Spine Center

Rapidly restoring maximum function to spine patients is our heartfelt goal.

Our expert-quality team helps minimize pain, and promotes fast recovery through individualized plans for post-surgical care and rehabilitation.

Education Speeds Recovery

The Spine Center's emphasis on education helps patients understand what to expect. Information prepares the patient for his or her surgical experience from consultation to surgery and post-operative care. When surgery is scheduled, patients will receive a Stormont-Vail Spine Center Handbook. Prior to surgery each patient, with his or her champion, is encouraged to attend an education session.

• Tour the Spine Center, meet the staff, and become familiar with the surgery process and program philosophies.
• Learn what to expect from surgery and recovery, and what will be expected from you, the patient.
• Learn how to best prepare for surgery from pre-operative exercises to setting up your home for your return.
• Discover ways that your champion can assist you throughout your experience.

Knowledgeable patients have the power and motivation to heal better and faster -- fully supported by our dedicated staff.

Our specialized team of surgeons and support staff works together to provide comprehensive, individualized care -- from the initial consultation, to surgery, through the final day of physical therapy. We strive to help patients achieve a fast, full recovery through an immediate focus on mobility and returning to normal activities. Our Spine Center team includes:

• neurosurgeons and orthopedists;
• an expert nursing team;
• physical and occupational therapists;
• dieticians, social workers and case managers; and
• staff consultants, as needed, in pain management and chronic illness support.

How Your "Champion" Helps

Your champion is your right hand, your cheerleader and your moral support. He or she is able to be close by you for a few days after surgery, and check on you routinely once you are home again. Your champion reminds you what you can and can't do, and helps make the transition from hospital to home smoother. When choosing your champion, look for someone who:

• you are comfortable spending time with;
• you trust, and is dependable;
• is aware of your health status and medications; and
• is familiar with your home, likes and dislikes, and your lifestyle.

Although it is optional, the Spine Center encourages patients to have a champion. If desired, Stormont-Vail offers volunteer champions.

Surgery and Treatments

When surgery is the best course of treatment, we offer the most advanced surgical techniques. Spine surgery can help manage, and often resolve, certain spine conditions. The Spine Center provides patients pre- and postoperative care. Specially trained nurses offer patients instruction and support to ensure ongoing benefit from treatment.

Treatments include:

• surgery, including minimally invasive surgery;
• disc replacement;
• physical and occupational therapy;
• pre- and postoperative care; and
• therapeutic massage.

Spine Disorders Treated

Spine pain and restricted movement can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. Some of the disorders we treat include:

• degenerative discs (cervical, thoracic and lumbar);
• herniated discs (cervical, thoracic and lumbar);
• arthritis of the spine (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid);
• spondylolisthesis (spine instability);
• osteoporosis;
• spine stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal); and
• pinched nerves.

Back Pain Facts

• Each year 50 percent of working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms.
• Back pain is among the top reasons for missed work, and is the #2 reason for doctor's office visits.
• Experts say up to 80 percent of Americans will have a back problem at some time in life.
• Back pain is the #1 cause of activity limitation in persons under age 45.
• Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic -- not caused by serious conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

Causes of Low Back Pain

The exact cause of low back pain is difficult to pinpoint, and it may be a symptom of many different causes, including any/several of the following:

• strenuous activity, overuse or improper use;
• trauma, injury or fracture;
• degeneration of vertebrae;
• infection;
• abnormal growth (tumor);
• obesity;
• poor muscle tone in the back;
• smoking;
• protruding or herniated (slipped) disc; and/or
• disease (i.e. osteoarthritis, spondylitis, compression fractures).