Spine Surgery Expertise and Treatment
Support for Chronic Back Pain
Four years ago, Simon injured his back. He tried everything to stop the pain – chiropractors, injections, massage – and nothing worked. After extensive research into spine surgeons and area hospitals, Simon chose a surgeon at Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare, where the team is highly experienced in the latest techniques. His herniated disc was repaired with a small incision and his back pain was gone.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS FOR RELIEF OF CHRONIC BACK PAIN
Our Spine Program offers comprehensive care and treatment for the range of spine injuries and conditions. We work with you to determine the best approach for your specific spine issue that is causing back pain. If surgery is recommended, we offer a comprehensive course of treatment tailored to your needs, including minimally invasive procedures provided by doctors who are experts in advanced therapies.
- Proven expertise in the latest approaches for spine surgery including total disc replacement, revision surgery, and cervical and lumbar fusion. With decades of experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of spine issues, our surgeons are often consulted for second opinions.
- Excellent outcomes, with a lower rate of complications compared to similar-sized California hospitals, according to 2016 National Inpatient Survey data.
- A specialized team that cares for more than 200 spine surgery patients each year. Our multidisciplinary team of spine surgeons, orthopedic-certified nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and pharmacists work together to address your needs, and help ensure you have an excellent stay and smooth recovery.
- National recognition with the Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery from Blue Cross Blue Shield. The Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care® program is a national designation to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality specialty care.
- Education and support throughout your stay to ensure you are prepared for surgery and have your questions addressed. Our spine surgery classes, orthopedic nurse coordinators and physical therapists will help you so you know what to expect.
Explore Your Options for Relief of Chronic Back Pain
Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp sensation, back pain can affect your activities, sleep, and daily life. If you have severe back pain that has persisted for more than six months and non-surgical treatment such as medication and rehabilitation hasn’t helped, it might be time to consider your options for getting the right relief.
- Have you had chronic pain or aching after sitting or standing for extended periods of time? Has it lasted for weeks, months, and years?
- Do you have persistent aching and stiffness along your spine from the base of your neck to the tailbone?
- Do you have sharp pain after lifting heavy objects or engaging in other strenuous activity?
- Do you have trouble standing straight without pain or have muscle spasms in the lower back?
- Do you have back pain at night?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of the above, we can help.
Our spine surgeons can assess your back pain and provide treatment options.
"Thanks to my surgeon, I have been reborn and can look forward to an active life."
- Marc, spine surgery patient
Types of Surgery Offered
Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare offers comprehensive spine care, from common to complex cases. Our board-certified spine surgeons offer a breadth of treatments for all areas of the spine and can discuss the best options for you.
Total Disc Replacement
Total disc replacement involves replacing a diseased or damaged disc that is causing pain to the nerves surrounding it. The disc is removed and the vertebra surrounding it is cleared of remaining damaged cartilage. Implants are inserted, replacing the damaged disc and relieving the pinched and pained nerves.
Cervical Spinal Fusion
Cervical spinal fusion joins selected bones in the neck. Spinal fusion keeps the spine stable after an injury or infection, or can address neck misalignment.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Lumbar spinal fusion joins selected bones in the lumbar spine. It stops the motion of the spine at a painful section, which in turn decreases pain as the joint no longer moves. This surgery is an option for those with degenerative disc diseases, spondylolisthesis, fractures, scoliosis, or an unstable spine.
Revision Surgery
Revision surgery is performed to correct problems from previous spine surgery.
"The team at ValleyCare explained every step of the process in detail."
- Nancy, spine surgery patient
Your Spine Surgery Care Team
Your spine team is highly skilled and focuses specifically on you and your individual surgery so that you can have a comfortable and successful recovery.
Your Doctors
Stanford Health Care - ValleyCare spine surgeons are fellowship trained in surgical and non-surgical care of spinal patients. They integrate new approaches in their care and work with you to design an individualized treatment plan for your specific case.
Many spine injuries and conditions, such as lower back pain, do not require surgery. Your doctor may recommend options such as physical therapy and rehabilitation or medication to provide pain relief. When severe back pain persists and these options don’t work, surgery may be necessary. Find a Doctor »
Extended Care Team
Your spine care team at Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare consists of your spine surgeon, orthopedic nurse coordinators, unit nurses, an anesthesiologist, pharmacist, physical therapist, nutritionist, and case manager.
Spine Surgeon
Your spine surgeon performs your spine surgery and will oversee your care.
Orthopedic Nurse Coordinators
Our nurse coordinators act as a link throughout the path of treatment and coordinate your hospital care.
Orthopedic Unit Nurses
Your nurses care for you throughout your stay. Many of the nurses you work with have an extra certification in orthopedics, which means they have specialized training in your recovery process.
Anesthesiologist
Your anesthesiologist works to keep you comfortable and safe during surgery.
Unit-Based Clinical Pharmacist
Our pharmacist works with your surgeon to provide you with pain relief after surgery. Since they are on-unit, they are easily accessible to directly assess your pain levels to keep you comfortable.
Physical Therapy Team
Your physical therapists will take you through your post-operative exercises to improve your range of motion and joint strength.
Nutritionist
Our nutritionist can help ensure a healthy diet to facilitate healing.
Case Manager
Our case managers work with you to help with your transition from the hospital to your home.
Support Services
Our Spine Surgery Class helps to prepare you for surgery and recovery. Led by the orthopedic nurse coordinator and physical therapist, you will learn what to expect during spine surgery to help minimize anxiety during your stay and help ensure a thorough recovery.
For more information about spine surgery or to find a spine surgeon, call us at 844-530-0640.