Spine Surgery Types and Treatment

At Banner Health, we understand that spine conditions can be painful and affect every part of your life. Our multidisciplinary team includes neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, physiatrists, physical therapists and neuroradiologists who work together to accurately diagnose your condition and create a personalized treatment plan. 

Using advanced imaging and surgical technologies, we help patients find relief and regain mobility through both minimally invasive and traditional spine surgery. 

What is spine surgery? 

Spine surgery focuses on treating problems that affect the spinal column, spinal cord and surrounding nerves. Damage or compression in these areas can disrupt how the brain and body communicate, causing pain, numbness or weakness. 

Our specialists perform surgical procedures to stabilize the spine, relieve pressure on nerves and restore movement and function. 

Conditions that may require spine surgery 

Many back and neck problems can be managed with nonsurgical care. However, some conditions may require surgery to relieve pressure, correct alignment or prevent further nerve damage. Common spine conditions that may need surgical treatment include: 

• Herniated disc – when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves 
• Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves 
• Spinal fractures – broken vertebrae from trauma, osteoporosis or tumors 
• Degenerative disc disease – age-related wear and tear that causes pain and stiffness 
• Osteoarthritis of the spine – joint breakdown that leads to chronic back or neck pain 
• Spinal deformities – conditions like scoliosis, kyphosis or spondylolisthesis that affect spinal alignment 

Your spine specialist will discuss whether surgery is the best option for your condition and lifestyle. 

Learn more about spine conditions treated at Banner Health. 

Types of spine surgery 

Your care team will help you decide which procedure best fits your needs. Common spine surgeries include: 

• Spinal fusion: Joins two or more vertebrae to improve stability or correct deformities 
• Laminectomy (decompression surgery): Removes part of the bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on nerves or the spinal cord 
• Foraminotomy: Widens the opening where nerves exit the spinal canal to reduce compression 
• Discectomy: Removes part or all of a damaged disc that is pressing on a nerve 
• Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty: Stabilizes spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis using bone cement 

Minimally invasive spine surgery 

Whenever possible, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques that require smaller incisions and cause less disruption to surrounding muscles and tissue. 

Benefits include: 

• Less pain and blood loss 
• Smaller scars 
• Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery 
• Lower risk of infection or complications 

Minimally invasive surgery may be used for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and other conditions. Your surgeon will determine if this approach is right for you. 

Diagnosis and testing before spine surgery 

Before recommending surgery, your team will perform imaging and diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. These may include: 

• MRI or CT scans to provide detailed images of the spine 
• X-rays to assess alignment or fractures 
• Nerve conduction studies to measure how nerves are functioning 

These results help guide your treatment plan and surgical approach. 

Learn more about spine surgery testing and diagnosis. 

Spine surgery recovery and rehabilitation 

Recovery plays a key role in your overall success. After surgery, our neurosciences care team - including physical therapists and physiatrists - will help you regain strength, flexibility and mobility through a personalized rehabilitation plan. 

Most patients return to normal activities gradually, following guidance from their surgeon and therapy team. 

Learn more about spine surgery recovery at Banner Health. 

Spine surgery technology 

Our operating rooms feature advanced technology to improve precision, safety and outcomes. 

• Spinal navigation (GPS) system: Provides real-time 3D imaging to help surgeons accurately place screws and instruments. 
• Intraoperative imaging: Combines CT or MRI data with robotic guidance to optimize incision placement and reduce surgery time. 

These technologies allow our surgeons to perform complex procedures more safely and efficiently while minimizing time under anesthesia. 

Why choose Banner Health for spine surgery 

Our neurosurgery and orthopedic spine specialists work together to provide the most advanced care available for complex spine conditions. With access to leading-edge technology, imaging, rehabilitation and follow-up care, we’re here to help you recover and return to the activities you love. 

Learn more about surgical and nonsurgical spine treatment options at Banner Health.