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Have you struggled with neck or back pain for some time? If physical therapy, medication, or noninvasive therapies haven’t been successful, spine surgery may help you. In some cases, surgery is the only way to treat problems affecting the spine.
Spine surgeons at Dignity Health specialize in the medical and surgical care of neck and back conditions, as well as spine tumors and injuries. Our surgeons also perform open and minimally invasive spine surgery. Find a Doctor near you.
For some back, spine, and neck injuries, like spinal fractures or herniated discs, spine surgery is the only treatment option to repair damage and prevent injury.
Spine surgery is also sometimes used as a treatment for chronic back pain that has persisted for several months and not responded to other types of treatment like pain medication, physical therapy, or bracing.
Spine surgery in these cases is typically only recommended after other options have been exhausted.
Before recommending surgery, your doctor will likely assess your condition and symptoms using one or more of the following tools:
At Dignity Health, our surgeons deliver compassionate care for conditions of the neck and back, including:
Orthopedic surgeons at Dignity Health offer the following types of spine surgery:
As with any procedure, back surgery to correct a spine issue comes with risks.
While complications from spine surgery aren’t common, your doctor will discuss possible side effects during and after surgery. Depending on your procedure, potential risks include:
Spine surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep for the duration of the procedure. Depending on your age and overall health, you may be a higher or lower risk candidate for general anesthesia. Your doctor will let you know whether you are healthy enough to undergo surgery.
Some types of spine surgery can now be accomplished using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Minimally invasive surgery uses tiny incisions (cuts), through which a small scope is inserted so your surgeon can complete the operation without making a large incision.
These types of procedures typically have shorter recovery times and lower risk of side effects. Speak with your doctor about whether you may be a candidate for this approach.
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.