Neurosurgery and Integrative Treatments for Back Conditions

Recent studies have shown that patients with back pain are often “over-treated” with aggressive treatments and surgeries. The NorthShore Neurological Institute’s core philosophy embraces a more comprehensive and conservative approach.

“There are numerous, highly effective non-surgical treatments for people with back pain that should be fully explored before considering surgery,” explains Dr. Daniel Laich, D.O., neurological surgeon at the NorthShore Neurological Institute. “In fact, surgery is not the answer for most patients with back pain. We favor less aggressive, complementary and rehabilitation-focused treatments as appropriate before surgery, and Swedish Hospital’s holistic philosophy supports this approach.”

When neurosurgery is determined to be the most effective treatment, the NorthShore Neurological Institute’s neurological surgeons are nationally recognized for pioneering techniques and medical devices. They offer patients the most advanced surgical treatments available and continue to be actively engaged in research studies at Swedish Hospital.

Conditions We Evaluate, Diagnose and Treat

The field of neurological surgery encompasses conditions affecting the spine, back, neck, arms and legs and nervous system. The NorthShore Neurological Institute specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with a variety of conditions and symptoms, including:

  • Arteriovenous Malformation of Spinal Cord 
  • Back Pain 
  • Brown-Sequard Syndrome  
  • Bulging Disk  
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 
  • Cauda Equina Syndrome  
  • Cervical Spinal Stenosis  
  • Disk Disease  
  • Diskitis  
  • Disk Space Infection 
  • Degenerative Disease of the Spine 
  • Degenerative Disk Disease 
  • Herniated Disk (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)  
  • Kyphosis
  • Low Back Pain 
  • Lumbar Instability  
  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis  
  • Lumbar Spondylosis  
  • Mid Back Pain  
  • Myelopathy  
  • Myelomeningocele
  • Neck Pain 
  • Neurogenic Claudication 
  • Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL)  
  • Pseudoclaudication  
  • Radiculopathy (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar) 
  • Sciatica  
  • Scoliosis 
  • Spina Bifida
  • Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
  • Spinal Cord Injury/Fracture
  • Spinal Cord Lymphoma
  • Spinal Cord Tumors (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar) 
  • Spinal Instability 
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis 
  • Spondylotic Myelopathy 
  • Spondylolysis (Pars Defect) 
  • Stenosis 
  • Synovial Cyst  
  • Syringomyelia  
  • Tarlov Cyst
  • Vertibral Tumor

  • If you experience any of these conditions or symptoms, please contact our licensed professionals for a diagnostic evaluation and the most effective treatments tailored to you.

    Treatments

    TESSYS Procedure

    The NorthShore Neurological Institute was the first spine center in Chicago to offer the TESSYS (transforaminal endoscopic surgical system) procedure, a minimally invasive approach to treating herniated disks. Learn more about the TESSYS procedure>>

    Complementary Treatments

    The NorthShore Neurological Institute is conveniently located on the campus of Swedish Hospital on Chicago's northwest side. Because of it's proximity to the hospital and Galter LifeCenter, Chicago's only certified medical fitness center, patients can benefit from a wide range of hospital and medical fitness services, including:

    • Complementary and Alternative Medicines
    • Pain Management
    • Rehabilitation Programs

    Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Procedures

    When surgery is the answer, the NorthShore Neurological Institute is committed to using the most advanced technology available for treatments, including:

    • Alternative Therapies
    • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
    • Endoscopic Spine Surgery
    • Fusion Surgery

    Motion-Preservation Technologies

    Our neurological surgeons also specialize in motion-preservation technologies such as:

    • Total Disk Replacement and Posterior Stabilization
    • Major Spinal Reconstruction
    • Cancer Surgery With Reconstruction

    Additional Resources

    The NorthShore Neurological Institute's neurological surgeons recommend the following resources to help you learn more about back pain and the various treatments available:
    • Spine-Health.com: In-depth information on back pain, neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica and more, including articles, videos, forums and physician interviews.
    • SpineUniverse.com: Resource for back pain and neck pain information on treatments, conditions, back pain exercises, surgery, prevention and recovery.

    Contact Us

    To learn more or make an appointment at the NorthShore Neurological Institute, please call 773-271-2225 or submit an appointment request form>>




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