Roper St. Francis Healthcare has brought together some of the regions top specialists in neurosurgery, orthopedics, pain management and rehabilitation to form the Roper St. Francis Spine Center. The Spine Center, located at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, offers interventions for all types of spinal disorders from the most common back and neck problems to degenerative and acute conditions of the spine. At the Spine Center, patients have access to the most advanced spine technology available along with a comprehensive approach to relieving pain and restoring spine function.

Comprehensive Care for People with Acute and Chronic Neck and Back Pain

• Spine specialists board certified in Neurosurgery or Orthopedics
• Board Certified Anesthesiologists experienced in the field of pain management, including various types of injections
• Doctors board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Dedicated nursing unit and specially trained nursing staff
• Specially trained physical therapists
• The latest diagnostic technology including CT and MRI
• Dedicated operating room and OR staff
• Specialized suites for interventional pain management

The Spine Team Physicians

The Spine Center's neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and anesthesiologists are board certified in their respective fields and have extensive training in spinal disorders. Seeking the care of a surgeon does not necessarily mean that surgery will result. In fact, most back and neck pain can be managed conservatively. However, surgery may be the best or only option to treat some conditions.

Pain Management

At the Roper St. Francis Pain Clinic board certified anesthesiologists affiliated with the Spine Center offer treatment for a broad range of acute and chronic conditions of the neck and back. Working through the Pain Clinic, these doctors offer non-surgical intervention through the use of injections of various medications. The Pain Clinic is staffed with registered nurses and radiology technologists. Patients are scheduled to the Pain Clinic either by doctor referrals or in consultation.

Untreated pain can interfere with the healing process by affecting the immune system and leading to other undesirable results. In cases of back pain, discomfort can impede the rehabilitation process by interfering with exercise and increasing the risk of psychological distress.

Roper St. Francis Pain Clinic is a department of
Roper Hospital.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy or spinal stabilization plays an important role in our spine care program. In a conservative effort to avoid surgery, often a doctor will order a course of physical therapy for back pain patients. This physical therapy, referred to as spinal stabilization, may involve the use of aquatic therapy, manual therapy, and/or lumbar stabilization. Lumbar stabilization involves an exercise program designed to strengthen and stabilize the muscles around the spine. Education in proper body mechanics is included. Physical therapy may be prescribed before and/or after surgery to help promote healing and help decrease additional stress on the spine. Acute care inpatient therapists and outpatient therapists specially trained in spine care provide the therapy and design a treatment program catering to each patient's specific needs.

Community Outreach

The Roper St. Francis Spine Center holds monthly community seminars about neck and back pain. The free seminars, held at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, address the various causes of neck and back pain, and treatment options that may offer relief of the pain, including information on medications and exercise. To register for a free seminar, call 402-CARE or 800-863-CARE.