Spine care

Spine surgery at Riverside Community Hospital's Orthopedic & Spine Center

If back or neck pain is making life difficult, trust the spine specialists at The Neuroscience Center at Riverside Community Hospital. Our multidisciplinary team of neurologists and orthopedic specialists is committed to helping you overcome back and neck issues so you can return to your active lifestyle.

Are you interested in treating your back or neck pain? For more information on our spine treatments, call our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (951) 788-3463.

Spinal conditions we treat

One of the most common reasons why patients miss work and see their physician is back pain. Back pain can be acute (sudden) or chronic (constant and/or reoccurring) and can affect the upper back or lower back.

Some of the spinal conditions we treat include:

• Bulging, herniated and ruptured discs—Discs create a space between the bones of the spine and provide cushioning and shock absorption. Disc issues are common causes of back and neck pain.
• Degenerative disc disease—Aging and wear and tear can cause the spine to become brittle and porous, which can result in compression fractures over time.
• Muscle or ligament strain—Muscles and ligaments support the spine. Repeated activities, awkward movements and certain exercises can strain these parts of the body, causing acute or chronic back pain.
• Skeletal disorders and issues—Irregular curves in the spine (scoliosis) and other skeletal disorders can result in abnormal spacing of the spine, placing undue stress and strain on the back and causing pain and range of motion difficulties.
• Spondylolisthesis—Genetic factors and certain sports can cause spondylolisthesis. This is a spinal disorder in which one vertebrae slips out of place onto the vertebrae below it, causing back pain and, in some cases, leg pain and numbness.

Non-invasive spinal treatments

Most back and neck pain and discomfort can be relieved without surgery. Our spine team consists of specialists skilled in orthopedic care and neurological care who will discuss all treatment options for managing pain and help you determine the best treatment plan to reduce or eliminate your spine-related pain.

Our specially trained team of registered nurses and licensed therapists offer non-surgical treatments, including:

• Occupational therapy
• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Speech language pathology

There are also things you can do each day to prevent and relieve your back pain, including:

• Avoid lifting objects that are too heavy.
• Avoid smoking.
• Be mindful of your body's alignment and avoid twisting.
• Be mindful of your posture.
• Bend at your hips and knees instead of bending straight over to pick something up.
• Change positions frequently. Avoid sitting and standing for long periods.
• Exercise daily.
• Practice relaxation techniques.
• Stay hydrated for optimal muscle, ligament and disc health.
• Stretch your muscles.
• Use caution when reaching and lifting overhead.

Spine surgery

We are dedicated to offering state-of-the-art spinal procedures with a compassionate touch. By integrating the latest technology with a highly trained and skilled team, we have increased the range and safety of our spinal procedures.

Some of the surgical procedures our experienced spine surgeons offer include:

• Minimally invasive spinal surgery, such as:
  • Stereotactic and image-guided spine surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Spinal tumor resection

Minimally invasive spinal surgery

When non-invasive methods are ineffective in relieving your back and neck pain, our spine specialists offer a variety of minimally invasive spinal surgeries, including neuro-endoscopy, and stereotactic and robot-assisted spinal procedures. Our state-of-the-art operating suites are equipped with advanced surgical systems, equipment and technology. These advanced procedures are great alternatives to traditional open procedures, which can require large incisions and long recovery times.

Spinal fusion

During a spinal fusion, two or more vertebrae are fused together with screws, rods or pieces of bone (grafts) to create a single structure. Spinal fusions are effective treatments for a range of conditions, such as:

• Chronic low back pain
• Congenital spinal irregularities
• Fractured vertebra
• Spinal instability