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Spine and Back Surgery

A laughing woman catching a smiling child at the bottom of a playground slide
If you’ve been struggling with back pain, the highly skilled neurosurgeons at AHN can help you get back to living your full life.

Facing spine surgery may seem intimidating. With compassion and understanding, we’ll help you decide whether spine surgery will benefit you, considering different factors like your age, overall health, personal preferences, and symptom severity. We may talk about a variety of spinal surgery types and advanced techniques, including:

  • Herniated disk spinal surgery.
  • Laminectomy back surgery.
  • Spinal fusions.
  • Disc replacement and other motion-preserving technologies.
  • Endoscopic surgeries.
  • Robotic-assisted surgeries.
  • Neuromodulation for chronic pain, procedures performed by specialists like Dr. Justin Davanzo and Dr. Nestor Tomycz.

After reviewing your treatment options with you, we can guide and help you to select the best option for your specific problem, life stage, and goals. If surgery is recommended, we’ll determine the best type for you and explain what to expect at each stage and what recovery will include. We always want you to feel confident and informed about your care.

AHN Spine Center

The AHN Spine Center, which is part of AHN Neuroscience, works strategically to address and relieve patients’ spine injuries, chronic pain issues, complex spine conditions, neurological issues, and more.

Why choose AHN for spine and back surgery

Our multidisciplinary team is equipped to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of spine-related conditions, from common aches to complex disorders. Working with specialists from AHN Orthopaedics, we can coordinate care and develop treatment plans that meet your needs. We focus on providing personalized care to help you regain function and reduce pain. Our spine experts treat a wide range of spine conditions, including:

Advanced certification in spine surgery

AHN’s Allegheny General Hospital is the first hospital in Pennsylvania to have earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery, recognizing its commitment to safe, high-quality patient care and continuous compliance with rigorous performance standards. The Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare organizations nationwide.

Seeking a second opinion?

If you are wanting to understand all your options for spine and back surgery, AHN is here to help. Receiving a diagnosis of a neurological condition, especially one affecting your brain or spine, can be daunting, and navigating the path forward isn't always obvious. An AHN second opinion offers clarity and peace of mind. It's an opportunity to confirm your diagnosis or treatment plan, explore alternative approaches, and make informed decisions about your health and future. Get a second opinion. 

What to expect for spine and back surgery

Our neurosurgeons have years of experience in treating a wide variety of symptoms and conditions with both traditional and minimally invasive procedures. The focus of care is on your long-term health. Whether the most effective back surgery type for you is traditional or minimally invasive, our ultimate goal is to ease your symptoms and help you return to an active life.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

Our neurosurgeons are experienced in the latest minimally invasive techniques that use smaller incisions. This approach typically means you’ll have a shorter recovery time, less pain, and less scarring.

Same-day spine surgery for herniated disks and stenosis

AHN neurosurgeons use advanced techniques to treat disk herniations and spinal stenosis. If you are active and in good health, your neurosurgeon may recommend a minimally invasive surgery that has you recovering at home the same day.

Our approach uses anesthesia techniques that speed the healing process and pain control practices that decrease the need for narcotic use after surgery.

The Joint Commission logo that links to the Joint Commission homepage

Spine and back surgery recovery

Having surgery on your back or spine means you'll need time to heal. Everyone heals differently, but here are the general steps you'll go through for recovery from back or spinal surgery.

Right after surgery

While you’re in the hospital right after your surgery, the focus will be on making sure you're comfortable and safe. Your care team will give you medicine to help with any pain.

You'll also be encouraged to get out of bed and walk a little bit very soon after surgery, sometimes even the same day. This is important because it helps your body start healing and stops other problems from happening. Nurses will be there to help you with basic needs like changing bandages, moving your body correctly, and making sure you can eat and use the restroom. You'll also get clear instructions on how to keep your surgical cut clean and dry.

Once you’re home

Depending on your surgery, you could be discharged the same day, stay overnight, or be there until you are able to go home. It just depends on how you’re healing and your overall health. Once you're home, you'll likely need less pain medicine as you start to feel better, possibly switching to over-the-counter pain relievers. Your pain medication needs will be tailored to your specific recovery plan, and we will provide guidance on using opioids or a similar combination of pain relivers like ibuprofen and Tylenol.

It's still very important to be careful. You'll have strict rules about not lifting, bending, or twisting, and you should try not to sit or stand for very long periods. Wound care is also important to avoid infection. Keeping your incision site clean, changing bandages when instructed, and following the post-op care your team provided is critical for recovery. Your care team will give you specific instructions on the steps to follow.

At home, it’s important you are eating a balanced, healthy diet, because that will help your body heal and recover. You will also want to avoid nicotine and alcohol.

Physical therapy

Many people start working with a physical therapist (PT) about eight weeks post operation. Once you’re able, a physical therapist will guide you through gentle exercises to improve how much you can move, make your muscles a bit stronger, and help with your posture. An occupational therapist (OT) might also help you find ways to do your daily tasks with your new restrictions.

Life after surgery

As you continue with your spinal surgery recovery, you'll gradually be able to do more. You'll keep working with your physical therapist, and the exercises will change as you heal. You’ll follow your physician-led recovery plan that focuses on improving your health, eating a healthy diet, and working to regain your strength after surgery. Depending on what kind of job you have, you might be able to go back to work during this time, possibly on a lighter schedule or doing less strenuous tasks.

Long-term healing

About three months to one year after surgery, your physical therapy will become more advanced, focusing on specific movements that help you get back to your favorite activities, sports, or a physically demanding job. With approval from your surgeon and physical therapist, you'll gradually return to more strenuous activities.

Minimal incision, major results.

Learn how the AHN Spine Center delivers

Spine and back surgery FAQs

Back surgery can bring up many questions and concerns. While every patient's situation is unique, these frequently asked questions provide general information to help you understand common aspects of spinal surgery and recovery. Your AHN care team is the best resource for personalized advice and details specific to your condition and planned procedure.

Is back surgery dangerous?

Like any surgical procedure, back surgery carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or complications from anesthesia. However, significant advancements in surgical techniques, imaging, and anesthesia have made many back surgeries much safer and more effective. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks associated with your recommended procedure.

How long does back surgery take?

The duration of back surgery varies significantly depending on the back surgery type and complexity of the procedure. A minimally invasive decompression, for example, might take one to two hours, while a complex fusion involving multiple spinal levels could take several hours. Your surgeon will provide an estimated time for your specific surgery.

What is the recovery time for spinal surgery?

Spinal surgery recovery time depends on the individual and the type of surgery, your overall health, and how diligently you follow postoperative instructions. For less invasive procedures, many patients experience significant improvement within weeks to a few months. More extensive surgeries, like fusions, might require several months to a year for full recovery and bone healing. Physical therapy is often a key component of spinal surgery recovery.

Can you live a normal life after spinal surgery?

The goal of spinal surgery is often to reduce pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life, allowing you to return to activities you enjoy. Many patients are able to resume normal daily activities and even sports after successful recovery. However, this can vary, and some patients may need to make adjustments to their lifestyle or activities to protect their spine long term. Spine and back surgery recovery is as unique as you are, and taking your time with it will help support long-term recovery.

Is back surgery a major surgery?

Many types of back surgery, especially those involving spinal fusion or correction of significant deformities, are considered major surgeries due to their complexity, potential risks, and the recovery period involved. However, advancements have also introduced less invasive options for certain conditions, which may involve smaller incisions and potentially quicker initial recovery. Your surgeon can clarify the classification of your specific procedure.

Is back surgery hard to recover from?

Recovery from back surgery requires commitment and patience. While it can be challenging, especially in the initial weeks, most patients find it manageable by following their care team's instructions, participating in physical therapy, and managing pain effectively. The difficulty of recovery is influenced by the type of surgery, your pain tolerance, and your motivation.

What can you not do after back surgery?

After back surgery, there will be specific restrictions to protect your healing spine. Common restrictions often include avoiding bending, lifting heavy objects, and twisting (often referred to as BLT precautions) for a period of time. You may also have limitations on sitting duration, driving, and certain physical activities. Your surgeon and physical therapist will provide a detailed list of activities to avoid and let you know when you can gradually reintroduce them into your daily life.

Contact us

We know how frustrating living with back pain can be. If you have back pain and have not yet seen a doctor or received a diagnosis, make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP). If you need to find a PCP, call (412) DOCTORS 412-362-8677.

If you have been diagnosed with a spine condition and want to be evaluated for surgery, call 412-359-6200 to make an appointment if you are in the Pittsburgh area, or call 814-452-7575 if you’re in Erie to make an appointment.