Surgical Options for Back Pain
Our philosophy is that back surgery is not always the best option. Our specialists are national leaders for spine issues,and it is our goal to find the right option for your situation based on the knowledge we’ve gathered from thousands of patients over the last 20+ years.
Safe and Effective Care
Following are the most common types of spine surgery we offer after patients try non-surgical options first:
Discectomy
Removal of the damaged (herniated) portion of a disc to relieve pressures on nerves in the spine
Laminectomy
Removal of the bone overlying the spinal canal to make more room and relieve nerve pressure caused by spinal stenosis
Spinal Fusion
Permanent connection of two or more bones in the spine to relieve pain from a fracture or from a degenerated or injured disc
Vertebroplasty
Bone cement is injected into compressed vertebrae to help stabilize fractures and relieve pain; a similar procedure called a kyphoplasty is when a balloon-like device is inserted to attempt to expand compressed vertebrae before bone cement is injected
Research to Back Your Care
We strongly believe in only the most appropriate, cost-effective treatment for our patients. Our Spine Center took part in a five-year study called The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT). During the study, we looked at three of the most common back conditions (herniated disk, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis ) and compared the effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatments. Approximately 2,500 patients took part in the study, which was conducted at 13 sites across the country. You can trust that the information gathered from this study is being used each and every time we see someone with back pain.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please fill out the form to the right or call us at .
Hear about Barbara’s experience about being in the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial and her care at the Spine Center.
Related Information
View Quality Reports Online
View Spine Patient Stories-
Better Than Before Surgery
Dr. Carr was the right surgeon for me. He described all possible treatment options, talked with me about outcomes and how many ACL surgeries he's performed. I credit Steve Vincente, my physical therapist, in getting me on the road to recovery. His positive energy made all the difference. I am happy to say my knee is not only as good as it was before, it's better.
Hannah Kearney / 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion freestyle skier -
No Big Deal
The most surprising thing about having a complete hip replacement was that it really wasn't a big deal. I'd say all through the journey, from surgery to recovery, you've got to remember it takes some effort. There is some discomfort, but it was well worth it and I won't hesitate again to have my right one done.
Ted Davis / Total Hip Patient -
What Surprised Me the Most
I didn't know I could do what I can do now and that's what surprised me the most. At my age and with the injuries I had, I thought I was done. Being able to sit straight up is a big deal. Being able to nod my head, twist it side-to-side...that's a really, really big deal. I wasn't able to do those things when I got here.
Derek Hampton / Functional Restoration Program graduate -
Achieving Your Goals
Now I know I can go out and rip turns and feel awesome and feel completely normal again. I felt like the sports medicine department can relate to you...and help you achieve the goals that you want to get back to, and my goals were to get back into ski racing and back to lacrosse, and I've done that thus far.
Gunnar / ACL Repair Surgery
