Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Spine Disorders

Back and neck pain are among the most significant health problems in the United States, and are the most frequent cause of limited activity. Spine disorders are often a main cause of back and neck pain, but they also can cause buttock pain and discomfort in your arms and legs.

The spine, or backbone, is a very complex part of the body that’s made up of 33 vertebrae that are separated by spongy disks. Problems in the upper part of the spine can cause neck and upper back pain, and can also cause pinched nerves or pain in the arms. Problems in the middle and lower part of the spine can cause back pain, buttock pain, and even arm or leg pain.

The Aspirus Spine & Neurosciences Institute treats a wide range of conditions and offers the latest treatment and surgical options. Among the many services we offer, some of the more common surgeries we perform and spine disorders we encounter, include:

More Information

For more information about some of the more common procedures and treatments offered at Aspirus Spine & Neurosciences Institute, please choose from the list below:

Pinched nerve surgery

Pinched nerves can be caused by compression fractures, herniated disks, carpal tunnel and other spine disorders. Pinched nerve surgery is generally performed only if more conservative treatment methods fail to help reduce pain associated with a pinched nerve.

If you do need pinched nerve surgery, the type of surgery will depend on the location of the pinched nerve. Often times, many of the same procedures used to treat other spine disorders, like laminotomy, minimally invasive surgery and herniated disk surgery.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery

The Aspirus Spine & Neurosciences Institute offers the latest surgical options, including minimally invasive spinal surgery. For more information on its benefits, please visit our section on spinal stenosis.

Laminectomy & Laminotomy

A laminectomy is the complete removal of part of a bone attached to your vertebrae, while a laminotomy is the partial removal of this bone. For more information about these procedures, please visit our section on spinal stenosis.

Spinal fusion

During a spinal fusion surgery, two or more bones in your spine are fused together. For more information, please visit our section on spinal stenosis.

Cervical disk surgery

Cervical disk surgery corrects a problem with an injured or bulged disk in your neck. The disk can bulge outward or inward and press on a nerve. When this occurs, patients generally experience neck and arm pain or weakness. Cervical disk surgery is generally performed after non-surgical treatments are attempted.

During the surgery, an incision is made in the front or back of your neck, where a surgeon will remove all or part of the problematic disk(s). You may also require spinal fusion to add stability.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spinal surgery that provides relief from back pain caused by compression fractures of the spine. For more information, please visit our section on kyphosis.

Lumbar Injections

During lumbar injections, pain medication is injected into the problem area, reducing back pain and inflammation while improving mobility.