Treatment for back, spine and neck pain usually begins with a conservative approach, such as over-the-counter medications, muscle relaxers, at-home remedies and physical therapy.
For conditions in which surgery is warranted, advanced medical equipment and new minimally invasive surgical procedures are creating better outcomes for patients.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
While traditional open spine surgery is often necessary, many spine surgeries are now performed using minimally invasive surgical procedures by specially trained surgeons with the SSM Neurosciences Institute. Computer-assisted technology and highly specialized instrumentation enable surgeons to correct back and spine problems through smaller incisions, which can result in:
- Less post-operative pain
- Less soft tissue damage
- Quicker recovery
- Less scarring
- Improved function
Advanced Technology in the Operating Suite
The O-Arm, a mobile CT scanner, provides surgeons real-time, 3D imaging in the operating room. In traditional spinal surgery, patients undergo preoperative imaging procedures, such as CT scans, MRIs and X-rays. Then, X-rays are repeated during surgery to help verify placement of surgical implants, such as screws. But these images provide only one-dimensional views. The O-Arm shows three planes, providing the surgeon with a more accurate verification of surgical implant placement. The patient never leaves the surgical suite.
This speeds the procedure, which means less blood loss and less time under anesthesia for patients.
When linked with a computerized navigation system, the O-Arm functions as a GPS (global positioning system) for the human body. The navigation system converts the 3D images from the O-Arm onto a computer monitor to guide the surgeon in placing instruments in real time.
Back and Spine Conditions We Treat
• Chin-on-chest deformity
• Craniovertebral junction
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Flat-back syndrome
• Fractures
• Kyphosis (Curvature of the upper spine)
• Myelopathy (Functional or pathologic change to the spinal cord)
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ruptured discs
• Sciatica (Pain in the leg caused by the sciatic nerve)
• Scoliosis
• Spina bifida
• Spinal deformity and trauma
• Spinal stenosis
Meet our neurosurgery team.