Your Partner in Comprehensive Joint Care in Birmingham

Joint and back pain are the most common reasons for seeing an orthopedic doctor. From dull aches and sharp twinges to popping joints, numb extremities or osteoarthritis, people often endure much more discomfort than they have to. Talk with us about how we may be able to help with:

• Back pain or lower back pain
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Elbow bursitis or tennis elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

At Brookwood Baptist Health, our orthopedic doctors in Birmingham provide education, treatment and support to help you regain your quality of life.

What Are Orthopedic Services?

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the injuries and diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. Orthopedic services focus on treating medical conditions that can affect the musculoskeletal system.

The following are some of the most common conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system:

• Fracture – A break in the bone


• Nonunions - Failure of fractures to heal


• Malunions - Fractures healing in a wrong position


• Osteoporosis - A healthy bone looks like a honeycomb when viewed under a microscope. When osteoporosis occurs, the size of these holes and spaces are much larger, causing the bone to lose strength and density and grow thinner


• Congenital bone diseases – Bone conditions that are evident at or soon after birth, caused mainly by factors operating during pregnancy, delivery or early infancy


• Carpal tunnel syndrome - Occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm and into the palm becomes compressed as it passes through an opening from the wrist to the hand. This narrow and rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand is called the carpal tunnel. Pain and numbness occur when the lining of irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and compresses the median nerve


• Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of joint functions. It can also affect the eyes, mouth and lungs


• Lupus – An autoimmune disease that attacks healthy tissues and affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs


• Bursitis – Inflammation of the cushioning pads around joints


• Chondromalacia patellae – The breakdown of the cartilage in the kneecap


• Gout – A painful form of arthritis that happens when uric acid builds up in the body. It occurs when the uric acid turns into needle-like crystals and deposits in the joint


• Osteoarthritis – Is the most common form of arthritis that is often related to aging and most frequently occurs in the hands, hips and knees


• Osteomyelitis – This is a bone infection caused by bacteria, fungi or other germs


• Septic arthritis – A condition that develops when bacteria or microorganisms spread through the blood to a joint


• Tendinitis – Inflammation of the tendon


• Strains or sprains – An injury to the ligaments around a joint due to overstretching

While sore and aching knees are common and usually don't require a trip to the hospital, wouldn't it be helpful to know the possible causes behind knee pain? Learn the six ways you're making knee pain worse.

What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?

An orthopedic doctor (also called an orthopedic spine surgeon) treats musculoskeletal conditions. These include sports injuries, joint pain and back problems, using conventional and surgical approaches. These conditions may be congenital (present at birth), resulting from an injury or a degenerative disease from age-related wear and tear.

Some orthopedic doctors are familiar with all aspects of the musculoskeletal system, while others specialize in certain areas, such as:

• Foot and ankle
• Hand and wrist
• Hip replacement and reconstruction
• Knee replacement and reconstruction
• Orthopedic oncology (bone tumors)
• Orthopedic trauma
• Pediatric orthopedic surgery
• Shoulder and elbow
• Spine
• Sports medicine

Orthopedic care often involves a team approach, including doctors and non-doctor specialists. Other health professionals that may be part of the team include the following:

• Neurologists
• Pain specialists
• Primary care doctors
• Psychiatrists
• Sports medicine specialists
• Athletic trainers
• Chiropractors
• Counselors
• Nurse practitioners
• Physical therapists
• Physician assistants
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Vocational workers

Whether an injury or bad posture causes your back pain, stretching can help manage your debilitating discomfort. Here are seven stretches to relax the back with demonstrations for pain relief.

Why Choose Brookwood Baptist Medical Center for Your Joint Aches and Pains?

We incorporate personalized, end-to-end treatment plans—both surgical and nonsurgical – for conditions as varied as sports injuries to worn-out joints. Our Orthopedic Joint Camp provides a thorough orientation for those getting ready for joint replacement surgery. We also offer physical therapy for rehabilitation after orthopedic procedures.

Your care is our priority. We understand that the process may be new for you, and we do everything possible to prepare and support you before, during and after orthopedic procedures.

Insurances Accepted and Payment Plan Options

If getting up in the morning means waking up with muscle aches and joint pain, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center is here to help.

We have made it easier for you to make important healthcare decisions to take charge of your joint health. When you come to us for help, we will provide you with all the information you need upfront, including financial obligations.

Brookwood Baptist Medical Center offers flexible payment plans that fit your budget through out-of-pocket prices and procedures for peace of mind. Visit our pricing information and estimates page for an overview of your costs and options for a treatment or procedure.

Once you've decided to pay close attention to your joints, we work with various insurance providers for most treatments and procedures, including but not limited to knee, hip and back procedures. Please contact your insurance carrier directly if you have specific questions about your covered services and benefits.

Our dedicated staff is ready to address your questions and help make financial arrangements if you have an upcoming procedure or have been putting off surgery. For questions about billing, payment plans, pricing information and estimates, please visit our patient financial resources page for more details.

Watch this short video to learn more about how we make healthcare more affordable.

Find an Orthopedic Doctor in Birmingham

Do you have chronic joint pain? Are you experiencing pain or discomfort from an undiagnosed condition or injury?

Brookwood Baptist Medical Center is your destination for bone, joint and muscle care in Birmingham. Now is an excellent time to speak with one of our experienced orthopedic doctors for proper diagnosis and advice on the best treatment options for your aching joints.

Please call 833-251-9895 or find a doctor here near your location. If it's an emergency, such as broken bones or severe bleeding from an injury, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Please don't delay care.