Spine Disorders

The spine, or backbone, is made up of 26 bone disks called vertebrae. These vertebrae protect the spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. Injuries or gradual damage that changes the structure of the spine or affects the vertebrae and surrounding tissue can cause a spine disorder.

Common causes of spine disorders include:

• Birth defects
• Infections
• Injuries
• Tumors
• Age-related conditions, including spinal stenosis and herniated disks
• Diseases such as scoliosis and transverse myelitis

Treating spine disorders

Spine disorders often cause pain and/or limit movement when bone changes put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Treating these conditions can involve multiple medical specialists including neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat physicians, or ENTs), plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, neuroanesthesiologists, and critical care specialists.

Treatment options include various types of traditional surgery and minimally invasive procedures that require only a few small incisions (cuts). Your treatment plan also may include physical therapy, targeted medications and injections, back braces, and lifestyle changes.

Why choose UAB

The UAB Medicine Department of Neurosurgery provides comprehensive treatment plans and advanced surgical care for a wide range of spine disorders and injuries. Our spinal neurosurgeons work with a team of experts in interventional neuroradiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapy, orthopaedics, and neuro-trauma to deliver the most effective care possible to each patient.

UAB Medicine patients experience results that are better than the national average. The information listed in this report provides data on key performance measures that reflect our commitment to excellent care.

We use the most advanced diagnostic, treatment, and monitoring technology. Many of our spine disorder procedures can be accomplished using minimally invasive techniques that require only a few small incisions (cuts). This often means less post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays.

In addition to the main clinic on the UAB Medicine campus, UAB Medicine Neurosurgery operates a clinic conveniently located just off U.S. Highway 280 in the Greystone community.

A leader in care and research

The UAB Medicine Department of Neurosurgery is consistently ranked among the top 50 programs of its kind in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our spinal neurosurgeons are board-certified or board-eligible and have completed fellowships in spinal surgery. They are active in teaching other surgeons across the nation though courses and meetings.

As leaders in their field, they have devoted their careers to studying and researching spinal conditions and treatments. Many have written guidelines for spine care that are used nationwide and contribute to scientific advances in spine surgery through cutting-edge research.

Transverse Myelitis Clinic

In 2015, UAB Medicine launched one of the world’s only clinics devoted to treating transverse myelitis – a rare spinal condition similar to multiple sclerosis that causes the loss of motor function or paralysis. This clinic combines our expertise in several areas, including rehabilitation, neurology, neurosurgery, urology, and pain management. It also provides access to physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation therapists, as well as specialists in orthotics (cushioned medical devices for the feet).

Care Providers