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Surgical Back Pain Treatment Options

For many patients with back pain, back surgery may be necessary—either at the outset of treatment or after our team of fellowship-trained, knowledgeable experts has prescribed conservative treatment options. The NorthShore Spine Center has one of the most experienced, specialized surgical teams in the region.

Our experts are at the forefront of spine surgery techniques and procedures. This renowned group has the knowledge and experience to safely, effectively perform even the most advanced surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Our NorthShore spine surgery team is one of several leading similar groups in the country participating in the National Neurosurgical Quality Outcomes database (N2QOD)—a national clinical registrydesigned to improve the quality of care and treatment. This registry is designed to assess the benefits neurosurgery provides to patients and to determine to what extent surgery improves pain, disability and quality of life.

NorthShore Spine Center employs the latest technologies in back surgery to allow for precise accuracy and shorter procedures, improving outcomes and recovery time. Your surgeon will help you determine which of these options are best for you. These may include:

Minimally Invasive Microscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery achieves the same results as traditional operations on the spine but is performed using much smaller incisions with little or no cutting of muscle. Specially designed instruments are inserted through keyhole-sized incisions. With the aid of microscopes and 3-D navigation, your surgeon can see deep inside the spine without removing the muscle that covers it, often resulting in less pain, scarring and blood loss, as well as quicker recovery times compared to traditional back pain surgery treatments.

Computer-Aided Navigation Technology

With the use of image-guided surgery, surgeons have better visualization of a patient’s spine.  During surgery, images of the spine are taken with a 3-D scanner that is melded with an image guidance system similar to GPS technology. These real-time images allow your surgeon to virtually navigate your spine from the inside out. This surgery is minimally invasive and allows for great precision and accuracy, resulting in overall better outcomes.

Patient Education

Our patients are important partners in treatment. Working closely with you, our Spine Center specialists will develop a comprehensive treatment plan detailing every step of the surgery process. Preparation and education are key. Better understanding what to expect, what you need to do and how best to care for yourself after surgery will optimize your recovery and lead to a successful outcome.

For more details on our comprehensive treatment plan, view a copy of our patient education brochure.

For More Information

To see if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, please fill out this form and we’ll get back to you within two business days.