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Back & Neck Evaluation, Treatment, & Surgery

Back and neck pain can be just mildly irritating—or it can interfere with your day-to-day activities and prevent you from living a healthy, full life. Spine Services at University of Utah Health treats all types of back, neck, and spine-related pain and disorders. This includes common to the most complex problems.

We understand that the idea of having spine surgery can be scary and overwhelming. For this reason, we only recommend surgery as a last resort—when it’s clear other treatments won’t relieve pain. We use conservative treatments first, always recommending exercise, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes before more invasive treatments. We also offer spine evaluations to help our patients determine the best treatment options for their condition.

Our care team of expert neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and physiatrists use the latest technology and research, ensuring you receive the most effective and current treatments available. When you need care, why not go to the place where spine and back specialists are trained?

Care We Provide

Back Pain
Neck Pain

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    Resources About Back, Neck & Spine Pain

    When to See a Back Specialist

    Like most Americans, you’ll probably have back pain at some point in your life. Luckily, most back pain goes away within one to two weeks. But if your pain is long-term or chronic—and if you have certain symptoms with your low back pain—you may want to see a spine specialist.

    Rethinking Back Pain Treatment

    Low back pain is the leading cause of disability around the world. It is estimated that more than 100-billion dollars is spent in the U.S. alone each year on treatments – more than almost any other health condition. But are those treatments working? 

    Back, Spine, & Neck Clinical Trials

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    Hear From Our Patients

    Patient Has Less Pain After Life-Changing Spinal Stenosis Surgery

    For years, Dan Owens suffered excruciating back pain, barely managing to make his way between the bed, a nearby bathroom, and a chair only feet away. After many diagnoses and failed treatments for pain management, he grew discouraged. In August 2018, an MRI revealed he had spinal stenosis (severe narrowing caused by arthritis and degenerative disk disease), which exerts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

    Getting Back to Grandpa: Improving Quality of Life For Spinal Revision Patients

    Greg Pierce enjoys gardening, playing with his grandkids, building a new home in Idaho, and taking shifts serving patrons at their area religious temple. But it wasn't always like this. Just a few months ago, Greg could barely walk or stand upright without excruciating pain in his back, hips, and legs. After a long career managing freight and supply for a local grocery business, Greg suffered chronic back strain and underwent compounding surgeries as his condition got worse.

    Hear From Our Spine Specialists

    Feb 05, 2020

    How to Shovel Snow: Tips to Prevent Injury

    It doesn't matter if you're a veteran snow shoveler or more of a beginner—save your back with these tips. Otherwise, you may end up suffering from back pain.

    Aug 13, 2019

    Why Does My Lower Back Hurt?

    Roughly 80 percent of people will experience pain in the lower back that is significant enough to limit activity. However this is a very common issue and one that is relatively easy to deal with. Read what you can do and...

    Jun 25, 2019

    Scoliosis is a Common Problem that Can Turn Serious

    Scoliosis is common and usually isn't progressive, and, fortunately, those with the condition often can live without much trouble. For some, however, scoliosis can cause pain and even impair function if left untreated. D...

    Mar 12, 2019

    What's Causing the Shooting Pain in My Leg?

    Sciatica is a pain that originates from the back but shoots down the legs to the foot. It’s often described as an electrical sensation accompanied by sharp pain. Sciatica can affect patients of all ages and often comes...

    Jan 30, 2019

    A Holistic Approach to Back Pain

    Anyone who has had back pain—and that’s nearly all of us—knows how debilitating it can be. Even more frustrating is that for many, that pain comes back, again and again, no matter what they try. Julie Fritz, Ph.D.,...

    Dec 28, 2018

    Health Hack: Yoga to Help With Lower Back Pain

    Chronic lower back pain is one of the most common types of pain in the United States. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen says yoga can reduce lower back pain and may be a cheaper alternative to the typical treatmen...

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