Comprehensive spine care for neck and back conditions

Just about everyone will experience neck or back pain at some point in their life. Although 90% of spine conditions get better on their own, the rest need specialized care to heal. That’s where TRIA can help.

We take a conservative approach to treating back issues, because we know that physical therapy and nonsurgical spine care are scientifically proven to be the best first treatments for lower back pain, pinched nerves, arthritis and other spine conditions. And if surgery is needed, you’ll be in good hands. Our spine surgeons excel in quality of care and surgical outcomes.

TRIA Spine Care provides a full spectrum of spine treatments. Our spine experts include pain management specialists, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctors, orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons who have helped thousands of patients recover. Here you’ll find comprehensive spine care under one roof, making it easier for you to get the individualized treatment you need. No matter your concern, we’ll help you feel like yourself again.

Not sure where to start? Schedule a spine physical therapy or nonsurgical spine appointment online. Or choose a location to call and schedule a spine surgery consultation.

Back pain and other spine conditions are frustrating – they hurt, limit your mobility and make it hard to get through your day. If you’re dealing with a spine issue, you’re probably wondering when you should see a doctor.

In most cases, spine issues are acute. This means that it's a short-term condition that lasts no longer than 12 weeks. Acute issues usually come on suddenly with symptoms like shooting, burning or aching pain. In these cases, at-home back pain treatment is the best place to start.

If your spine condition hasn’t gotten better after 12 weeks, it’s likely that your condition is chronic and it’s time to see a doctor. There are many different types of spine specialists who can help you, including physical therapists, nonsurgical spine doctors, orthopedic doctors, and even neurosurgeons and spine surgeons.

Most people should make their first spine appointment with a physical therapist. Our physical therapists are experts in evaluating the spine and use exercise and hands-on care to manage even the most complex spine conditions.

Seeing a physical therapist first is proven to be more cost-effective by reducing the need for injections, imaging and medications. Studies show that starting with a physical therapist can lead to better outcomes and patient satisfaction. You do not need a referral to make an appointment with a physical therapist.

However, if you’re having certain symptoms or have a history of cancer, you should start with a medical spine doctor. These symptoms include:

• Unexplained fever
• Urinary incontinence
• Unexplained weight loss
• New difficulty moving your arms or legs
• Saddle anesthesia (numbness in the butt, thighs and groin)

Neck and back pain can be caused by a number of factors, including your overall activity level. Low activity levels can cause the muscles that support the spine to weaken, sometimes causing pain, discomfort and stiffness.

Strengthening your muscles can help relieve pressure and improve spinal support, and medical evidence shows that most spine conditions can be treated with spine physical therapy. You do not need a referral to make an appointment with a physical therapist.

Our physical therapists coach you through exercises tailored to your unique needs. These may include exercises and stretches that strengthen your neck, back and core muscles, as well as improve your flexibility and mobility. We also use hands-on care to support your recovery. And we’ll teach you how to do exercises on your own so you can continue to work on a home exercise plan to keep building strength between sessions.

It usually takes about six visits to complete your treatment plan, but many people start feeling relief from their first visit.

Our physical therapists are experts in evaluating spine conditions and identifying any symptoms that may need more advanced medical care. If we determine you need care beyond what we can provide, we’ll refer you to one of our spine specialists for further care.

Nonsurgical treatments can be used as your main course of care or to complement a physical therapy plan. You’ll work closely with nonsurgical spine experts who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), orthopedics and pain management. Our focus is to help you improve the way your body functions so you can do your daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life.

We offer a wide variety of nonsurgical treatment options, and we’ll work with you to determine which is best for your unique condition. Common nonsurgical treatments we use include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, epidural steroid injections and several other options.

Nonsurgical treatment options are the cornerstone of spine treatment plans, and we’ll be by your side at each step as your spine health improves.

In the rare case that your spine condition doesn’t heal with nonsurgical treatments, spine surgery may be recommended. We provide a comprehensive range of spine surgeries, including laminectomies, microdiscectomies, disc arthroplasties and minimally invasive procedures.

Our spine surgeons provide the highest quality care possible at our clinics and hospitals in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, including Regions, Methodist, Lakeview and St. Francis hospitals. With the latest techniques and technologies, including intraoperative MRI, you can trust that you’re in good hands.