Sometimes called the trunk or the torso, this area of the body is home to weight-bearing bones and joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerve centers that make movement and flexibility for the rest of the body possible.

Because of the complexity of its many tasks, the skeletal trunk is vulnerable to a profusion of disorders. Problems such as degenerative arthritis, nerve impingement, fractures, tumors - disorders that can also cause pain and disability in other parts of the body - are common to the skeletal trunk.

For more information:

• Facts About the Spine, Shoulder and Pelvis
• Common Disorders of the Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis
• Physicians and Specialists Who Treat Spine, Shoulder and Pelvic Problems
• Chronic Pain
• Glossary

Spine Care at Rush

The Spine and Back Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, brings together the expertise of specialists from different disciplines in one location, pinpointing and treating the sources of spine, back and neck pain while offering the latest, most innovative nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.

At Rush, highly trained neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons and physiatrists (doctors who specialize in physical rehabilitation), nurses and physical therapists, come together for a team approach to spine, back and neck care.

For more information visit the Spine and Back Center home page.

Looking for Other Health Information?

Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

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Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the Rush doctor who’s right for you.