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Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

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Surgery may be considered when non-surgical options have not been successful after six months to a year.

The type of surgery to treat back pain will depend on the nature of the injury. Some types of back pain cannot be treated, even with surgery.

Take a Spine Health Assessment

 

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.


For a fast and complete recovery, our therapists apply accelerated, customized physical therapy rehabilitation programs. You can count on our team to quickly get you back on the road, court, field – or wherever life takes you. Call 520.263.3700 for an appointment.