An orthopedic spine surgeon treats problems in the neck and back, and they focus on bones, discs, and nerves along the spinal column. They study your symptoms, and they order imaging to find the source of pain. When conservative care stops working, surgery becomes an option with your doctor. Here are some surgical procedures they perform:

Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement swaps a worn disc for a mechanical device. The orthopedic spine surgeon removes the damaged disc, and the implant takes its place. Since the device moves with your spine, it keeps motion at that level. This procedure targets patients with degenerative disc disease in the neck or lower back.

Recovery follows a set schedule that your surgeon outlines. When your surgeon clears you, physical therapy often begins. You rest at first, and you slowly return to daily tasks. The timeline depends on your health, your age, and the level treated.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

Anterior cervical discectomy addresses disc problems in the neck. In some cases, the surgeon reaches the spine through a small incision in the front. Nerve pressure typically eases once the damaged disc comes out, and a fusion or implant fills the space. Many patients pair this with a graft to stabilize the area.

Your surgeon reviews the risks before you schedule the operation. Typical points of discussion include:

• Hoarseness from swelling near the throat
• Difficulty swallowing for a few days
• Infection or bleeding at the incision site

Since the incision sits at the front, throat soreness is normal. Your care team gives you steps to manage it, and the discomfort typically fades within a week.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion joins two vertebrae in the lower back. The surgeon works through the abdomen to reach the spine. A spacer replaces the disc, and screws or a plate hold the bones together. As a benefit, this front approach avoids cutting through back muscles.

Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion connects two or more vertebrae into one solid unit. Surgeons use bone grafts, and hardware holds the segments while they heal. Since the bones fuse over months, the treated area stops moving. This surgery treats fractures, scoliosis, and unstable joints.

Your surgeon picks the approach based on your diagnosis. The graft may come from your own body or a donor bank. When the fusion sets, the vertebrae act as a single bone. Recovery spans several months, and follow-up scans track the healing.

Surgeons perform fusion for a range of spinal conditions. Common reasons include:

• Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward
• Discs that press on nerves
• Deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis

You wear a brace during the early weeks in some cases. Movement returns in stages, and your surgeon adjusts the plan as you heal. Since full fusion takes time, you follow activity limits closely. Regular checkups confirm that the bones grow together as planned.

Visit an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

An orthopedic spine surgeon offers several procedures for neck and back conditions. Each option depends on your diagnosis, and the surgeon matches the method to your needs. Book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and imaging results. Since every spine differs, a personal exam guides the next step. Contact an orthopedic spine surgeon today to review your options.