Orthopedic Spine Care

Nonsurgical Spine Treatment

Developing improved treatments for addressing spine conditions is a cornerstone of our work. Through our research programs, we explore advanced procedures, technologies, devices and medications, and provide patients access to clinical trials of new therapies.

Spinal conditions our specialists treat include:

• Sciatica
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Cervical stenosis
• Arthritis
• Spinal fractures
• Spinal tumors
• Spinal infections
• Adult scoliosis

Most spinal conditions don’t require surgery. Our team will work with you to utilize nonsurgical solutions when possible. These treatments may include therapeutic exercise, injection therapy and medications. 

Back pain that occurs along the spine can often be treated without surgery.

Common nonsurgical treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (over-the-counter or prescription)
• Short-term bed rest (two to five days)
• Activity alteration
• Injections

By combining non-operative therapeutic methods with a customized physical therapy program, our physiatrists are able to treat patients' specific conditions such as herniated discs, arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, and low back and neck pain.

Spine Surgery

Patients who need surgery are in good hands at UC San Diego Health. We have nationally recognized spine surgeons. Their expertise includes:

• Minimally invasive surgical procedures for vertebral fractures
• Lateral minimally invasive approaches for anterior lumbar interbody fusions (XLIF or DLIF) for degenerative conditions scoliosis and trauma
• Cervical, thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral intervertebral disc removal
• Spinal cord injuries
• Vertebral hemangiomas
• Spinal tumors
• Spinal stenosis

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

The field of spinal surgery is being transformed by minimally invasive surgical techniques. We are at the forefront of innovations in minimally invasive spinal surgery, providing a broad range of therapies for spinal disorders and injuries.

Minimally invasive procedures include:

• Kyphoplasty
• Endoscopic surgery for disc disease and spine motion preservation
• Fusion
• Decompressive techniques

We use specialized instruments to decrease the incision size and reduce injury to surrounding tissue. This results in less pain, quicker recovery, and improved functioning.

Patients who are candidates for minimally invasive treatment include those with:

• Chronic sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
• Herniated discs
• Infections
• Kyphosis
• Scoliosis
• Spinal fractures
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Tumors

Open Spine Surgery

Some spinal conditions require open or traditional surgery to give the surgeon appropriate access to the spine.

Conditions that may require open surgery include:

• Degenerative osteoarthritis
• Fractures
• Scoliosis
• Infections
• Tumors

Advances in computer and imaging technologies provide our surgeons with the ability to have extended vision of the patient's spine during surgery. This helps guide the surgeons to critical areas of the spine, minimizing disruption of nearby muscles, tissues, nerves and blood vessels.

Total Disc Replacement

During total disc replacement, a degenerative disc is replaced with an artificial disc.

Advantages of total disc replacement over a conventional spinal fusion:

• Shorter recovery time
• Reduced postoperative discomfort
• Most patients can return to normal and full-motion activities within six weeks (compared to 3-6 months after a fusion procedure)

UC San Diego Health spine surgeons have been involved with the development of some of these surgical techniques, as well as many clinical trials.

Spine Classes

Learn more about what to expect before and after your spine surgery. Classes are taught via Zoom videoconferencing by our multidisciplinary inpatient spine team which includes nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and care managers. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions so that you feel comfortable with your spine surgery.

See more spine class details in our Classes and Events Calendar