Spine Program

Better Results

Back and spine-related disorders can be debilitating and potentially incapacitating. It is estimated that 70 to 85 percent of all people will suffer from back pain during their lives and some will require surgery to gain relief from pain and improve their quality of life. To better treat back and spinal conditions, our neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons collaborate to provide patients with a comprehensive array of treatment options using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technology.

Our program's experienced team of professionals works with patients every step of the way, from pre-op classes with specially trained physical and occupational therapists to detailed follow-up after surgery.

Besides experiencing improved quality of life after surgery, patients benefit from the most effective, least invasive treatment possible. They spend less time in the hospital and are able to return quickly to their normal activities.

Techniques and Technology

Our physicians specialize in the latest minimally invasive treatment options, including:

• Spinal fusion - Minimally invasive & Complex reconstruction
• Motion sparing procedures
• Artificial disc replacement
• Interlaminar decompression/laminotomy
• Microdiscectomy

Spine Surgery Patients Benefit From New Surgical Suite

Patients like Steve Roach and Virgina Phy came to Washington Health so they could be treated by a Washington Health neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgery, and take advantage of the latest technology.

Steve Roach was working at his job in shipping and receiving 10 years ago when he injured his back picking up a box. That started a long, painful journey that resulted in five back surgeries. The pain was so debilitating, he has been unable to work since it happened. But now the Willits resident is back on his feet again thanks to the spine surgery he underwent in the new surgical suite at Washington Health.

Virginia Phy had been physically active most of her life, enjoying outdoor adventures like river rafting and zip lining. But in her mid 60s, she started to have trouble walking due to pain in her back and leg. A few years ago she had a laminectomy, which removes bone that protrudes from the vertebrae, as well as a fusion. That solved the problem, but eventually put stress on the vertebrae above and below it. In December 2012, she had another laminectomy and fusion in Washington Health's new state-of-the-art operating room. Because her bone is very narrow in diameter, the imaging guidance system was essential in placing the screws. Virginia was back to work in just four weeks.

Read more about their stories: Spine Surgery Patients Benefit From New Surgical Suite.

More Information for Patients and Families

Informed patients are able to make better decisions about their own health care. The following links give you access to more information about spine health and related conditions:

North American Spine Society  
www.spine.org

Spine-health.com 
http://www.spine-health.com/

Spine Universe 
https://pro.spineuniverse.com/