Spine Surgery

When it comes to treatments for back pain, spine surgery is the exception, not the rule. In most cases, non-surgical treatments will ease your symptoms.

But if you’ve tried other treatments and still haven’t found relief, you might consider spine surgery. Our experts can help you weigh your options and get you the treatment you need.

Whether you are just beginning your spine care journey or already have diagnosed spine pain, the team of caregivers are right here to support you with non-surgical and surgical solutions.

Meet Our Spine Doctors
Meet Our Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons
Meet Our Neurosurgeons

Do I Need Spine Surgery?

In some cases, such as if you have a severe spinal injury, doctors may recommend surgery right away. However, they usually first try non-surgical treatments, such as rest, medication or physical therapy. If these treatments don’t help, your doctor may talk with you about your surgical options.

Doctors may also suggest considering surgery if:

  • Surgery will help return you to most of the activities you enjoy
  • You are in good overall health
  • Your pain is persistent and clearly caused by a mechanical problem

Advances in medicine have made spine surgery a reliable and helpful option for many people. But any decision to have an operation is not one you should make lightly. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with your doctor and have realistic expectations for your procedure. Surgery may lessen your pain and improve your quality of life, but it doesn’t always leave you pain-free. Your doctor will explain what you can expect so you can make an informed decision.

Advanced Technology for Precision Treatment

We offer some of the most sophisticated technological tools available to improve the safety and effectiveness of spine surgery. Among these are:

Mazor X™  – a robotic system that helps your surgeon plan and perform your procedure so you get the best results

Medtronic O-Arm™ Imaging System  – a tool that vastly improves how well your surgeon can visualize your anatomy during surgery, making it easier to operate with extreme precision

We are always looking for ways to help you get the best surgical results.

Surgeries We Offer

Our expert surgeons have special training in procedures that treat spine conditions affecting all areas of the back. We offer:

Types of procedures offered include:

  • Decompression surgery to relieve pressure on your spine caused by conditions such as pinched nerves, degenerative disk disease or a herniated disk.

  • Disk replacement surgery to substitute an artificial disk for a damaged disk between the vertebrae, or bones, of your spine.

  • Spinal fusion to join two or more vertebrae to prevent movement or reshape and stabilize your spine.

  • Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to treat compression fractures of the spine by filling cracks in the bones with medical cement.

Your doctor will talk with you about your surgery options and help you find the treatment that’s best for you. Knowing what to expect before, during and after surgery is important. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery vs. Open Spine Surgery

Today, we perform many spine surgeries with minimally invasive techniques. This type of surgery involves much smaller incisions than traditional, open surgery, which was more common in the past. Open surgery requires your doctor to see the entire surgical area at once. As a result, it involves making a large cut that may lead to a long scar.

Minimally invasive surgery uses special instruments. It’s less disruptive to muscles and other tissues of your back than open surgery. This technique may also help you have less pain, fewer complications and a quicker recovery after your procedure.

Depending on your situation, open surgery may be your best option. Your doctor will discuss which type of surgery is right for you.

Recovery from Spine Surgery

Recovering from spine surgery begins before you ever leave the hospital. Taking steps to prepare yourself, your home and your caregiver may make healing and recovery easier.

  • Plan some meals. Deciding what you’ll eat for a few days after you return home gives you one less thing to worry about. It’s helpful to freeze meals ahead of time or to plan for takeout from your favorite restaurants.
  • Set up a recovery area. Before leaving home for the hospital, plan a space for your return. Pick a spot where you can comfortably lie down. Make sure there’s a small table nearby with the things you’ll want to access easily.
  • Be prepared to rest. Your body needs time to heal, so don’t plan to do anything major after surgery. If you have things you need to get done, knock them off your to-do list before surgery. You might want to get a book or hobby you can do at home without overexerting yourself, too.
  • Know your discharge instructions. Instructions after surgery vary by procedure. Be sure you and your caregiver pay close attention to your discharge instructions so you’re ready to begin the healing process as soon as you return home.
  • Take medications as directed. Following a schedule will help you stay on top of any pain and remain comfortable as your body heals.
  • Accept offers for help. If friends, family or neighbors offer to help with things like cooking, cleaning, laundry or yard work, take them up on it. It’s helpful to have their assistance.
  • Do your exercises, if recommended. Your doctor or physical therapist will explain which exercises you should do and when. Following their advice will set you up on the road to recovery.

We’re Right Here to Help

With unmatched experience in diagnosing and treating spine pain, your condition will be carefully evaluated by the team of experts at the Spine Center as we work with you to develop a customized treatment plan. Highly skilled and caring providers, plus state-of-the-art technology and treatments, means you’re at the right place for exceptional patient care.

Affiliations with OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Mayfield Brain & Spine ensure you receive the highest possible level of spine care.