Spine Surgery
Back and neck pain can be debilitating. When non-invasive treatments no longer work, the spine team at Northwest Health may be able to help. The dedicated surgery team can treat your back pain with either traditional or minimally invasive surgical options. Treatment is available for:
- Back and neck pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated discs
- Lumbar stenosis
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Vertebral instability
We offer surgical and non-surgical treatment for back pain and injuries. Affiliated physicians provide care for everything from whiplash and spinal trauma to herniated discs, synovial cysts and osteoporosis. We offer a range of minimally invasive options that involve just one or two small incisions in the neck, chest or back. Smaller incisions may result in less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery. Among the procedures we can provide are:
- Balloon kyphoplasty - Used to repair fractures caused by osteoporosis or cancer, balloon kyphoplasty acts as an internal cast in order to provide rapid relief from back pain and improve spinal alignment. In this procedure, the surgeon inflates a small balloon within the fractured vertebra and inserts bone cement to restore the original size and shape of the vertebrae.
- Lumbar disc microsurgery - This procedure is used to treat herniated discs of the lower back. A herniated disc is a condition in which the disc's inner, jelly-like material pushes through the outer layer of cartilage, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and causes pain. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision above the damaged disc to remove the damaged portion, leaving healthy tissue intact. As the area heals, the spinal cord generally returns to its normal position, alleviating the pain and pressure.
- Minimally invasive surgery - The surgeons at Northwest Health are trained in using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Because minimally invasive surgery uses smaller instruments, potential benefits can include smaller incisions, less pain, decreased risk of infection, less blood loss and a faster recovery time.
- Minimally invasive spinal fusion - For patients with severe degenerative disc disease, spinal instability or deformity, minimally invasive fusion can offer less pain and a quicker recovery than traditional surgery. In this procedure, the damaged disc is removed and a spacer is placed between the vertebrae to help restore alignment and relieve pain. Small pins and rods are inserted to provide stability while the bone heals. Rather than harvesting bone from the patient's pelvic bone, which can be a significant source of postoperative pain, this technique uses bone graft substitutes (osteobiologics) to enhance healing.
Surgeons utilize minimally invasive options whenever possible, but when traditional techniques offer the best solution, specialists have the training and knowledge to perform complex procedures, including spinal reconstructive surgery, revision surgery (to correct previous operations) and surgery to correct curvature of the spine (scoliosis).
Non-Surgical Options
Northwest Health also offers non-surgical solutions to treat back and neck pain. We offer spinal injections and other therapies, including physical therapy, to alleviate pain and swelling. Rehabilitation specialists are equipped to deliver a range of physical therapy treatments, including preventive and post-surgery recovery programs. The specialized care team offers a range of primary and complementary non-surgical treatments to meet each individual's needs. Patients are educated and empowered with the tools they need to facilitate their recovery.