When should I see a spine specialist?

Many of us experience neck and back pain that often goes away on its own or with little treatment. But there are certain symptoms that indicate it’s time to seek a spine specialist. These include:

• Severe pain that affects the activities of daily living, makes walking or using the arms difficult, or comes on very suddenly may require the attention of a spine specialist.
• Neck, back, arm, leg pain and/or weakness that lasts several weeks or months should also be addressed by a specialist.

James Ulibarri, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in surgery of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, including degenerative disease, trauma and tumors. He has recently joined spine surgeon Nathan Simpson, MD, and the other orthopedic surgeons at Wyoming Orthopedics & Spine (WYOS) in Gillette, Wyoming.

Dr. Ulibarri tries numerous conservative, non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. When surgery is the best option, most people are surprised when they learn they can usually go home the same day or the day after. New technologies and smaller incisions used in minimally-invasive surgeries mean a quicker recovery and a faster return to everyday activities.

Expert Orthopedic & Spine Care In Gillette, Wyoming
The physicians at WYOS take an innovative and comprehensive approach to the treatment of acute and chronic orthopedic pain. Have your procedure in our modern operating rooms at Campbell County Memorial Hospital or Powder River Surgery Center.

See the WYOS for:

• General orthopedic surgery
• Joint replacement surgery: shoulder, hip, knee and ankle
• Shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Spine surgery and injections, including minimally invasive procedures
• Bunions and great toe arthritis procedures
• Foot and ankle surgery
• Trauma and fracture care
• Workplace injuries

For a consultation, call 307.686.1413 or visit www.wyomingorthospine.com.