At Nebraska Spine Hospital, we understand how disruptive back pain can be to your life. While most back pain improves with non-surgical treatments, some cases may require surgery to address underlying causes and regain your quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about back surgery and how our specialized team can guide you through the decision-making process.

When Should You Consider Back Surgery?

Back surgery is typically considered after other treatments like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes haven’t provided relief. It may be necessary if your pain significantly limits your ability to perform everyday activities or if the pain radiates down your leg, which could indicate a pinched nerve.

At Nebraska Spine Hospital, we frequently help patients suffering from conditions such as:

• Herniated Discs: These occur when the soft cushion between vertebrae bulges or ruptures, pressing on nearby spinal nerves. This can lead to back pain and nerve-related symptoms, like leg weakness or numbness.
• Bone Overgrowth (Bone Spurs): Conditions like osteoarthritis can cause excessive bone growth that reduces space for nerves, leading to painful compression.
• Spine Degeneration with accompanying instability or loss of function.

Back surgery is most effective at addressing leg pain caused by nerve issues, though some persistent back pain may remain for certain patients.

Types of Back Surgery We Perform

Our surgeons at Nebraska Spine Hospital specialize in advanced back and neck procedures. We focus exclusively on spine health, ensuring you receive unparalleled care. Some common surgical treatments include:

• Discectomy
  This surgery removes the damaged portion of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. It’s often recommended when nerve compression causes pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
• Laminectomy
  This procedure involves removing part of the bone (lamina) at the back of your vertebra to increase space for the spinal cord and relieve pressure caused by conditions like spinal stenosis.
• Spinal Fusion
  This surgery is often recommended for degenerative conditions like arthritis. By fusing two or more vertebrae together, fusion stabilizes the spine and alleviates pain caused by movement in the affected segment.
• Artificial Disc Replacement
  For some patients, replacing a diseased disc with an artificial one allows for maintained spinal flexibility while eliminating pain from the damaged disc.

Why Choose Nebraska Spine Hospital?

Choosing surgery is a big decision. At Nebraska Spine Hospital, our team of board-certified spine surgeons ensures you’ll receive individualized care from diagnosis to recovery. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Dedicated Expertise
  Spine surgery is our sole focus. Our facility is recognized as a Spine Center of Excellence, the only one of its kind in the region.
• Patient-Centered Approach
  We understand that every patient’s needs are unique. Our team takes the time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and tailor a treatment plan just for you.
• State-of-the-Art Techniques
  Utilizing the latest surgical advances, we aim to minimize recovery time and maximize outcomes, so you can get back to doing what you love.

Back and leg pain can be complex issues. It’s essential to consult with experienced spine specialists to explore all available options and ensure surgery is truly the right move for your health.