Back and Neck Surgery

An aching back or neck can prevent you from doing the things you love, from taking nature walks to cheering on your favorite sports team. See how our team of spine surgeons can get you back in action.

Types of Back and Neck Surgery

The spine (back and neck) is a highly complex and crucial structure that provides support for your entire body. That’s why it’s important to consult surgeons with expertise in these areas of the body. If you’ve tried non-invasive treatments to address your pain and you haven’t yet found relief from your back pain or neck pain, it may be time to discuss with a spine specialist if surgery might be the best option for you.

At Virtua, our team of talented spine surgeons are trained to perform a wide range of surgical procedures to address chronic back and neck issues, including:<

• Spinal fusion: The most common surgery for chronic back pain with degenerative changes, the surgeon fuses together the spinal bones (vertebrae) to limit motion between them and stabilize injured spinal segments.
• Laminectomy: The surgeon removes bone, bone spurs, or ligaments in the back to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
• Foraminotomy: Used to relieve pain from a compressed nerve in the spine, the surgeon widens the space where nerves exit the spine by removing some of the disc and surrounding bony structures.
• Discectomy: A disc that has slipped out of place can press on a nerve and cause back pain. In a discectomy, all or part of the disc is removed.

Am I a Candidate for Spine (Back or Neck) Surgery?

The experienced spine surgeons at Virtua are most concerned with finding the treatment that best fits your specific needs. That means that they take the time to listen to your unique situation, exploring possible options before considering surgery as a solution for your back or spine condition.

You might be a good candidate for back surgery or neck surgery if you:

• Have tried more conservative treatments for your back or spine pain without success
• Your symptoms indicate a condition that would benefit from surgical intervention, such as nerve problems or injured discs

Our Approach to Spine (Back and Neck) Surgery

Depending on your specific condition, here’s how we might approach your back or neck surgery:

• We’ve got your back: Our surgeons know just how intimidating the idea of surgery can be. That’s why we’re here for you every step of the way, answering any questions and addressing any concerns you may have.
• Excellent care, here and beyond: Great surgical care doesn’t stop after your procedure is done. Our talented team will guide you through the process of recovery, incorporating physical therapy focused on gradually building your strength and confidence post-surgery.
• Minimally invasive experts: If surgery is necessary, our specialists utilize minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. That means better outcomes, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays

Benefits of Back and Neck Surgery

After your surgery, you will experience:

• Relief from pain in your back or neck pain
• Reduced symptoms from back and neck conditions
• The ability to return to normal activities, such as exercise and housework
• Increased quality of life