The first step in treating neck or back pain is often physical therapy. First, you will be assessed using a variety of tools, including X-ray, MRI or CT scan; blood tests; and bone scans. The goal is to understand the source of your pain and how much pain is present, and to diagnose any conditions that could cause pain.

If your doctor recommends further physical therapy, you will meet with a licensed physical therapist who will create a custom plan for you, based on your needs and goals. The therapist may use heat, electrical stimulation or specific exercises.

If your doctor recommends surgery, you may be sent to see a physical therapist to help your body heal and prevent further damage.

Do you need to see a specialist?

Neck and back pain making things uncomfortable? Complete our Back and Neck Pain Assessment to see if it’s time to see a Norton Leatherman Spine provider.

Spine Care From World-renowned Specialists

Norton Leatherman Spine is a world-renowned program delivering groundbreaking care and treatment for back, neck and spine conditions and procedures.

  • Nationally recognized spine surgery fellowship program with over 150 trained fellows
  • First in the world to perform robotic spine surgery using the Medtronic Mazor X Stealth Edition, demonstrating leadership in surgical innovations
  • First health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV
  • First in the state of Kentucky to use the EOS Imaging system, a high-resolution image system with 50% to 85% less radiation exposure than traditional X-rays and CT scans
  • More than 4,000 surgeries performed each year
  • Recognized as a national benchmark for patient-reported outcome measures against spine surgeons across the nation, ensuring high-quality, data-driven care
  • team of 45 highly regarded specialists, including orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists
  • Internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, opioid management, spine surgical innovations, scoliosis and more
  • Specialists who have served in senior positions in the Scoliosis Research Society, the prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world
  • Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., the program namesake, was the first doctor in Kentucky to repair scoliosis surgically

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