the discs, joints, or nerves. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment options to help patients relieve pain, restore function, and return to their normal activities.

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The bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) absorb substantial force. To soften the impact and cushion contact between the bones, the building blocks of the column are separated by resilient, rubbery, intervertebral discs. Normally, the structure withstands significant forces, without incident, but compression fractures occur under certain circumstances. Osteoporosis, trauma, and other pathological causes may each play a role in a compression fracture.

Vertebral compression fracture comes about when an individual vertebra is squeezed, causing it to crack and/or break under pressure.

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Degenerative disc disease occurs when the spinal discs gradually lose hydration, flexibility, and height as part of the natural aging process. Although it is called a “disease,” degenerative disc disease is actually a common age-related condition that can affect the neck or lower back. As discs wear down, patients may experience back pain, neck pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and, in some cases, nerve compression that causes pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.

While disc degeneration cannot be reversed, many patients find significant relief through nonsurgical treatments and lifestyle modifications. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive spine care to help patients manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle.

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A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s outer layer, potentially irritating nearby nerves. Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back but can also develop in the neck and cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Symptoms may range from localized back pain to radiating pain in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the affected disc.

While many herniated discs improve with conservative treatment, some cases require more advanced intervention to relieve nerve compression and restore function. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive spine care designed to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to their daily activities.

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Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly known as sciatica, occurs when a nerve in the lower back becomes compressed, irritated, or inflamed. This nerve compression often causes pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks, leg, or foot and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Lumbar radiculopathy is frequently caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other degenerative spine conditions.

While symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant pain and mobility limitations, many patients find relief through nonsurgical treatment. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our spine specialists provide comprehensive care to help relieve nerve compression, reduce pain, and restore function.

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Peroneal nerve entrapment occurs when the common peroneal nerve becomes compressed or irritated, most often near the outside of the knee as it wraps around the fibula. This nerve plays an important role in lifting the foot, moving the ankle, and providing sensation to portions of the lower leg and foot. When the nerve becomes compressed, patients may experience numbness, tingling, weakness, pain, or difficulty lifting the foot while walking.

In more severe cases, the condition can lead to foot drop and changes in gait. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to relieve nerve compression, restore function, and help patients return to their normal activities.

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Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. While some cases are mild and cause few symptoms, others may lead to back pain, uneven posture, reduced mobility, and progression of the spinal deformity over time. Scoliosis can affect children, adolescents, and adults and may develop for a variety of reasons.

At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our spine specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment options to help manage symptoms, monitor spinal curvature, and ultimately improve quality of life.

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Spinal cord compression occurs when pressure is placed on the spinal cord, disrupting the signals that travel between the brain and body. This condition can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, balance problems, and difficulty walking, depending on the location and severity of the compression. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help prevent further nerve damage and preserve mobility.

At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our spine specialists provide comprehensive care for spinal cord compression, including advanced diagnostic evaluations, rehabilitation programs, spinal injections, and surgical treatment when necessary. Our goal is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, restore function, and help patients maintain their independence and quality of life. Call (855) 386-7846 to schedule an appointment and discuss your treatment options.

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A spinal cord injury is a serious condition that occurs when damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and the body. These injuries can result from traumatic events such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or spinal fractures. Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the injury and may include pain, weakness, numbness, loss of sensation, or impaired movement.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing further damage and maximizing recovery. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive spine care to help patients manage symptoms, improve function, and regain independence whenever possible.

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Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. The condition most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine) and often develops gradually as part of the aging process. Symptoms may include back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty walking or standing for extended periods.

While spinal stenosis can significantly affect mobility and quality of life, many patients find relief through conservative treatments and nonsurgical therapies. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive spine care to help patients relieve pain, improve function, and return to the activities they enjoy.

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Spine arthritis is a common degenerative condition that occurs when the joints, discs, and cartilage within the spine gradually wear down over time. Also known as spondylosis, this condition can affect the neck, mid-back, or lower back and may lead to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and nerve compression. While many people develop some degree of spinal degeneration as they age, symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant limitations in daily activities.

Treatment options often include physical therapy, medication management, spinal injections, and, in some cases, surgery. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our specialists provide comprehensive spine care to help patients relieve pain, improve function, and maintain an active lifestyle.

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A spine fracture occurs when one or more of the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column, break or collapse. These injuries can result from traumatic events such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports injuries, or from weakened bone caused by osteoporosis and other medical conditions. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, patients may experience back pain, reduced mobility, changes in posture, nerve symptoms, or spinal instability.

While some fractures heal with conservative treatment, more severe injuries may require bracing or surgical intervention. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our spine specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to relieve pain, promote healing, and restore function.

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