Spine Surgery

Spine surgery includes a group of surgical procedures that correct injuries and disease of the spinal cord to relieve pain and restore function for patients. These procedures most often correct conditions of the neck and lower back, and are usually effective in helping patients restore range of motion and fluid movement to the treated area.

Spine Anatomy

The spine is the long column of vertebral bones and discs that protect the spinal cord and the many nerves that branch off from it, and provide function and movement to nearly every area of the body. When a part of the spine becomes damaged, moved or worn down, it can affect these nerves and cause pain in the back, legs and arms, as well as serious complications and other conditions.

The spine is classified into three different areas:

Cervical (neck)
Thoracic (mid back)
Lumbar (lower back)

The cervical and lumbar spine are most commonly affected by injury and disease because of their frequent use and pressure put on them from sitting, standing, sleeping and working. Each of these areas of the spine is composed of several vertebrae and a disc in between each set, which cushions the vertebrae and prevents them from rubbing against each other. The discs may rupture or herniate as a result of injury or degeneration, causing pain radiating through the body.

Conditions Treated By Spine Surgery

Spine surgery involves several different procedures that target affected vertebrae within the cervical and lumbar spines. These procedures are effective in treating a wide range of spinal conditions, including diseases, degeneration, injuries and more. Some of the conditions treated with spine surgery include:

Degenerative disc disease
Cervical spinal stenosis
Fractures
Herniated disk
Low back pain

Lumbar spinal stenosis
Neck pain
Infection
Scoliosis
Tumors

How is Spine Surgery Performed?

Spine surgeries are performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis or in a hospital setting, depending on the patient's individual condition. A short hospital stay may be required for some procedures. After surgery, patients often experience pain, as well as gas pain and constipation. These side effects are completely normal, and your doctor will provide medication to treat them if requested. Patients should notify their doctor if they develop numbness, tingling, or increased pain.

A few days after surgery, patients are encouraged to get up and walk around to regain strength. Changing positions often and maintaining good posture can help minimize pain and promote proper healing. Patients should follow their doctor's individual instructions for when they can return to work and other regular activities.

Common Spine Procedures

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion - This procedure involves removing an intervertebral disc and/or bone spurs that are putting pressure on nerve roots. This condition is a result of a herniated or degenerated disc. This removed disc may be replaced with a small bone graft, which will allow the vertebrae to fuse together over time. The space may also be left open. This procedure relieves neck and arm pain, among other symptoms.
Posterior Cervical Laminectomy - This procedure relieves pressure caused by spinal stenosis. During a cervical laminectomy, a small section of bone that covers the back of the spinal cord, called the lamina, is removed. The removal of this bone and any bone spurs relieves pressure on the spinal cord. The remaining spine bones can be connected with titanium metal rods.
Lumbar Laminectomy - A lumbar laminectomy relieves the pressure of a pinched nerve by removing a portion of the lamina. This procedure is often used to treat spinal stenosis and disc degeneration.
Spine Fusion Surgery - Spine fusion is a surgical procedure used to link together vertebrae, often because of a damaged disc. During the procedure, bone growth is stimulated and then used to link the vertebrae together to stop painful movement in the area.

Risks and Complications of Spine Surgery

It is important for patients to realize that spine procedures are major surgical procedures that carry certain risks with them. Fortunately, the benefits of these procedures usually far outweigh the risks, as patients are relieved of intense pain and other troubling symptoms.

Although rare, some of the risks of these procedures may include:

Infection
Bleeding
Reactions to anesthesia
Injury to the spinal cord

Pain at the treated site
Damage to nerves or arteries
Blood clots
Paralysis

These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon to perform your procedure, and by adhering to your surgeon's instructions before and after your procedure.