Back & Spinal Surgery

Treatments for Spinal Disorders in LA County

At USC Arcadia Hospital, we make sure that you are taken care of every step of the way through spinal surgery preparation and recovery. Spinal surgery is not recommended lightly - our team thoroughly examines a patient's condition and considers all treatment options before recommending surgery. When it is deemed that back surgery is your best bet for pain relief, we will take every measure to ensure the procedure is safe and successful. Thousands of spine surgeries are performed in the United States each year. These are not uncommon operations, and our experienced orthopedists know what patients need to feel relaxed and recover faster.

How Spinal Surgery Can Help

Back pain can be hard to deal with. Your entire body relies on your back for motion, making it very difficult to avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. When less invasive means fail to treat the condition, spinal surgery may provide the relive you're looking for.

Spinal surgery is not as difficult as it may sound. Pain usually radiates from one section of the spine, meaning the surgeon will not need to make too large of an incision to reach the affected area.

The following are spinal conditions that often require surgery:

• Herniated Disc - Also called a "slipped disc," this is one of the most common causes of back pain. Each vertebra in the spine is separated by a rubbery substance called a "disc". Over time this disc can slip out of place and exert pressure on a nerve, causing pain. Pain from a herniated disc can be very mild or extreme.
• Degenerated Disc - Discs can degenerate over time from wear and tear as we age. As the cushion loosens, vertebra begins pushing together and pinch a nerve root, resulting in pain.
• Osteophytes - A "bone spur" is are smooth growths in the spine that enlarge the vertebrae and pinch nerves. They are not always painful, but when they are, surgery to remove the growth is highly effective.
• Spinal Stenosis - Overtime your spine may narrow and exert pressure on the nerves, resulting in pain. There are a few different operations that can be performed to corrected spinal stenosis, depending on the severity of the condition. Surgery has proven to be a highly effective treatment for this disorder.
• Spine Injuries - Trauma to your back can expedite wear and tear on the vertebrae or spine. If pain persists long after a back injury, a doctor may have you take an imaging test to see if there was any internal damage. Surgery may then be required to fix the problem.

Whatever spinal condition you are dealing with, our team will tell you what can be done to treat it and whether or not surgery is your best option. Before an operation, you will be thoroughly educated on what to expect, how to prepare, and treatments that will speed your recovery. Prescribing surgery is only the first step, you can count on us to act as your partners throughout this process.