Dr. Daniel Hurley, MD

Media Releases

Get to know Physiatrist Dr. Daniel Hurley, who serves patients throughout the State of Illinois.

A seasoned physiatrist, Dr. Hurley is affiliated with North Shore Medical Group, serving patients in the Skokie and Chicago areas. He specializes in treating spinal disorders from the neck to the low back, cervicogenic or post-concussion headaches, other neurologic and orthopedic disorders, and complex pain problems. He performs a multiple number of diagnostic and therapeutic injection procedures.

“What I hope to do with each patient is to listen: listen to his or her words, listen to what his or her body is saying through symptoms, and listen to his or her spirit – what comes through beyond the words and symptoms. Then I use my knowledge, expertise and experience to attempt to solve the patient’s problem. I apply to each patient a plan unique to his or her situation. Finally, I want the patient to understand his or her problem as much as possible, the plan, and his or her role in that plan. Relief of suffering, creative problem-solving and patient education are what I hope to provide”.

With a broad educational background, Dr. Hurley obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Harvard University in 1979, and graduated with his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1983. He then went on to complete his internship and residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago in 1987, which is the highest ranked training program in his specialty.

An expert in his field, the doctor is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as in pain medicine, by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR). The mission of the ABPMR is to serve the public by improving the quality of patient care in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). This is accomplished through a process of certification and maintenance of certification that fosters excellence and encourages continuous learning.  He scored in the 98th percentile on his last set of Pain Boards testing.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry, is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Physiatrists treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

On a more personal note, Dr. Hurley’s deepest interest is a continual quiet exploration of the presence of God in life. He has a brother who is disabled, and he tries to learn from him the ability to be truly present to others, as he is unabashed in his affection toward those around him. He loves art, nature, sports, music, the past-time of philosophizing and wondering on life, solving the world’s problems, laughing and singing as much as possible. He has written a book on pain, suffering and spirituality entitled Facing Pain, Finding Hope, and he would like to write more. He has also often felt the urge to get more involved in government and politics.  He feels strongly that insurers are becoming far too powerful and controlling in determining patients’ care options and interfering with physician decision-making. Patients need to empower themselves by contacting their insurers and their political representatives.

Recommended Articles

• What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

  If you have risk factors for osteoporosis – postmenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency – do not wait until the symptoms are out to get screened. According to statistics, a major contributor for osteoporosis doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms. By the time you have a bone fracture, feel...

• What Is Osteoporosis: Get the Facts

  Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes the bones to become brittle resulting in greater susceptibility to falls. It occurs when the bones lose essential minerals like calcium, more rapidly than the body’s ability to replace them, leading to a significant loss of the bone thicknessOsteoporosis Can...

• What Is Sacroiliitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies

  What is sacroiliitis?An inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints is known as sacroiliitis. This condition happens when the lower spine and pelvis connect. In other words, we can say that a sacroiliac joint is the union of the sacrum and ilium. The sacroiliac joint is bound by thick ligaments...

• Rheumatoid Arthritis Misconceptions: Debunked

  What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints leading to stiffness, pain, and inflammation. Gradually, RA can lead to physical deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis is known to affect around 2 million Americans....

• What Is a Physiatrist?

  What is a physiatrist?A physiatrist is a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine who practices physiatry or physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatry is a branch of medicine that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, as well as rehabilitation of disorders, which...

• What Happens During a Laminectomy?

  What is a laminectomy?You may experience back pain that affects your day-to-day activities. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo a surgical procedure called laminectomy.Laminectomy is a surgical operation, in which the lamina is removed. This helps relieve pressure that is exerted on the nerve...