Orthopaedic Spine and Neck Surgery
The orthopaedic surgeons at The Steadman Clinic are leaders in treating spine and neck injuries.
The spinal column is the primary support for the entire body, providing stability to stand, bend over and twist. Made up of 33 bones, tendons, ligaments and nerves, the spine can withstand a great amount of stress but it is prone to injury. Between each vertebrae of the spine, there are discs that act as a cushion for the bone. When injury occurs to a disc, the individual can experience extreme pain in not only the spine region but other areas of the body that the nerve travels to. The spinal cord is protected by the surround bones and discs, and runs down a canal from the neck to the lumbar. The nerves branch out from the spinal canal to the areas of the body. Any sort of compression of the nerve roots from injuries such as herniated discs or bone spurs, cause pain and neurological symptoms to the extent of the nerve.
The Steadman Philippon Research Institute has completed reports on spine and neck injuries and recovery.
Common Spine Surgery Procedures
Disc Herniation
The discs are the cushion between the vertebrae of the spine, and the discs in the lumbar portion of the back are the most commonly injured as they support all of the upper body weight. Discs are made up of two parts - the annulus and the nucleus pulposis. The annulus is the outer ring that attaches to the vertebrae. The nucleus pulposis is located inside of the annulus and is a soft cartilage that provides the cushioning of the vertebrae. The primary functions of the discs are to transfer the weight of the body from each of the vertebrae going down the spine, and to allow the spine to remain flexible. There are a few terms that describe similar injuries of the discs, disc herniation, rupture, protrusion and extrusion. All of these terms are referring to the leakage of the nucleus pulposis out of the annulus.
When treating herniated discs, surgeons typically prefer the patient to eliminate activities that aggravate the disc that is injured for up to six weeks as well as prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and relax the muscle. If the more conservative methods do not reduce the pain of the patient, surgeons may opt for epidural steroid injections or an injection that blocks a single nerve root that is responsible for the pain. If all of the non-surgical treatments fail, a surgeon will recommend different forms of surgery depending on the location of the herniation.
Tofurther educate yourselfon hip procedures, read below or visit thepatient educationsection.
Making an Appointment
Don’t let neck and back pain hinder your daily life any longer, contact one of our spine surgeons today.
- Dr.. Michael Gallizzi: Robotic and Endoscopic Spine Surgeon
It is beneficial to bring x-rays and previous surgical information to your first appointment with the surgeon, so they can determine the best course of action. Other items to bring to your appointment:
- Driver’s License or a valid ID
- List of Medications
- Insurance Information
- Any other relevant medical information
To find out if your insurance is accepted at The Steadman Clinic, be sure to visit our insurance page.
Preparing for Surgery
When preparing for your spine procedure it is important to think through what will be needed post surgery. For example what changes will need to be made at home to help you get around? How much time should you plan to take off work? Will changes in your diet be required? Be sure to have a list of any questions that you may have to ask your surgeon prior to surgery.
It is also helpful to meet with your physical therapist before your spinal surgery as doing some of the postoperative exercises before can help with recovery. It you are overweight, it is recommended that you try to lose a few pounds prior to surgery as that will also help with recovery.
For more on how to prepare for your spine or neck surgery, please visit ourPreparing for Surgerypage.
Recovery from Back Surgery
You should expect to see your back surgeon after 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 10 weeks after spinal surgery. After 6 weeks, a post surgery physical therapy plan designed specifically for you and your injury will be recommended for that day forward.
Although a walking plan will be prescribed immediately following surgery, during the first six weeks following surgery you should not lift anything heavier than a carton of milk.
More on
Educational Resources
For additional information on the neck and back specialties offered by The Steadman Clinic doctors, visit our patient education pages:
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
