Because the spine also acts as the channel for the spinal cord, both neck and spine surgeries are performed by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgery specialists. Sutter's spine program falls largely under the auspices of the Sutter Neuroscience Institute; with many highly skilled Sutter orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons who specialize in treating neck and back conditions.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Spine conditions are often complex, requiring diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and its extent. The best course of care follows after reaching an accurate diagnosis. When possible, Sutter orthopedic specialists first look at alternatives to surgery. In cases of trauma, when pain or reduced mobility does not respond to nonsurgical care, or when a surgical approach is known to provide the surest and best relief, Sutter spine surgeons offer a number of surgical options - seeking the least invasive approach that will provide the maximum benefit.

Sutter orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons use traditional and minimally invasive techniques to treat degenerative, deformity-related, developmental, tumor-related and infectious conditions of the neck and spine. Information about diagnosis and treatment of many conditions of the neck and back is available in our Health Information Library under the following topics: Ankylosing Spondylitis; Arthritis (Osteoarthritis), Arthritis (Rheumatoid), Back Problems and Injuries, Curvature of the Spine (Scoliosis), Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Disc, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Neck Problems and Injuries, Osteoporosis, and Spinal Stenosis. Additional information resources include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Back Pain, and North American Spine Society.

Recent Advances

Medical science is constantly developing more effective and less invasive techniques to diagnose and treat neck and spine conditions. Recent advances include minimal access spinal technology (MAST). Similar to arthroscopic surgery of the joints, MAST enables doctors to perform surgery through smaller incisions using fiber-optic video cameras and specially designed tools. Surgeons use MAST and other proven technologies to correct spinal curvature, relieve pressure on nerves, replace discs, fortify vertebrae, remove excess bone and disc tissue, and fuse vertebrae. Your Sutter surgeon can discuss the various treatments available and make recommendations based on your specific condition.

In addition to standard care, some of Sutter's spine surgery specialists are actively involved in clinical trials through Sutter Institute for Medical Research, providing patients access to the latest advances in neck and back treatments. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk to your surgeon about current clinical trials seeking volunteers.

Care for Infants and Children

Children with back and neck problems that exist from birth, develop over time, or result from an accident also receive dedicated orthopedic diagnosis and treatment. Many spine specialists in the region see patients of all ages. For infants and children with more complex conditions, Children's Center at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento offers care from skilled pediatric orthopedic and neurosurgery surgeons and an interdisciplinary team of specialists. To find out more, see the Children's Orthopedic Services section of this Web site.

Find Out More

Patients generally receive referrals from their primary care doctors to orthopedic surgeons who treat neck and back conditions. To self-refer or learn more about surgeons who care for the back and neck, go to the Physician Directory page and select Spine Surgery from the drop-down menu under Physician Specialties. Clicking on a physician's name opens a profile, which offers more insight into the physician's areas of concentration.