If you’re living with back or neck pain that won’t go away, we can help. We specialize in providing screening, diagnosis and treatment for injuries and conditions that cause neck and back pain, including:

• Sciatica
• Osteoporosis
• Low-back pain
• Neck pain
• Herniated disks
• Degenerative disk disease
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
• Myelopathy (spinal cord problems caused by compression in the neck)
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing) or compression
• Radiculopathy (pinched nerves)
• Failed back syndrome
• Adult degenerative scoliosis
• Sagittal imbalance syndrome
• Spinal deformity due to fractures or bone disease
• Juvenile scoliosis present into adulthood
• Spinal fractures (including spinal cord injury)

If you need surgery, the neurosurgeons at the Providence Spine Program at Sacred Heart Medical Center use the most advanced techniques, including minimally invasive microsurgical procedures for neck and lumbar conditions. Using the latest advanced technology and image guidance, we make sure your procedure and recovery are as successful as possible.

Our registered nurses are specially trained in body mechanics, expediting the healing and recovery processes and neurological and orthopedic care.

Our therapists and doctors are committed to making sure you have an optimal recovery.

Our spine surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery aided by the Globus Medical Excelsius GPS robot, a best-in-class robotic system that combines surgical GPS navigation and robotic guidance to improve the accuracy and safety of surgery.

Holding an interactive tool, the surgeon receives constant feedback from the GPS navigation system, making surgery and the placement of hardware safer and less disruptive to surrounding tissue.

Employing the Excelsius GPS robotic system allows the surgeon to make a small incision, reducing blood loss, tissue inflammation and time spent in surgery. All these factors benefit our patients by contributing to a faster recovery with less pain and risk of infection.  

Before your surgery, review the instructions you receive from your surgeon’s office. (If your surgeon's instructions are different from what is listed below, always follow your surgeon's instructions.) You should receive a Spine Booklet from our office as well as a map of the hospital where you’re having your surgery performed. If you haven’t received these materials, please contact your surgeon’s office.

If you and your provider have determined surgery is right for you, we offer you an easy way to stay connected, informed and on track from your initial appointment through your procedure and recovery. This new digital experience offers virtual visits, preparation reminders and follow-up contacts after your procedure.

Your Digital Experience can include:

• Virtual Visits with your specialist from the comfort of your home (smartphone, tablet, or home computer required).
• An option to receive communications via text messages or email sent to your phone, tablet, or computer providing:
• Information and reminders to support you and help you prepared for your procedure.
• Follow-up messages that allow you to check-in directly with your care team so they can monitor your recovery and progress, as well as address any care or pain concerns.

Talk with your physician to see if these features are available for your surgery or call 866-356-9434.

• How to prepare your body for surgery
• Make sure all your health care providers know that you’re having surgery.
• Follow instructions from your care team about stopping any medications prior to surgery.
• Complete your phone or in-person visit with the pre-surgical care clinic nurse.
• Complete your pre-op COVID testing. Your surgeon’s office will place the lab order for you to get this done at any Providence lab facility. If you’re located in an area that doesn’t have a Providence lab facility, be sure to let your surgeon team know. If you haven’t received a call and your surgery is less than 5 days away, call 509-624-9112 and speak to your surgeon team.
• Follow the instructions for pre-op shower care carefully.
• Make sure you have a support person designated to take you home from the hospital and to help you once you return home. If you need more support, please let your surgeon team know. 

• Also, review the home safety checklist in the spine surgery guide.

• Your surgeon's office is the best place to start. There’s always a provider on call. Remember your pain medications need to be refilled 72 hours in advance at most offices.
• Review the “Activities After Discharge” and “Is Your Recovery on Track” tools in the spine surgery booklet. 

Our expert team is committed to giving you the support and tools needed to be prepared for surgery and to achieve an optimal recovery. Rehabilitation helps you build strength before a surgical procedure and rebuild coordination, mobility and strength after. Your rehab program may include a combination of modalities created for your unique needs and condition.

Before or after surgery you may be referred to a neuromuscular specialist at St. Luke’s Physiatry and Neuromuscular Center, as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors who specialize in muscle and bone issues that affect how your body moves.

Your treatment options may include:

• EMG-guided injections that deliver targeted medications for musculoskeletal pain
• Musculoskeletal medicine
• Nonsurgical management of joint and back pain
• Peripheral joint injections
• Spasticity management

Through education, exercise and training, physical therapy helps you restore strength, range of motion, balance and gait after surgery. Physical therapy can ease your transition to home after surgery and help you return to doing the things you love.

Occupational therapy may be recommended after surgery, as it helps you relearn how to do essential life tasks such as dressing, bathing and household chores in a way that is most healthy for your body and minimizes pain.