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Back and Spine Surgery Services

Most back pain can be resolved with non-surgical treatment, but for some serious spinal conditions, surgery can help. In the Sutter Health network, experienced surgeons offer advanced procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function.

Female Hispanic surgeon in operating room

Connect with a Back and Spine Surgeon

Featured Services

  • Artificial Disc Replacement
  • Microdiscectomy
  • Spinal Tumors
  • Spine Fractures

Surgical Help for Back Pain

Most back problems are resolved without the need for surgery, but for some conditions back and spine surgery can help. Sutter Health network board-certified neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons offer the latest in advanced surgical procedures and techniques.

Disc Repair

In patients with pain due to a degenerated or herniated disc, surgeries such as a microdiscectomy to remove part of the disc can help provide relief. In some cases, a corpectomy, removal of part or all of a vertebra, may also be involved. If necessary, the space left by the removed disc can be replaced with an implant or with bone.

Foraminotomy

Foraminotomy is a spinal surgery performed to correct a narrowing of the nerve opening (foraminal stenosis). Taking pressure off a nerve in your spinal column can reduce pain. This surgery can be performed on any level of the spine.

Kyphosis Correction

Kyphosis, which is similar to scoliosis, is another type of abnormal curvature of the spine. It can produce a rounded or hunched back as well as pain and reduced mobility. Kyphosis correction surgery uses spinal implants to help straighten and stabilize the spine.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion

Up to 35% of people with low back pain may actually have a painful sacroiliac joint, where the sacrum and ilium pelvic bones meet. Because an MRI scan may be normal, SI joint pain can go undiagnosed for years. Comprehensive treatment includes SI joint injection or ablations. If these therapies don’t relieve the pain, you may be a good candidate for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion. This surgery is performed through a 1-inch incision, takes less than an hour and involves minimal blood loss. Implants are placed across the SI joint to stabilize the joint, resulting in pain relief in most cases.

Scoliosis Surgery

Some people with scoliosis may need surgery if the curvature of the spine is severe and progressive. Otherwise the curve may cause pain, neurological impairment and affect the function of some organs such as the lungs. Both minimally invasive scoliosis surgery and traditional scoliosis surgery can straighten the curve and create a stable spine using rods and screws.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis—a narrowing of the spinal canal due to arthritis, bone spurs or fractures—can cause pain, tingling and numbness. In these cases, surgeries such as laminoplasty, laminectomy and foraminotomy can relieve pressure from the nerves and/or spinal cord. In some cases, an arthrodesis (spinal fusion) can support the spine by fusing the bone together.

Tarlov Cyst Surgery

The Sutter network is home to the Sutter Medical Foundation Tarlov Cyst Program. Led by Rudolph Schrot, M.D., MAS, FAANS, the program operates on Tarlov cysts which grow on spinal nerves. This program helps alleviate potentially debilitating symptoms from these rare cysts.

Tumor Resection and Removal

In rare cases, a tumor may cause pain in your back or legs as it presses against the nerves. A surgeon may determine that surgery can remove the tumor safely to relieve symptoms and protect the spine.

Advanced Treatments

Female doctor looking over back x-ray with patient

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Back and spine specialists in the Sutter Health network offer minimally invasive procedures to reduce pain and restore mobility.

Health and Wellness

Weighing the Risks of Back Surgery

Weighing the Risks of Back Surgery

Back surgery may or may not help your back pain. Here’s what you need to know.

Weighing the Risks of Back Surgery Weighing the Risks of Back Surgery

Patient Stories

Tarlov Cyst Disease - “He gave me my life back.”

With 26 years of experience as a nurse, Payton Walton is no stranger to healthcare.

Artist Tours France after Spine Surgery

Patricia Vermillion was able to travel around France with her art group thanks to minimally invasive spine surgery and routine physical therapy.

One Week After Spine Surgery, Teacher Returns to Classroom

When a nagging back problem suddenly grew worse, Tim Howard's get-up-and-go attitude almost got up and went. Spinal surgery helped him stay active.

Tarlov Cyst Disease - Going From Bedridden to Ballroom Dancing

After Heidy Kellinson began to experience severe symptoms from her Tarlov cysts, she turned to Dr. Schrot at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento.

Back in the Saddle after Scoliosis Surgery

Six months after having surgery to fix her scoliosis, Marilyn was back to her favorite hobby, competitive, long-distance horse riding.

Scout Leader Learns to Walk Again after Spinal Injury

After a Cub Scout activity paralyzed den leader Matt Metcalf from the neck down, he had to have spinal fusion surgery and learn to walk again.

Master Gardener Returns to One of Her Great Joys

Years kneeling over the flower beds had finally taken its toll. With three disintegrating lumbar discs, Gillian reached out for help.

Surgeries Help 71-year-old Woman Ride Motorcycle

A 71-year-old woman is still riding her Harley-Davidson® motorcycle despite having hip replacement surgery.

View All Stories

Musculoskeletal Disorders Research

Sutter Health Musculoskeletal Disorders Research
Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries or pain in the body's joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons and other structures that support the arms, legs, neck and back. Specific disorders include such things as carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis and tendinitis. It can also include cuts and fractures due to accidents. Research in this area seeks to improve the treatment of disorders and the prevention of accidents, especially in the work environment.

Sutter Health Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Sutter Health Musculoskeletal Disorders Research

Doctor Profiles

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
Christopher Finkemeier, M.D.

Christopher Finkemeier, M.D.

  • Orthopedic Surgery

Raj S. Kullar, M.D.

Raj S. Kullar, M.D.

  • Orthopedic Surgery

Mark E. Endicott, M.D.

Mark E. Endicott, M.D.

  • Orthopedic Surgery

David R. Gotham, D.O.

David R. Gotham, D.O.

  • Orthopedic Surgery

Teodoro P. Nissen, M.D.

Teodoro P. Nissen, M.D.

  • Orthopedic Surgery

Roderick G. Sanden, M.D.

Roderick G. Sanden, M.D.

  • Neurosurgery

Anton Kurdin, M.D.

Anton Kurdin, M.D.

  • Orthopedic Surgery

Clement K. Jones, M.D.

Clement K. Jones, M.D.

  • Orthopedic Surgery

Richard Gayle, M.D.

Richard Gayle, M.D.

  • Orthopedic Surgery

View All Related Doctors

Services Near You

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Sutter Lakeside Hospital

Sutter Medical Foundation

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Sutter Surgical Hospital North Valley

Sutter Surgical Hospital North Valley

California Pacific Medical Center

California Pacific Medical Center

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

View All Related Locations

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