The UCSD Orthopedic spine specialists are leading the way in comprehensive care and treatment of neck and back disorders. They continue to develop new procedures by being at the forefront of clinical research to find the most efficient and effective treatments. In addition, the UCSD spine specialists team provides non-surgical treatment options.
Treatment options include:
Conventional neck & back surgery treats conditions of the neck through lower back, along with all types of spinal disorders, including osteo-arthritis (osteoporotic fractures), scoliosis, infection, tumors and traumatic injuries. UCSD is a referral center for patients who have disorders that are too complex for their local spine surgeons to manage.
Using innovative techniques from cutting-edge research, the UCSD Spine Surgery team can treat spinal disorders or chronic back and neck pain with minimally invasive back surgery. Minimally invasive back surgery can be used to treat nearly all spinal disorders in a safe and efficient manner, using specialized instruments to decrease the size of the incision and injury to surrounding soft tissues. This results in less pain, quicker recovery, and improved function. Patients with herniated disks, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal fractures, infections, and even tumors may be candidates for this type of treatment. Learn more about our Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery program.
Advances in computer technologies effectively enable the surgeons to have extended vision of the patient's spine during surgery. This technology provides nerve monitoring to assist in identifying physiological changes, helping guide the surgeons to the location on the spine and away from nearby nerves. Revolutionary image guidance systems also provide physicians with a way to navigate through the body using 3D images. These precise 3D images allow physicians to focus on the precise location needed during surgery, without disrupting nearby muscle, tissue, nerves or blood vessels.
With total disc replacement (TDR), the degenerative disc is replaced with an artificial disc inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. The major advantages of TDR over a conventional spinal fusion are shorter recovery time and reduced postoperative discomfort. Most patients can return to normal activities and full motion within six weeks after the TDR, compared to three to six months after a fusion.
Kyphoplasty involves the injection of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement into the vertebrae after fractures occur. The procedure has been highly successful in treating painful, disabling osteoporotic fractures of the spines for which no adequate treatment was available. Learn more about Kyphoplasty.
Non-surgical treatments for back and neck pain are also available at UCSD.
The majority of spine pain from the neck, mid/low back, and related arm and leg pain can be treated without surgery. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication (over-the-counter or prescription), short-term bed rest (2-5 days), and activity alteration (avoiding twisting, long car rides, and avoiding overhead weight lifting).
Aerobic exercise -- initially without impact -- is generally helpful for rehabilitation and long-term spine health. If this fails and X-rays and MRIs demonstrate nerve compression, instability, or deformities, surgery may be indicated. This may involve minimally invasive procedures -- including steroid injections along spinal nerves or the spinal cord -- or more extensive procedures such as laminectomies, fusion and artificial disk replacement.
Interactive Quiz: Should You Consider Surgery For Your Low Back?