Neck and Spine Surgeons in Missoula, Montana
Specialties
Personalized Care for Neck and Spine Conditions for Patients Throughout Montana
If you’re living with back or neck pain, finding the right care can make all the difference, and that’s where experienced neck and spine surgeons in Missoula, Montana, come in. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our dedicated team of spine specialists offers a comprehensive range of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you get your life back.
We treat many types of neck and spine conditions, from spinal stenosis and scoliosis to spine injuries, spinal tumors, and degenerative conditions. Using advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive procedures, and a collaborative approach, we create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Whether you need physical therapy, pain medicine, or orthopedic surgery like anterior cervical discectomy or spinal fusion, our back, neck, and spine care team is here to help.
Call Northern Rockies Orthopaedic today at (406) 728-6101 or visit our online contact page to schedule your consultation with a trusted spine surgeon.
Common Neck and Spine Conditions We Treat in Missoula, Montana
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, we understand how back and neck pain can affect every part of your life. Our team of experienced neck and spine surgeons treats a full range of spine conditions, from mild discomfort to serious structural problems.
Whether you’re suffering from degenerative conditions, traumatic spine injuries, or complex disorders, we’re here to provide an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan using the most effective nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available.
Neck Conditions
The neck is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, discs, nerves, and soft tissue. When something goes wrong in the cervical spine, it can cause pain, stiffness, and numbness that affects the entire upper body. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our spine doctors use advanced diagnostics and a collaborative approach to treat a wide range of neck conditions.
Cervical Herniated Disc
A cervical herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a disc in the neck pushes through its outer layer, placing pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is commonly referred to as a “pinched nerve” in the neck. It results from nerve compression due to herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative conditions, and it often leads to pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, which puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It may lead to chronic neck pain, numbness, balance issues, or difficulty using the hands.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the discs in the cervical spine naturally wear down. This degenerative condition can lead to stiffness, pain, or instability in the neck. Our team offers a range of treatment options, including pain management and physical medicine, as well as minimally invasive procedures.
Whiplash Injuries
Often caused by car accidents, whiplash is a soft tissue injury that results from the neck being suddenly and forcefully moved back and forth. Symptoms may include neck pain, headaches, and restricted range of motion. While most cases improve with nonsurgical treatment, severe injuries may require surgery.
Spine & Back Conditions
The thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine are responsible for much of the body’s movement and support. When these areas are affected by injury or disease, the results can be life-limiting. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, we offer specialized care for a wide range of spine and back conditions.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
Similar to cervical herniation, this condition occurs in the lower back when a spinal disc bulges or ruptures. It often causes lower back pain, leg pain, or weakness. Treatment may include nonsurgical treatment options or spine surgery if symptoms don’t improve.
Sciatica and Nerve Compression
Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, usually from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. It results in shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down one leg. Our spine specialists employ a combination of therapies to alleviate nerve pressure and restore normal function.
Spinal Stenosis (Lumbar and Thoracic)
This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It can cause pain, cramping, or numbness in the legs and lower back. Severe cases may require surgical decompression to relieve symptoms and prevent permanent nerve damage.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one beneath it, leading to spinal instability, pain, and nerve symptoms. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve bracing, physical therapy, or spinal fusion surgery.
Spinal Fractures and Trauma
Traumatic spine injuries, including compression fractures, can be the result of accidents, falls, or osteoporosis. These injuries require urgent care and often involve a combination of advanced diagnostics, pain control, and in some cases, surgical stabilization.
Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities
Scoliosis and other spinal curvatures can develop during childhood or adulthood. These spinal disorders may cause posture problems, pain, or difficulty breathing. We offer comprehensive evaluation and both conservative and surgical treatment options.
Spinal Arthritis and Degenerative Conditions
As the spine ages, the joints and discs can break down, leading to stiffness, pain, and inflammation. We treat spinal arthritis and related conditions with customized treatment plans that may include medication, physical therapy, or minimally invasive procedures.
Spinal Tumors and Infections
Although less common, tumors or infections in the spine can cause severe symptoms and require urgent medical attention. Our back, neck, and spine surgeons provide prompt diagnosis, coordinated care, and advanced surgical treatment when needed.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Advanced Diagnostics for Neck and Spine Conditions
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis of their back, neck, and spine condition. Our team of Missoula spine specialists utilizes advanced diagnostics to identify the root cause of your back, neck, and spine pain, including detailed physical examinations, comprehensive medical history reviews, and high-resolution imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans. This thorough process enables us to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring that each patient receives the most suitable treatment options available.
Non-Surgical Neck and Spine Treatments at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic
Northern Rockies Orthopaedic offers a wide range of nonsurgical treatment options to help patients manage back and neck pain without the need for spine surgery. For many common neck and spine conditions, conservative care can effectively relieve pain, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Our physical therapy and rehabilitation programs strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and support spine stability. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition, targeted exercises and hands-on techniques can help reduce back, neck, and spine pain, supporting long-term recovery as part of your overall treatment plan.
Pain Medicine and Pain Management Options
We offer multiple pain management options to help patients manage discomfort without the need for immediate surgery. These may include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or image-guided injections such as epidural steroid injections.
Surgical Treatment Options for Neck and Spine Conditions in Missoula, Montana
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our skilled back, neck, and spine doctors in Missoula, Montana, utilize advanced surgical techniques to address a wide range of spine conditions, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, trauma, and spinal tumors. Each neck and spine care plan is built around your needs, goals, and lifestyle to help restore movement, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
For many patients, minimally invasive procedures are an effective way to relieve pain and restore function with smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery times. Surgeons often use these techniques to treat common neck and spine conditions, reducing postoperative discomfort and helping patients return to daily activities more quickly.
Microdiscectomy
Surgeons use a microdiscectomy to remove the portion of a herniated disc that compresses a nerve. By using a small incision and specialized tools, surgeons can relieve pressure and reduce leg or neck pain with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Decompression
This procedure treats spinal stenosis by removing small portions of bone or tissue that are blocking the spinal canal. It’s designed to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerves while preserving as much natural structure as possible.
Cervical or Lumbar Fusion (MIS Approach)
This minimally invasive technique stabilizes the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae using smaller incisions and advanced imaging. It’s often used for degenerative conditions, such as spondylolisthesis or instability, which cause persistent back and neck pain.
Advanced Spine and Neck Surgeries
Some neck and spine conditions require more complex surgical procedures, particularly when deformity, instability, or significant nerve compression is present. Our back, neck, and spine care team offers a comprehensive range of orthopedic surgery solutions to correct structural issues, restore alignment, and alleviate chronic pain.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
This common spine surgery involves removing a damaged disc from the cervical spine through a small incision at the front of the neck. After surgeons remove the disc, the space is fused to stabilize the spine and relieve nerve pressure.
Cervical Disc Replacement (Artificial Disc)
An alternative to fusion, this procedure replaces a damaged cervical disc with an artificial one. It allows for preserved motion and may be ideal for certain patients with degenerative disc disease.
Laminectomy and Laminotomy
These procedures relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves by removing part (laminotomy) or all (laminectomy) of the lamina, the back part of a vertebra. They’re commonly used to treat spinal stenosis and related spine disorders.
Spinal Instrumentation and Fusion
In more complex cases, surgeons can use metal rods, screws, or plates to stabilize the spine during a spinal fusion procedure. They often perform this procedure to treat scoliosis, trauma, or progressive spinal deformities.
Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Fractures
Kyphoplasty is used to treat compression fractures, which are often caused by osteoporosis or trauma. It involves inflating a small balloon inside the fractured vertebra, then filling the space with bone cement to restore height and reduce pain.
Complex Deformity Correction (Scoliosis/Kyphosis)
For severe cases of scoliosis or kyphosis, surgery may involve realigning the spine and stabilizing it using rods and screws. These complex procedures require precise planning and execution to correct deformity and improve spinal balance and function.
Robotic and Image-Guided Spine Surgery at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, we offer robotic and image-guided spine surgery to provide patients with the highest level of precision and safety during complex procedures. These advanced technologies allow our Missoula neck and spine surgeons to plan and perform spine surgery with greater accuracy, using real-time imaging and robotic assistance to guide instrument placement and protect surrounding nerves and tissues.
Robotic and navigation-assisted systems are especially helpful in minimally invasive procedures, such as spinal fusion or deformity correction. By improving control and reducing variability, these tools help improve surgical outcomes, shorten recovery time, and support long-term spine care success for patients with a wide range of neck and spine conditions.
What to Expect Before, After, and During Your Back, Neck, and Spine Treatments at NRO
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, we believe in preparing patients every step of the way through their neck and spine treatment journey. Before your procedure, our team of orthopedic specialists in Missoula, Montana, will guide you through every detail of your treatment plan, including preoperative instructions, testing, and education about your condition.
During your treatment, our experienced neck and spine surgeons and clinical staff focus on safety, precision, and compassionate patient care. After treatment, our neck and spine care team supports you with a personalized recovery plan that may include physical therapy, pain medicine, and regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and progress.
For Patient Care That Puts You First, Contact Northern Rockies Orthopaedic to Meet With a Neck and Spine Specialist Today
If you’re struggling with back, neck, or spine pain, the experienced team at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic is here to help. Our skilled neck and spine surgeons in Missoula, Montana, offer a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options to diagnose and address even the most complex spine conditions. Call us today at (406) 728-6101 or visit our online contact page to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
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