Spine Care

At United Regional Health Care System, we’re providing services of the highest quality, without compromise. We strive for and achieve national levels of excellence, ensuring that our community receives the best possible care — right here in Wichita Falls.

Our dedication to accessibility and personalization in spine care is not just a statement but a practice we uphold in every aspect. Combined with our comprehensive services, highly skilled team, and advanced technology, spine patients are sure to receive a holistic and personalized experience.

Back pain has a wide range of causes – from injuries, pinched nerves, and herniated discs, to spinal fractures and conditions such as arthritis and spondylolisthesis. Regardless of the cause, back pain can negatively impact your quality of life.

Back pain can be divided into two categories: acute and chronic.

Acute back pain rarely lasts more than three weeks and usually resolves on its own. This type of pain often results from an awkward movement, improper heavy lifting, or even a minor sports injury.

Chronic back pain typically lasts more than three months and often requires medical intervention. It is common for chronic back pain to not be traced to a single cause or event.

Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment 

Symptoms of back pain may include:

• Burning sensation
• Dull, aching pain
• Pain extending into the buttocks or even the upper legs
• Sharp, stabbing pain

Diagnostic Approaches

To determine the cause of your back pain, our team uses a variety of approaches, including:

• Bone scan: Uses nuclear imaging to detect bone disease
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: Uses X-ray technology to produce detailed images of your body
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of your body
• Myelography: Reveals issues in the body through a combination of X-ray or CT scans and a contrast dye
• Nerve conduction studies and electromyography: Measures electrical activity generated by muscles and nerves
• X-ray (radiography): Produces images of the body by focusing a small amount of radiation on affected areas

After diagnosis, patients will see the appropriate specialists for their specific symptoms, following a care plan tailored to their needs.

Therapies and Treatments

Therapies may include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Often effective for conditions such as arthritis or sciatica
• Biofeedback: Uses electrical sensors to learn about what’s happening in the body
• Cortisone injections: Steroid shots that target pain generators to reduce inflammation and pain
• Electrical stimulation: Loosens muscles in the abdominal area or spine
• Myofascial release: A deep soft tissue massage to loosen muscles that may be compressing nerves in the spine
• Procedures such as nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablations: Help decrease pain generated from the spine
• Physical therapy: Patients are taught stretching, strengthening, and conditioning techniques aimed at the spine- and back-supporting parts of the body

Surgery: May be recommended when other methods have not been sufficient or in the case of a medical emergency. Minimally invasive surgery is often effective for conditions such as herniated discs or mild spinal fractures. Traditional open surgery may be recommended for more advanced problems (such as severe disc degeneration, severe scoliosis, or spinal trauma) or if a patient has had previous surgeries. When surgery is necessary, the caring neurosurgeons at United Regional guide patients through the decision-making process, offering detailed explanations of surgical options, and preparing patients for what to expect before, during, and after the procedure

United Regional Neurosurgery is dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad range of neurological conditions impacting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

In the realm of spine care, our team collaborates to design a personalized treatment plan tailored to the unique needs of each patient, which often goes beyond mere surgical interventions. When surgery is necessary, the caring neurosurgeons at United Regional guide patients through the decision-making process, offering detailed explanations of surgical options, preparing patients for what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. 

United Regional offers an added advantage — the convenience of staying in our own community for all aspects of care, including physical therapy, imaging, and follow-up appointments, simplifying the healthcare journey for our patients and their caregivers.