The Back and Spine Center at Einstein Medical Center combines the expertise of neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, pain management specialists and rehabilitation physicians (physiatrists) to provide comprehensive treatment for all types of spinal disorders.

The spine has three major sections: the cervical spine (from the base of the skull and through the neck), the thoracic spine (the center of the spinal column) and the lumbar spine (the lower back). Each section is made up of interlocking bones called vertebrae, which are separated by round fibrous discs (cartilage) that cushion each bone. Nerves pass through the spinal canal, a large passage that runs through the center of the connected vertebrae. Click a link below to learn more.

Herniated Discs

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Tumors

Spinal Cord Injury/Trauma

Treatments

Herniated discs press on spinal nerves, causing pain, weakness or numbness in the neck and arm. Discs become herniated when tissue at the center of the disc is under so much pressure that the outer ring of the disc bulges or ruptures. Herniated discs don’t usually require surgery — most of the time our pain management and rehabilitation medicine specialists can treat a patient’s pain with non-invasive techniques. But when surgery is needed, Einstein offers delicate microsurgical techniques or complex reconstructive procedures to restore stability and eliminate the need for future surgical interventions.

Spinal stenosis is what happens when your spinal cord or nerves in your spinal cord become compressed by a narrowing vertebral column. This common age-related condition causes pain, numbness or weakness in the arms and/or legs. Unfortunately, spinal stenosis is underdiagnosed. Our experts use decompressive and reconstructive surgical procedures to restore function and eliminate pain.

Spinal tumors occur rarely, but can cause spinal cord compression that results in severe pain, loss of neurologic function or both. Some spinal tumors, whether benign or malignant, require surgical intervention before or after non-surgical treatments such as radiation. Based on the type of tumor and a patient’s prognosis, Einstein neurosurgeons can remove spinal tumors and stabilize the spinal column, resulting in dramatic improvements in function and survival.

Spinal cord injury and spinal trauma are among the most devastating conditions a patient can suffer. At Albert Einstein Medical Center — a Level I Regional Trauma Center — the care of a patient with a spinal injury begins at the scene of the accident and ends only when the patient returns to normal functioning or as close to normal functioning as possible. Our spinal trauma program provides coordinated care for these patients. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians includes neurosurgeons, orthopaedic spine surgeons, trauma surgeons, rehabilitation medicine physicians and others. We also coordinate postoperative and post-recovery care with MossRehab, one of the country’s premier rehabilitation facilities and a member of Albert Einstein Healthcare Network. MossRehab’s Spinal Cord Injury Program has been designated as Model System of Care.