Back & Spine Surgical Options
Cutting-edge care gets you back to daily life sooner.
For conditions in which surgery is warranted, advanced medical equipment and new minimally invasive surgical procedures are creating better outcomes for patients. At SSM Health, our surgeons offer specialized expertise in a full range of open and minimally invasive spine surgeries – and use some of the most sophisticated and state-of-the-art surgical technology to help you overcome spine problems. Take the first step and schedule an appointment with one of our back and spine specialists for a consultation.
To serve you better, please set your location for information on services available in your area.
If you're having back or neck pain three or more days a week it's time to seek professional help for your chronic health condition.
Recovery begins in the hospital and continues at home. Learn more about what to expect and how to manage your pain post-surgery.
What spine surgery options are available at SSM Health?
After a comprehensive evaluation, our team will develop an individualized care plan for you. We recognize that the decision to have surgery comes with its own set of worries, and our team will guide you through the available options and help you understand what to expect from surgery.
SSM Health surgeons perform a full-range of spine procedures from minimally invasive procedures to complex spine surgeries and trauma care, including:
- Cervical/Neck Fusion
- Lumbar Fusion
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- Oblique Laterial Interbody Fusion
- Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- Sacral-iliac Fusion (SI Joint Fusion)
- Cervical Disc Replacement
- Discectomy
- Laminectomy
- Microdiscectomy
What are the benefits to minimally invasive spine surgery?
There are now a greater number of options for minimally invasive procedures, which uses a less disruptive side approach that enables patients to recover more quickly.
As opposed to traditional spine surgery, minimally invasive surgical approaches can be faster, safer and require less recovery time. Additional benefits include:
- Less post-operative pain
- Less soft tissue/muscle damage
- Quicker recovery and return to activities
- Smaller scars/less scar tissue
- Reduced blood loss
- Reduced risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stay
- Improved function
What conditions are treated with minimally invasive spine surgery?
Conditions we treat through minimally invasive approaches include: degenerative disc disease, herniated or ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis.
What condition can be treated by complex spine surgery?
From diagnosing curvature of the spine in adolescents to treating geriatric degenerative diseases of the spine, our fellowship-trained spinal surgeons provide comprehensive back and neck care for children and adults. Our experienced surgeons perform the following complex spine procedures:
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion (ACDF)
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy
- Cervical Corpectomy
- Cervical Foraminotomy
- Cervical Laminectomy
- Cervical Laminoplasty
- Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion
- Thoracic Discectomy
- Thoracic Spinal Fusion
- Thoracic Spine Decompression
- Thoracic Kyphoplasty
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
- Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion
- Lumbar Laminectomy
- Posterior Lumbar Fusion
- Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
- Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion
- Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
What is it like recovering from back and spine surgery?
Your recovery from back surgery begins in the hospital where you’ll receive coordinated, specialty care from our physicians and nurses. You will be encouraged to walk soon after surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may be able to return home the same day or you may need to spend a few days in the hospital. In most cases, your doctor will recommend physical or occupational therapy as part of your recovery.
How will my pain be managed after surgery?
Talk to your doctor before surgery to find out what you can expect in regard to pain after surgery. Some questions to ask your doctor include:
- What amount of pain is normal after back or spine surgery?
- How long does the pain usually last?
- What pain medicine will I receive? Do I have different options?
- How long will I take the pain medication prescribed?
- Will I need to ask for the pain medication or will it be administered automatically?
You are the only one who knows how much pain you feel and what makes it feel better. Tell your doctor or nurse if the prescribed pain medicine is not helping or if your pain changes during your recovery.