Spinal Surgery
Print
Share
Back pain affects millions of people each year, with more than 75% of Americans suffering back or spine problems at some point during their lives, and it can be difficult to know where to turn for information and relief. Often, back pain can be transitory pain and addressed by non-surgical means. However, for some, back pain is ongoing and contributes to a reduction in the quality of one's life. At Overlake Medical Center, our goal is to provide you with information that educates you about options to resolve your back pain. It is our recommendation to speak with your primary care provider first to determine your next steps.
If you have not been able to resolve your back pain with non-invasive treatment and you are looking for information on surgical options or, if spine surgery is recommended by your physician, Overlake offers the very latest innovative surgical procedures and information on surgical options.
We are proud of our staff and the fine orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, along with nurses, physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists who work together as a team. We look forward to working with you.
Treatments Available
Surgical treatment is available for many spine problems including scoliosis (curvature of the spine), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and spondylolisthesis (slipping of the discs). Our surgeons are also trained in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Minimally invasive surgery requires smaller incisions resulting in less scarring, reduced blood loss and faster recovery. However, only you and your doctor can decide on the best approach for your individual case.
The following spinal surgical procedures are provided at Overlake Medical Center:
- Discectomy: This procedure is the most common treatment for ruptured or herniated discs of the lumbar spine.
- Laminectomy/Laminotomy: This decompression procedure is performed to reduce the pressure on nerves that cause pain.
- Disk replacement: A motion-preservation technique used to treat degenerative disk disease.
- Spinal fusion (anterior lumbar or cervical): A procedure that limits painful motion and is used to treat fractured vertebra, correct a deformity, eliminate pain or instability, and treat some cervical disc herniations. Bone used in fusion procedures can come from either the front or back of your pelvic bone or from a bone bank.
- Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty: These minimally invasive procedures are used to treat and repair painful vertebral compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis.
Spine Surgery Guide
Download our spine surgery guide.
Inpatient Care Experience
Our spine patients are supported through the pre-operative process by nurses in the Surgical Pre-Admission Center. If you require a hospital stay, you will be cared for on our spine and orthopedic unit and work with a dedicated team of nurses and physical and occupational therapists.
Your care team is experienced in the unique treatment of spine patients, placing emphasis on careful movement and rehabilitation. The inpatient care team provides an environment that focuses on wellness and maximizes patient recovery.
Tip Sheets: What You Should Know Before Surgery
Support Services After Surgery
After surgery, your surgeon may recommend additional physical therapy or rehabilitation to speed healing and help you return to an active lifestyle. The Overlake Rehabilitation Care team focuses on increasing independence and improving wellness and overall fitness following surgery.
The team includes a physical therapist specializing in the care of spine patients, who will work with your surgeon and other caregivers to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to help you recover from surgery.