TREATING NECK PAIN & NERVE COMPRESSION

Cervical Spine Surgery

The cervical spine is the part of the spine that makes up the neck. Its job is to support the head, protect the spinal cord, and allow for a wide range of motion. Because of its mobility, it’s prone to wear-and-tear conditions, injury, and nerve compression.

Common cervical spine conditions include:

• Herniated or bulging discs that press on nerves
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Degenerative disc disease that causes chronic neck pain
• Instability or deformities such as scoliosis or fractures
• Traumatic injury affecting the cervical vertebrae

Surgical treatments may include:

• Cervical Laminectomy: Removes a small section of bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
• Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: Widens the nerve exit (“foramen”) to free a pinched nerve.
• Minimally Invasive Foraminotomy: Same goal through a smaller incision for less tissue disruption.
• Posterior Cervical Fusion: Stabilizes vertebrae from the back when instability is present.
• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Removes a damaged disc from the front of the neck and fuses the level for durable relief.
• Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion: Removes part/all of a vertebral body to decompress the spinal cord, then stabilizes.
• Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement: Replaces a damaged disc to preserve motion while decompressing nerves.

Our surgeons specialize in minimally invasive techniques that reduce recovery time and provide lasting relief while protecting mobility.

ADDRESSING PAIN IN THE MID-BACK

Thoracic Spine Surgery

The thoracic spine makes up the mid-back and is less mobile than other spinal regions. However, it can still develop painful and serious conditions. Because this area is closely tied to rib attachments, issues here may cause chest pain in addition to back pain.

Common thoracic spine conditions include:

• Herniated thoracic discs
• Spinal stenosis causing pressure on the spinal cord
• Compression fractures from osteoporosis or trauma
• Scoliosis or other spinal deformities
• Tumors within or around the thoracic vertebrae

Surgical treatments may include:

• Thoracic Laminectomy: Creates more room for the spinal cord by removing bone/ligament.
• Thoracic Discectomy: Removes herniated disc material that’s pressing on nerves.
• Thoracic Fusion: Stabilizes segments when there is deformity or instability.
• Thoracic Corpectomy and Fusion: Removes part/all of a vertebra to decompress the cord, then stabilizes the spine.

At Surgical Spine Associates, we use advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to ensure precise treatment and faster recovery.

RELIEF FOR LEG & LOWER BACK PAIN

Lumbar Spine Surgery

The lumbar spine makes up the lower back and carries much of the body’s weight, making it a common site for degenerative changes, nerve compression, and painful conditions. Issues here often cause symptoms in both the back and legs.

Common lumbar conditions include:

• Herniated discs leading to sciatica or nerve compression
• Spinal stenosis causing numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Degenerative disc disease leading to chronic pain and instability
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
• Fractures or deformities of the lower back

Surgical treatments may include:

• Lumbar Laminectomy: Decompresses the spinal canal to ease leg symptoms from stenosis.
• Lumbar Microdiscectomy/Discectomy : Removes the herniated portion of a disc through a small incision; many patients feel immediate leg-pain relief.
• Lumbar Fusions: Stabilize painful/unstable levels using the approach that best fits your anatomy:
• Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion: Removes part/all of a vertebra to decompress and stabilize.
• Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement: Replaces a damaged disc to maintain motion when appropriate.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion: Stabilizes the SI joint using iFuse® triangular titanium implants for persistent pain generated by the SI joint.
• Intracept® Procedure: A minimally invasive, implant-free treatment that ablates the basivertebral nerve for chronic vertebrogenic low-back pain.
• Barricaid® Annular Closure Device: Placed with microdiscectomy in patients at high risk of reherniation to reinforce a large annular defect.

Our minimally invasive lumbar surgeries are designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help patients return to daily life more quickly.

TREATING TUMORS OF THE SPINE

Spinal Tumor Surgery

Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that can develop inside the spinal canal, within the vertebrae, or surrounding the spinal cord. They can be benign or malignant and may cause significant pain, weakness, or neurological issues.

Surgical treatments may include:

• Resection of Spinal Metastasis: Removes/stabilizes tumor-involved bone to relieve pain and protect the cord.
• Resection of Intradural Tumors: Carefully removes tumors within the dural sac.
• Resection of Extradural Tumors: Addresses tumors outside the dura but within the canal.
• Resection of Intramedullary Tumors: Microsurgical removal of tumors within the spinal cord when safe and feasible.

At Surgical Spine Associates, our neurosurgeons combine surgical precision with compassionate care, tailoring treatment plans to provide relief while preserving spinal stability and neurological function.