Low Back Pain Slowing You Down?

By Tracy Simons | Silver Cross Hospital

Are you unable to enjoy life fully due ongoing back pain? If so, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH), millions of Americans suffer from chronic back pain that persists for more than a few months.

Back pain symptoms can range from a muscle ache to a stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. If you are experiencing these symptoms of back pain, learn the causes and treatments at a free program hosted by Silve rCross Hospital.

[ A Sponsored Feature by Silver Cross Hospital ]

Join Dr. Thomas Hurley, neurosurgeon, with the Silver Cross Neuroscience Institute, for a discussion on the causes of low back pain and discuss conservative treatment options to help you feel better Tuesday, March 31.

The free Aches & Pains: Low Back Pain program will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, 1890 Silver CrossBlvd., New Lenox. This talk is part of an Aches & Pains Lecture Series and all participants will receive a gift bag that includes a complimentary carpal tunnel or low back screening performed by a physician with Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital, and other items to help you stay active. Register to attend at www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

“Most low back pain can be treated without surgery,” said Dr. Thomas Hurley, neurosurgeon, who is on staff at Silver Cross Hospital. “The best way to develop a treatment plan is to diagnose the severity of the back pain. With so many innovative treatments available today, patients can learn the best options with a physician visit. So to avoid the pain from getting worse, patients need to seek medical attention.”

Treating Back Pain

Treatment of back pain can involve using over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation.

“The goal of treating back pain is to return proper mobility and strength to the back, and prevent future injuries,” said Dr. Hurley.

Medications are often used to treat acute and chronic low back pain. Effective pain relief may involve a combination of prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. Bed rest is only recommended for 1 to 2 days. Individuals should resume activities as soon as possible. Exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from low back pain and help strengthen back and abdominal muscles.

About Dr. Thomas Hurley

Thomas Hurley, M.D., earned his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago. He remained at Rush for his residency training in neurological surgery. He joined Silver Cross Hospital in 1996 as a founding member and medical director of the CINN Institute of Spinal Care. Thomas Hurley, M.D., neurosurgeon with Cadence Physician Group now part of Northwestern Medicine at Silver Cross Hospital. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hurley treats a wide range of nervous system conditions. He is an authority in the care of patients with traumatic spine disorders, specializing in complex fusion and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Hurley has been recognized as one of the “Top Docs” at Silver Cross Hospital for outstanding patient satisfaction.

About Silver Cross Hospital

Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for seven consecutive years and as a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. With nearly 4,000 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 295-bed acute care hospital and 5 satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. Silver Cross opened a state-of-the-art replacement hospital in 2012 at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox. In 2013, Silver Cross provided over $48 million in charity care and other community benefits. To learn more aboutSilver Cross Hospital or a referral to a physician on staff, visitwww.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325). Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.