Even a small pinch or discomfort in your back or neck can significantly impact your daily routine and overall quality of life. At Iowa Ortho, our Spine & Pain Team understands how debilitating spine-related pain can be—and we’re here to help.

Every person experiences pain differently. Whether you’re dealing with acute, chronic, degenerative, or work-related pain, you deserve a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. That’s why our approach to spine care includes a multidisciplinary team of experts in non-surgical spine care, physical medicine and rehabilitation, interventional pain management, and spine surgery.

If you’re searching for back pain relief in Iowa, this guide will help you understand the non-surgical and surgical treatment options available at Iowa Ortho.

Non-Surgical Spine Care Options

“I strive to meet our patients where they are at and tailor treatment to their individual needs. We will often discuss multiple treatment options including physical therapy, medications, interventional pain management before discussing surgical options. Our goal is help decrease pain, improve function and have our patients get back to doing the things in life that bring them joy.”
— Moriah Johnson, PA-C

Whenever possible, Iowa Ortho recommends non-surgical spine treatments first. Our providers work to identify the source of your pain and reduce symptoms through targeted, evidence-based care.

Common Non-Surgical Treatments for Back and Neck Pain:

• Medications: Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Physical Therapy & Exercise Modification: Customized exercise plans and therapy regimens to build strength, flexibility, and spinal support.
• Bracing: A supportive back brace can relieve pressure, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing in cases of spinal instability or injury.

Interventional Pain Management

“There are a variety of interventional options available to help manage pain—often the next step when conservative treatments haven’t provided the relief you hoped for. These procedures aren’t just a temporary fix or a bridge to surgery—they can offer significant, lasting relief, and in many cases, eliminate the need for further treatment. At Iowa Ortho, we’re committed to finding the right solution for your unique condition, so you can get back to living the life you love—faster and with confidence.”
— Dr. J. Wesley Rayburn, M.D.

If conservative methods haven’t provided enough relief, interventional pain management may be the next step. These minimally invasive procedures can both diagnose and treat the source of your pain.

Interventional Pain Treatments at Iowa Ortho:

• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and can relieve pain for several months.
• Epidural Injections: Targeted pain relief using anesthetics and steroids in the spinal epidural space.
• Nerve Blocks: Diagnostic and therapeutic injections used to identify and treat the root of your pain.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: Disrupts nerve signals using heat to “turn off” pain perception.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: Implants small electrical devices that block pain signals before they reach the brain.

Surgical Spine Treatment Options

“We only recommend surgery when it’s truly the best option—and we always aim for the safest, least invasive approach possible.”
— Dr. Trevor Schmitz, M.D.

When non-surgical methods aren’t effective or if your condition has progressed, our board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons are here to help. Using the latest techniques and technology, we aim for minimally invasive spine surgery whenever possible.

Common Spine Surgeries Performed at Iowa Ortho:

• Laminectomy / Decompression Surgery: Relieves nerve pressure caused by spinal stenosis by removing bone spurs or tissue.
• Microdiscectomy: Removes herniated disc material pressing on spinal nerves.
• Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty: Treats compression fractures by injecting bone cement to stabilize the vertebrae.
• Cervical Disc Replacement: Preserves mobility by replacing damaged discs with artificial ones, offering an alternative to spinal fusion.
• Spinal Fusion: Stabilizes the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae together using grafts or implants.

Find Relief at Iowa Ortho

Whether you’re experiencing lower back pain, neck stiffness, nerve-related discomfort, or spine degeneration, Iowa Ortho provides comprehensive care—from conservative therapy to advanced surgical solutions.

Call us today at 515-247-8400 or book an appointment online to schedule a consultation with one of our spine care specialists and take the first step toward lasting relief.