Spine

UC San Diego Health System’s orthopedic spine specialists provide both surgical and nonsurgical expertise to people living with spinal conditions and injuries. UC San Diego Health System brings together the multidisciplinary talents of orthopedic spine specialists, physiatrists, anesthesiologist, radiologists, physical therapists, high-end imaging specialists and other clinical and research experts.

Developing improved treatments for addressing spine conditions is a cornerstone of our work. Through our research programs, we explore advanced procedures, technologies, devices and medications – and provide patients access to clinical trials of new therapies. Read more about our research and clinical trials.

The majority of individuals with spinal conditions don’t need surgery to get better. After a thorough exam has been done and a diagnosis has been made, we work with you to utilize nonsurgical solutions that include therapeutic exercise, injection therapy and medications. Read more about our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program.

If you need surgery, UC San Diego Health System has some of the most accomplished spine surgeons in the world. Our specialists have expertise in minimally invasive surgical procedures for vertebral fractures; lateral minimally invasive approaches for anterior lumbar interbody fusions (XLIF or DLIF) for degenerative conditions, scoliosis and trauma; cervical, thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral intervertebral disc removal; spinal cord injuries; vertebral hemangiomas; spinal tumors and spinal stenosis. Read more about treatments for spinal conditions.

Some of the spinal conditions UC San Diego Health System specialists include:

• Sciatica
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Cervical stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Spinal fractures
• Spinal tumors
• Spinal infections
• Adult scoliosis and deformities