Spine Surgery

For spine surgery, we enlist a comprehensive and individualized approach to prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of neuromuscular or neurologic and muscular concerns. We bring together a variety of skilled specialists and team members to create the integrated and quality care that each patient deserves. Our interdisciplinary team typically includes:

• Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
• Neurosurgeons
• Anesthesiologists
• Rehabilitative Medicine Physicians
• Primary Care Physicians
• Emergency Room Physicians
• Physician Assistants
• Pharmacists
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Spine Triage Specialists
• Nursing Staff
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Pain Management Team 

Our surgeons prefer non-surgical solutions. If surgery is the right approach, our team of physicians has skills in the latest techniques to effectively correct spine problems.

Spine Care for Back Pain and Dysfunction

We offer services aimed at restoring health and reducing symptoms for persons with spinal pain and dysfunction. This program focuses on:

• Individualized treatment
• Pain reduction
• Functional restoration
• Education
• Prevention

It is our practice to exhaust every appropriate treatment option before considering surgery. However, if a surgical procedure becomes the right choice, our team of specialists is trained to effectively correct a variety of problems related to:

• Traumatic and overuse injuries of the spine
• Spinal deformities both acquired and congenital
• Whiplash injuries
• Systemic diseases affecting spinal function
• Degenerative spinal conditions 
• Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis
• Herniated disc lesions
• Degenerative disc disease
• Work-related back pain
• Mechanical back dysfunction
• Spinal tumors 

Advanced surgical techniques such as microscopic spine surgery provide less invasive surgical options that help speed recovery, reduce pain and improve functioning.

Disc Replacement Surgery

Lumbar fusion – surgically fusing two or more vertebrae together – has been the traditional treatment for people with chronic low back pain from degenerative disc disease. While that procedure stops the pain, fusion restricts movement in the problem area, and it creates greater strain on the healthy spinal segments above and below.

During disc replacement surgery, the artificial disk is arranged like a sandwich with a polyethylene (very hard plastic) core between two metal endplates. The device is shaped so the endplates pivot in a way that imitates the normal motion of the two vertebrae. Discs wear out as a natural part of aging and from stress and strain. This procedure effectively addresses the chronic and debilitating pain found when discs in the lower back fail. Disc replacement theoretically saves adjacent levels of the spine by not immobilizing one level and forcing adjacent levels to support the resulting stresses. 

Our Hospital Inpatient Surgery Units

We know each surgery experience is unique and special. At UnityPoint Health, you have access to a full spectrum of surgery services and support to meet your every need. From simple to complex surgical procedures, our entire care team works together to support you. See inpatient surgery services offered at our hospitals below, or view all our surgery locations.

Please note: specific surgery availability may vary by location.