Spine Care

Conditions that may require surgery include:

• Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
• Kyphosis (humpback deformity)
• Spondylolisthesis (segment of the spine slips forward)
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Radiculopathy (herniated disk causes nerve irritation and inflammation)
• Degenerative disk disease

There are several different kinds of back surgery:

Spinal Fusion - Spinal fusion involves fusing together two vertebrae (bones) in the spine. This procedure can help relieve pain by eliminating painful motion between vertebrae and providing stability. A bone graft is typically used to help the bones fuse together; screws or rods may be inserted to keep the spine stable while healing. The procedure can be performed though the abdomen, side, back or a combination. Full recovery may take a year or longer.

Discectomy - A discectomy may be done to remove the herniated part of a disk to relieve pressure on a nerve that is causing irritation or inflammation. This procedure often involves removing most or part of the back portion of the vertebra to access the ruptured disk.

Laminectomy - When nerve pressure caused by spinal stenosis is causing pain, the bone overlying the spinal canal can be removed during a surgical procedure called a laminectomy. This enlarges the spinal canal and reduces pain.

Kyphoplasty - This procedure involves injecting bone cement into compressed vertebrae.

SI Joint Fusion - This is a minimally invasive procedure done through a small incision. The goal is to treat pain and dysfunction in the triangular-shaped bone in the lower portion of the spine through stabilization of joints with implantable devices.

Navigated Spinal Procedures and O-Arm Technology - Both of these options to guide surgeons during complex spinal fusion cases using CT imaging.

Spinal Cord Stimulators and Pain Pumps - These are implantable devices that may help to alleviate back pain.

To prevent persistent back problems:

• Exercise to keep the muscles in your back and abdomen strong and flexible
• Lift heavy items properly with your legs
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don't smoke
• Have good posture