Health Library
Curious about how your procedure works, and why it’s used to treat certain spine conditions? Learn about risks, results, candidates, and the step-by-step process involved with each procedure.
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Spine Conditions | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Procedures | Spine Surgeries
Spine Conditions
Back pain
Back pain results when the spine is stressed by injury, poor posture, disease, wear and tear, or poor body mechanics. Acute low back pain is abrupt, intense pain that subsides after a period of days or weeks. It typically resolves with rest, exercise, and other self-care measures. Some people suffer from chronic pain that continues despite treatment.
Degenerative disc
Sciatica is a term that describes leg pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates along the sciatic nerve. It starts in the low back and radiates into the buttock and down the back of your leg. The pain is often caused by pressure on the nerve roots in the lower spine from disc herniation or stenosis. Acute sciatica typically resolves with rest, exercise, and other self-care measures. Some people suffer from chronic pain that continues despite treatment.
Herniated cervical disc
A herniated disc is a spine condition that occurs when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a weak area in the tough outer wall.or arm pain, numbness or tingling may result when the disc material touches or compresses a spinal nerve. Treatment with rest, pain medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy is the first step to recovery. Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery to remove a portion of the disc and any bone spurs may be recommended.
Herniated lumbar disc
A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a weak area in the tough outer wall. Back or leg pain, numbness or tingling may result when the disc material touches or compresses a spinal nerve. Treatment with rest, pain medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy is the first step to recovery. Most people improve in six weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery to remove a portion of the disc and any bone spurs may be recommended.
Leg Pain (sciatica)
Sciatica is a term that describes leg pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates along the sciatic nerve. It starts in the low back and radiates into the buttock and down the back of your leg. The pain is often caused by pressure on the nerve roots in the lower spine from disc herniation or stenosis. Acute sciatica typically resolves with rest, exercise, and other self-care measures. Some people suffer from chronic pain that continues despite treatment.
Neck pain
Neck pain results when the spine is stressed by injury, poor posture, disease, wear and tear, or poor body mechanics. Acute neck pain is abrupt, intense pain that subsides after a period of days or weeks. It can also radiate to the head, shoulders, arms, or hands. It typically resolves with rest, exercise, and other self-care measures. Some people suffer from chronic pain that continues despite treatment.
Spine anatomy
The spine is made of 33 individual bony vertebrae stacked one on top of the other. This spinal column provides the main support for your body, allowing you to stand upright, bend, and twist, while protecting the spinal cord from injury. Strong bones and muscles, flexible tendons and ligaments, and sensitive nerves contribute to a healthy spine. Yet, any of these structures affected by strain, injury, or disease can cause pain.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the bony space (canals) through which the nerves and spinal cord pass. Arthritis can cause the facet joints and ligaments to enlarge and thicken restricting the space for the nerves to move freely. The pinched nerves become inflamed and cause pain, cramping, numbness or weakness in your legs, back, neck, or arms. Medications, physical therapy and spinal injections can help control the symptoms. Chronic symptoms may require surgery to remove bone and open space for the nerves.
Spondylolisthesis is a spine condition that affects the facet joints of the spine that help keep the vertebrae aligned one on top of the other. A weakness or stress fracture can occur between the facet joints. This weakness can cause the vertebrae to slip forward out of their normal position and “kink” the nerves. Treatments include physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the area. Sometimes a back brace is used. In severe slippage, surgery is used to realign the bones and then fuse them together.
Synovial Cyst
A synovial cyst is a sac of fluid that forms within the facet joint of the lower spine. Facet joints affected with arthritis will often produce extra lubrication as a way of protecting the joint. Sometimes, the fluid builds up and creates a bubble that protrudes into the spinal canal—a synovial cyst. The sac creates pressure inside the canal causing symptoms similar to spinal stenosis. Medications, injections, and other conservative options such as physical therapy may help. If the pain is chronic, surgery to remove the cyst may be recommended.
Vertebral compression fracture
Vertebral compression fractures are a spinal condition that occurs when the spinal bone collapses on one side producing a “wedged” vertebra. People with osteoporosis, tumors, and certain forms of cancer that weaken bone are prone to vertebral compression fractures. Lifting a heavy object, sneezing, or coughing may cause these fractures. Multiple fractures can cause loss of height and a hunchback. Symptoms include back pain and reduced physical activity. Pain medications, calcium supplements, physical therapy, and bracing can control symptoms. Early surgery may be recommended to lift the bone wedge and stabilize the fracture with injected bone cement.
Pain Management Procedures
Epidural Steroid Injection
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure that can help relieve neck, arm, back, and leg pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves. ESI may be performed to relieve pain caused by spinal stenosis, spondylolysis, or disc herniation. Medicines are delivered to the spinal nerve through the epidural space, the area between the protective covering of the spinal cord and vertebrae. The effects of ESI tend to be temporary. Pain relief may last for several days or even years. The goal is to reduce pain so that you may resume normal activities and a physical therapy program.
Facet Injection
A facet injection is a minimally invasive procedure that can temporarily relieve neck or back pain caused by inflamed facet joints. The cause of facet joint pain (arthritis, injury, degeneration) is not well understood and can be similar in nature to disc pain. The procedure has two purposes. First, it can be used as a diagnostic test to see if the pain is actually coming from your facet joints. Second, it can be used as a treatment to relieve inflammation and pain caused by various spine conditions.
Nerve Block Injection
A nerve block injection is a minimally invasive procedure that can temporarily relieve joint or nerve pain. The procedure is used as a diagnostic test to determine if the pain is actually coming from the nerve or joint. If the block is successful, then a radiofrequency ablation may be recommended.
Radiofrequency Ablation
A radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain. It can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck and arthritic joints. If you suffer recurrent pain and you’ve experienced good relief with a nerve block injection, you may be a candidate for a radiofrequency ablation.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial
Spinal cord stimulation therapy masks pain signals before they reach the brain. A small device, similar to a pacemaker, delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord. It helps people better manage their chronic pain and reduce their use of opioid medications. It may be an option if you suffer chronic back, leg or arm pain and have not found relief with other therapies.
Spine Surgeries
Axial lumbar fusion
Axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) is a minimally invasive surgery used to fuse together the last bone in the lumbar spine (L5) and the first bone in sacrum (S1). A 1-inch incision is made near the tailbone and a long, narrow tube is inserted to reach the spine. The disc is removed and a special rod (screw) is inserted. Over time, new bone growth will fuse the two vertebrae together. AxiaLIF is an option for patients who suffer from degenerative disc or spondylolisthesis. The surgery is done without splitting the back muscles, takes 1 to 2 hours, and patients often go home the same day.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgery to remove a herniated or degenerative disc in the cervical (neck) spine. The incision is made in the front of the spine, through the throat area. After the disc is removed, a bone graft is inserted to fuse together the vertebrae above and below the disc space. Your doctor may recommend a discectomy if physical therapy or medications fail to relieve your neck or arm pain caused by compressed spinal nerves. Patients go home the same day; recovery time takes four weeks.
Artificial disc replacement
Artificial disc surgery replaces a worn-out disc in the spine with a device that moves like a natural disc. The device is made of metal plates with a ceramic or polymer core that flexes or glides. It’s an alternative to spinal fusion, which stops all motion at the disc. The benefit of an artificial disc is less stress on adjacent discs compared to fusion.
Carpal tunnel surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain and tingling in the hand and fingers. The median nerve passes or “tunnels” under a ligament (carpal ligament) in the wrist. The nerve can become compressed and inflamed from repetitive movement of the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel release involves making a skin incision in the wrist and cutting the ligament to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Lateral interbody fusion is a surgery to treat disc problems in the low back. In spinal fusion, two or more bones of the spine are joined to stop painful motion, decompress pinched nerves, and correct scoliosis. Through a small incision at the side of the waist, the disc is removed and a bone graft is inserted to restore the height and relieve nerve pinching. During healing, the bones will fuse together.
Minimally invasive discectomy
Microsurgical discectomy is a procedure to remove a herniated disc and bone spurs in the spine. A 1-inch incision is made into one side of your back. The muscles are gradually dilated with increasingly larger tubes to form a tunnel to the spine. Through this tunnel, the ruptured portion of the disc is removed along with any bone spurs pinching the nerve. The entire disc is not removed. Your doctor may recommend a discectomy if physical therapy or medications fail to relieve your leg, arm or back pain. Patients go home the same day.
Pain pump
Intrathecal drug delivery, or “pain pump,” is a method of giving medication directly to your spinal cord. The system uses a small pump that is surgically placed under the skin of your abdomen and delivers medication through a catheter to the area around your spinal cord—similar to an epidural that women may have during childbirth. Because the medication is delivered directly to the spinal cord, your symptoms can be controlled with a much smaller dose than is needed with oral medication.
Posterior cervical surgery
Posterior cervical surgery occurs in the back of the neck to relieve pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. The surgery may involve a single-level discectomy and foraminotomy or may be a more complex multi-level laminectomy and fusion. The surgery can be performed open or minimally invasive.
Preparing for spinal fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure performed to permanently join together one or more bony vertebrae. It will stop the motion in the painful area of your spine allowing you to return to a more normal lifestyle—though one that may not be totally pain-free. Because back pain responds well to physical therapy and exercise, make sure you have done your part toward a successful rehabilitation before considering surgery. What you do before and after surgery can help get you back on your feet sooner. It’s important to have realistic expectations and prepare properly for your recovery.
PSR for facial pain
Trigeminal neuralgia is an inflammation of the trigeminal nerve causing extreme pain and muscle spasms in the face. Attacks of intense, electric shock-like facial pain can occur without warning or be triggered by touching specific areas of the face. Although the exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not fully understood, a blood vessel is often found compressing the nerve. Medication, injections, surgery, and radiation are used to treat the pain. Each treatment offers benefits, but each has limitations.
Sacroiliac joint fusion
Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion is a minimally invasive surgery. Through a small incision, titanium implants are placed across the joint to stop painful motion. The surgery takes about an hour and patients go home the same day. For several weeks, the patient cannot bear full weight on the operated side and must use crutches.
Spinal decompression (laminectomy)
Spinal decompression (laminectomy) is a surgery to remove the bony overgrowth caused by spinal stenosis. The incision is made in the back of the spine. The arched portion of the bone (lamina) is removed to expose the spinal cord. Thickened ligaments and bone spurs are also removed. The overgrown facet joints may be trimmed to give more room for the spinal nerves. One lamina (single-level) or more (multi-level) may be removed. Decompression does not cure spinal stenosis nor eliminate arthritis; it only relieves some of the symptoms. The surgery can be performed in an open or minimally invasive technique.
Spinal cord stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation uses low voltage stimulation of the spinal nerves to block the feeling of pain. It helps you to better manage your pain and potentially decrease the amount of pain medication. It may be an option if you have long-term (chronic) leg, arm or back pain, and have not found relief through traditional methods. A small battery-powered generator implanted in the body transmits an electrical current to your spinal cord. The result is a tingling sensation instead of pain.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a minimally invasive surgery to permanently join together one or more bony vertebrae of the spine. A 1-inch incision is made in the lower back. The muscles are gradually dilated (widened) with increasingly larger tubes to form a tunnel to the spine. Through this tube, the damaged disc is removed and a bone graft is inserted into the empty disc space. Over time, new bone growth will fuse the two vertebrae together. The surgery is done without splitting the back muscles, takes 1 to 2 hours, and patients often go home the same day.
Ulnar nerve surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain and tingling in the hand and fingers. The median nerve passes or “tunnels” under a ligament (carpal ligament) in the wrist. The nerve can become compressed and inflamed from repetitive movement of the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel release involves making a skin incision in the wrist and cutting the ligament to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive surgeries performed to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCF) of the spine. These fractures, which can be painful and limit mobility, are often caused by osteoporosis, spinal tumors, and injury. Traditional treatments of bed rest, pain medication, and braces are slow to relieve the pain. By injecting bone cement into the fractured bone and restoring the vertebra height, these procedures offer patients faster recovery and reduce the risk of future fractures in the treated bone.
Your guide to outpatient surgery, physical medicine, and rehabilitation procedures
Find out what to expect before, during, and after your visit to Mayfield Spine Surgery Center.
