The Carle Spine Institute

Four out of five Americans will experience back pain during their lifetime.

he Carle Spine Institute, a joint service of Carle Foundation Hospital and Carle Clinic Association, brings spine surgeons, physical medicine physicians, a spine specialized therapy gym, spine diagnostics and an injection suite all under one roof.

The largest spine center in the state of Illinois, the Carle Spine Institute emphasizes non-surgical approaches to treating back and neck problems. The spine center is directed by specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation, also called physiatrists. These physicians have advanced training in back and neck pain and are successful in helping people return to activity—without surgery.

However, if a back or neck problem requires surgery, Carle Spine Institute has spine surgeons who already treat the area's most complex surgical cases. These cases include herniated discs, spinal fractures, spinal deformity, spinal tumor and scoliosis. These spine surgeons use some of the most advanced instrumentation and spine surgery techniques.

In January 2008, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) named Carle Spine Institute to its list of spine centers across the nation that provide superior care to their patients suffering from low back pain.

To receive recognition from NCQA, which is valid for two years, Carle Spine Institute submitted data demonstrating performance that meets the NCQA’s program key measures. The measures include appropriate imaging for acute back pain and recommendation for exercise and other non-surgical spine care treatment options.