Spine surgery in Chicagoland

Experienced spine surgeons at Ascension Illinois diagnose and treat many types of neck and back injuries and conditions. Our spine surgery team includes neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons who work with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to provide personalized care. As part of an integrated national network of doctors, we share best practices, knowledge and research to deliver advanced care. Your care team has the expertise to identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help relieve pain, improve movement and enhance your quality of life. We also connect you with advanced rehabilitation and support after surgery.

Advanced spine surgery for neck and back conditions

Spine surgery may be an option if you have chronic back or neck pain that hasn’t gotten better with other treatment, such as injections, medication or non-invasive therapy. Our spine surgery team works with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your condition, symptoms and goals. If surgery is recommended, your care may be provided by a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic spine surgeon with expertise in your diagnosis. Some spinal conditions that may require surgery include:

• Back pain
• Broken vertebra
• Cervical disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Infection
• Neck pain
• Sciatica (nerve pain in your lower back and down your leg)
• Scoliosis (curved spine) and other spinal deformities
• Spine infection
• Spinal instability (spondylolisthesis)
• Spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal
• Spinal tumor
• Spondylosis (age related degeneration of the spine)

Minimally-invasive spine surgery

When spine surgery is recommended as part of your care plan, the spine surgery team at Ascension Illinois uses advanced surgical techniques to treat neck and back conditions. Whenever appropriate, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. These procedures use smaller incisions and may help reduce pain and support a shorter recovery.

Types of spine surgery include:

• Cervical spine surgery
• Disc replacement
• Lumbar spine surgery
• Minimally invasive spine surgery
• Peripheral nerve surgery
• Removal of spinal tumors
• Scoliosis surgery
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Spinal deformity correction surgery
• Spinal fusion surgery
• Spinal radiosurgery

From preparation for surgery through recovery, you are connected with specialists in physical rehabilitation. We focus on neuro-rehabilitation therapies to help safely increase your muscular strength and flexibility.

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Helping you prepare for spine surgery

Your surgeon and care team will help you prepare for your procedure. Before surgery, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and aspirin. If you smoke, your care team will recommend quitting before surgery. Talk with your doctor about diet and exercise recommendations to help support your recovery. Your care team will also provide instructions about eating and drinking before surgery.

Depending on the type of procedure you are having, your surgeon may recommend a pre-surgery evaluation. This appointment may include a physical exam and other tests to help make sure you are prepared for anesthesia and that your surgical plan is tailored to your health needs.

There are also steps you can take at home to prepare for surgery, such as adjusting your bed height, clearing walkways and gathering essential items. Your care team will provide guidance to help make your recovery as smooth as possible.

What to expect after spine surgery

After surgery, your physical therapist will evaluate your needs, create a care plan for rehabilitation and make sure you are prepared to go home. Your therapist will also help you with walking devices such as a cane or walker, if needed. Working with you and your care team, your physical therapist can help determine the level of physical therapy you may need to recover.

Get a second opinion from a spine surgery specialist at Ascension Illinois

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Illinois. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.

When you are experiencing pain from an injury or symptoms of a spine condition, there’s a lot to think about. We can discuss both therapeutic or surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced neurosurgeons can provide you with a second opinion based on experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

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Financial assistance and support is available

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.

Insurance coverage for surgery

Talk with your doctor or insurance provider about insurance coverage options for having spine surgery. Surgery may be covered by various insurance plans as well as Medicare. First, you may need to be evaluated by a neurosurgeon.

Frequently asked questions