Back and Spine Surgery
The back and spine provide support and mobility — but when pain strikes, simple activities like bending, turning, walking, and going up and down stairs can become difficult. Over 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives, suffering from conditions like herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal osteoarthritis, and sciatica. Treatment options range from rest or injections to targeted surgery, all depending on severity.
Back and Spine Surgery at Atlantic Orthopaedics
We want to you return to the activities you love, pain-free!
We offer comprehensive back and spine evaluations and lumbar decompression surgery to treat compressed nerves in the lower area of the spine. This surgery will decrease persistent pain and eliminate feelings of numbness in the legs caused by nerve pressure in the spine.
Come see us if you are experiencing persistent or worsening back pain and have not responded to nonsurgical interventions like rest, anti-inflammatories, or spinal injections. We will determine if your pain symptoms are related to spinal arthritis or other degenerative wear and tear, and we will help you plan the best treatment option to get you back in motion as quickly and as pain-free as possible.
Back and Spine Surgery Consultations
Is back surgery right for you? Schedule a consultation to discuss your back pain, spine pain, or neck pain.
Conditions and Injuries Treated by Spine Surgery
Compression within or trauma to the back, neck, or spine can cause pain in obvious areas as well as refer to other parts of the body like the arms and legs.
- Consistent pain
- Numbness
- Pain radiating to arms and legs
- Stiffness
- Inability to bend, lift or twist
- Scoliosis
- Herniated Discs
- Sciatica
- Spinal Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis
- Degenerative wear and tear
- Nerve impingement
- Spinal Cord Injury
Evaluate Your Back and Spine Pain
Spine Treatments & Surgeries Offered
Surgery is not always necessary to treat spine pain or pain referring to the spine. A thorough evaluation of your symptoms, conditions, or injuries will inform proper treatment recommendations.
- Rest
- Massage
- Physical Therapy
- Splints or Braces
- Lumbar Surgery
Treat Your Back and Spine Pain
What Makes Us Different?
Our Seacoast NH-based team of Board-Certified spine physicians have performed multiple lumbar and spine surgeries on patients in the Seacoast NH and Southern ME area. Spine and back surgery procedures help treat pain resulting from the degeneration of lumbar discs, herniated discs, spinal deformity, and trauma.
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Spine Surgery FAQ
When choosing a spine surgeon, consider the physician's board certification, training, experience with the procedure you may need, and approach to patient care. You can also ask about the surgeon's experience treating your specific condition and what treatment options are available. Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine's spine specialists can evaluate your condition and discuss whether surgery or another treatment is appropriate.
The type of spine surgery recommended depends on the condition being treated and the location and severity of the problem. Procedures may include decompression surgery to relieve pressure on nerves, discectomy to remove part of a herniated disc, or spinal fusion to stabilize an unstable segment of the spine. Your surgeon will explain which procedure is appropriate based on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
Spine surgery can relieve chronic back or neck pain when the pain is caused by a spinal condition that can be corrected surgically. However, not all chronic spine pain requires or responds to surgery, which is why physicians typically consider nonsurgical treatments first when appropriate. A thorough evaluation can determine whether surgery is likely to address the source of your symptoms.
You may be a candidate for spine surgery if you have persistent pain, numbness, weakness, or other symptoms caused by a structural spine problem that has not responded to appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Surgery is not automatically recommended based on imaging alone; your symptoms, physical examination, medical history, and imaging findings all play a role in the decision. A spine specialist can help determine whether surgery or another treatment is the best option.
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialized techniques and smaller incisions to access and treat certain spinal conditions while limiting disruption to surrounding tissues. Depending on the procedure, potential benefits may include less tissue damage, reduced postoperative discomfort, and a faster recovery. Not every spinal condition can be treated with a minimally invasive approach, so your surgeon will determine whether it is appropriate for you.
Recovery time after spine surgery varies significantly depending on the procedure, the condition being treated, and your overall health. Some patients return to normal activities within several weeks, while more extensive procedures can require several months of recovery. Your surgeon will provide specific activity restrictions and may recommend physical therapy to help restore strength, mobility, and function.
Preparing for spine surgery can help you recover more smoothly. Follow your surgeon's instructions about medications, activity, nutrition, and other preoperative requirements, and ask about any exercises or physical therapy that may be appropriate before surgery. Planning ahead for transportation, help at home, and follow-up appointments can also make the recovery process easier.
Spine surgery recovery typically involves gradually increasing activity while following your surgeon's restrictions and recommendations. Depending on the procedure, you may need medications, wound care, follow-up appointments, and physical therapy to help restore strength and mobility. Your recovery plan will be tailored to the type of surgery you have and your individual progress.
As with any surgery, spine surgery carries potential risks, which vary depending on the specific procedure and your individual health. Possible complications may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve injury, or persistent or recurrent symptoms. Your spine surgeon will discuss the potential risks and benefits of the recommended procedure before surgery.
The success of spine surgery depends on the condition being treated, the specific procedure, and individual patient factors. Surgery is generally intended to relieve symptoms caused by a structural problem, such as nerve compression or spinal instability, rather than simply treat back pain without an identifiable cause. Your surgeon can discuss the expected benefits and potential outcomes based on your diagnosis.