Spine surgery in Kalamazoo
Experienced neurosurgeons at Ascension Borgess Hospital Borgess Brain and Spine Institute diagnose and treat many types of neck and back injuries and conditions. Your neurosurgeon works with a team of neuroscience specialists, sharing best practices, knowledge and research while delivering advanced care close to home. Your care team has the expertise to help find the cause of your symptoms and deliver a treatment plan that helps relieve pain, increase movement and improve your quality of life. And we’ll connect you with physical therapy to help increase your muscular strength and flexibility.
Leaders in spine surgery
Neurosurgeons and neurointerventionalists at Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo at Ascension Borgess treat spine disorders and other neurological conditions. When you choose Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo or our clinics in Coldwater and Three Rivers, Michigan, you are connected with an experienced neurosurgeon. Our multidisciplinary team diagnoses and treats common to complex conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Nerve root injury and pinched nerves
- Peripheral neuralgia
- Scoliosis and other spine disorders
- Spine fractures
- Spinal stenosis
- Fibromyalgia
Spine surgery may be an option if you have chronic back or neck pain that hasn’t gotten better with other treatments, such as injections, medication or non-invasive therapy. Your doctor works with you to create a personalized care plan.
Benefits of our multidisciplinary care for neurosurgical care
Our comprehensive approach to brain, spine and nervous system disorders can benefit your overall health and well-being. We provide:
- Expertise of neurosurgeons and neurointerventionalists
- Minimally invasive spine procedures
- Pain management of nerve pain
- Surgical spine reconstruction
- And advanced care of complex spine disorders
Our neurosurgeons specialize in microdiscectomy, cervical disc surgery and the latest spine fusion techniques. Neurointerventionalists are neuro-radiologists and interventional radiologists who have experience diagnosing and treating cerebrovascular diseases in the brain and central nervous system, including stroke. At Ascension Borgess, our surgical team may use robotic-assisted surgery as part of your spine surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery may lead to a faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and less scarring.
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Tips and frequently asked questions
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Helping you prepare for spine surgery
Your neurosurgeon will talk with you before your surgery to help you prepare for your procedure. You may need to stop taking some medications before the procedure, such as blood thinners and aspirin. If you smoke, you will need to stop smoking before surgery. Talk with your doctor about the right diet and exercise before your surgery to best support your recovery. Your care team will also tell you about any restrictions for eating and drinking before surgery.
Depending on the type of surgery you are having, your surgeon may recommend that you have a pre-surgery evaluation. This appointment may include a physical exam and other tests. Our goal is to help make sure you are prepared to have anesthesia and that you have a pre-surgery plan customized for your health needs.
There are also things you can do at home to prepare for surgery, such as adjusting your bed height, clearing walkways, making sure you have essential items and more. Your care team will help you prepare your home to help make your recovery smoother.
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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 will create a rehabilitation care plan that supports your recovery.
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Get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon at Ascension Borgess
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 Borgess. 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 and surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced neurosurgeons can provide you with a second opinion.
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.
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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.
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What causes back and neck pain?
Back and neck pain can range from a mild, dull ache to persistent, severe and disabling pain that may radiate down your arms or legs. Neurosurgeons of Kalamazoo specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of back and neck pain. Our goal is to help find the cause of your pain and provide the right care for you. For many patients, the causes of back and neck pain include overuse, trauma or injury, infection, abnormal growth, obesity, muscle strain, muscle or ligament tears, joint problems, smoking, slipped disk, osteoporosis and more.
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When should I talk to my doctor about back and neck pain?
You should talk to your doctor about back and neck pain if you have:
- Pain lasting more than two weeks
- Pain after an injury or fall
- Severe pain that does not go away with rest and medication
- Weakness, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Unintentional and unexplained weight loss
- A fever over 100.4°F
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
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How is back and neck pain treated?
First, your doctor listens to you to understand you and your health concerns. Then, our comprehensive physical evaluation and neurodiagnostic tests are used to diagnose brain, spine and nerve disorders. Your care plan is personalized for your needs. Treatment options may include medication, physical therapy, pain management injections and procedures, and surgery. When surgery is recommended, your doctor will discuss your surgical treatment options. There are many different types of surgery to treat back pain. Your doctor will recommend a surgical care plan that’s right for you.